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U.S. Customs - iPhones as Gifts?

J

jasphair

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 22, 2008
74
0
Hi there,

I have an odd question, but one hopefully someone here can answer. I'm American but living in Canada. I'm flying to the States to visit my family, and I would like to give my parents two unlocked iPhones (a 4 and a 4S) I previously used. As these items are not new, and I'm bringing them a gift, should I be concerned about Customs giving me hassle? If I read correctly, gifts of $60 can be brought in for non-residents and $800 for residents. Would I be considers a resident living abroad (in Canada)? The worst case scenario is I would be charged some sort of duty for bringing these in? How terrible would that be, and how would they know how to value it properly?

Thanks!
 
I'd just carry them with me on the plane in a backpack or bag with your personal items.
You wont need to declare them or anything.
Just say you use 2 cellphones but I doubt they will even ask anything.
 
Hmm, except there'd be 3 phones in total (my iPhone 5 I use, plus the two I'm giving as gifts). I don't think I can say I use all three. ;)
 
I carry 3 cell phones everytime I go on a trip. One I roam with my US number, one I use with a local SIM, and the last one is just an older phone that I use as a backup.

I've never had trouble with customs nor would I expect any.
 
jasphair said:
Hi there,

I have an odd question, but one hopefully someone here can answer. I'm American but living in Canada. I'm flying to the States to visit my family, and I would like to give my parents two unlocked iPhones (a 4 and a 4S) I previously used. As these items are not new, and I'm bringing them a gift, should I be concerned about Customs giving me hassle? If I read correctly, gifts of $60 can be brought in for non-residents and $800 for residents. Would I be considers a resident living abroad (in Canada)? The worst case scenario is I would be charged some sort of duty for bringing these in? How terrible would that be, and how would they know how to value it properly?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Canadian Customs >>> Hello, are you importing cigarettes or booze?
American Customs >>> What's your purpose for your visit? (Um...buy milk?)
 
Last edited:
I was planning on bringing the original boxes with me, so they'd have something to open on Christmas Day. Is it advised that I carry the phones with me and check the semi-empty boxes with my luggage? I'm not sure i trust sending iPhones themselves in checked bags, it's just asking to get stolen.

I believe previous crossings they've asked if I'm bringing in anything like fruit or seeds, etc. As its Christmas time though, they'll probably be asking everyone if they're bringing in gifts? I understand how easy it is to just say no or declare all the phones for my personal use, but I also understand lying to customs is not wise... some people get busted, most don't.

Sigh, I'm just trying to follow the honesty-is-the-best policy. They may not even ask, but if they do, I'm guessing they'd charge a couple hundred bucks in duty. :/
 
The USA never care about those but CANADIAN VERY MUCH CARE! I always have problem entering back to Canada from USA but from Canada to USA never had any issue. Canadian want you to paid TAXES TAXES AND TAXES!
 
jasphair said:
I was planning on bringing the original boxes with me, so they'd have something to open on Christmas Day. Is it advised that I carry the phones with me and check the semi-empty boxes with my luggage? I'm not sure i trust sending iPhones themselves in checked bags, it's just asking to get stolen.

I believe previous crossings they've asked if I'm bringing in anything like fruit or seeds, etc. As its Christmas time though, they'll probably be asking everyone if they're bringing in gifts? I understand how easy it is to just say no or declare all the phones for my personal use, but I also understand lying to customs is not wise... some people get busted, most don't.

Sigh, I'm just trying to follow the honesty-is-the-best policy. They may not even ask, but if they do, I'm guessing they'd charge a couple hundred bucks in duty. :/
Click to expand...

I think you don't need to worry. The only technology you need to worry about bringing in and out of the US is military technology (things with export restrictions).
 
Go (Clint Eastwood on Firefox), "I do business with your superiors, they won't want to hear the hassle you are giving me right here." :D
 
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