Mr. Arora had worked hard all his life. Wanting to now ‘live his own life’ after retirement, he and his wife headed out to Dubai in a tour exclusively for elderly out to enjoy life’s second innings.
Mrs. Arora is a firm believer of tradition. Her deep faith in customs led to her having a harrowing time with the ‘Customs’ at the airport!! It so happened, that she was wearing her gold jewelry as always while on travel. These were signs of her ‘marital’ and ‘robust financial’ status after all! No trouble when they left India. However, when they came back, she was stopped at the Customs. They believed that she had ‘bought’ these items from gold-famous Dubai and was now trying to thwart off duty by passing them as ‘old’ items. Having no proof, the Arora’s had to part with a hefty duty!
An interesting anecdote, isn’t it? Wouldn’t want to be in Mrs. Arora’s shoes, would you? No way!!!
Whenever you head out abroad, carry minimal items for which you can have trouble at the Customs. If at all you must carry them, always declare your personal jewelry and expensive electronic items on which duty can be levied. So when you come back, you can produce the same and be saved from paying duty on them!
At the same time, whatever dutiable purchases you may have made on your trip, you should keep the bills and receipts handy in your handbag or purse to be produced if needed at the Customs desk. This way you can avoid a lot of hassle!
Read up the custom declaration rules of your destination country before you travel and make your declarations there as well.
Be proactive and safeguard yourself!!
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