Jewlry through customs

[melboi24]

Hey guys, not sure if this belongs in this section but couldnt really find anywere else to post it lol. i will be traveling overseas in july with my girlfriend and i will propose to her while in europe. i have bought an engagement ring that i want to take with me. my question is if i put the ring in my bag as carry on lugage will it cause any dramas when it gets scaned as she will be with me so i dont want her to know?

[NM]

I assume you mean "Jewellery through security" as there is no scanning outbound by Customs.

The outbound passenger security screening is looking for possible dangerous good or potential weapons. So unless your engagement ring resembles a weapon, it should not cause any issues at the security screening point.

You may also be entitled to claim the GST cost back under the Tourist Reimbursement Scheme (TRS), but that requires you taking the item and receipt to the TRS desk after security screen at an international terminal, which may not be easy for you if you want to keep it a secret. Note conditions apply regarding eligibility of the TRS.

[dimgai]

I assume you mean "Jewellery through security" as there is no scanning outbound by Customs.

The outbound passenger security screening is looking for possible dangerous good or potential weapons. So unless your engagement ring resembles a weapon, it should not cause any issues at the security screening point.

You may also be entitled to claim the GST cost back under the Tourist Reimbursement Scheme (TRS), but that requires you taking the item and receipt to the TRS desk after security screen at an international terminal, which may not be easy for you if you want to keep it a secret. Note conditions apply regarding eligibility of the TRS.

On the other hand, depending on the value of the ring, if you are not elgible to claim TRS, Customs website under Carrying expensive items:

"For jewellery and other goods not readily identifiable, carrying proof of ownership in the form of receipts or insurance documents will help if you are questioned about the goods on return."

Might be a good idea in case they try to hit you up for taxes.

[stryker]

On the other hand, depending on the value of the ring, if you are not elgible to claim TRS, Customs website under Carrying expensive items:

"For jewellery and other goods not readily identifiable, carrying proof of ownership in the form of receipts or insurance documents will help if you are questioned about the goods on return."

Might be a good idea in case they try to hit you up for taxes.

But surely not if you are wearing a ring that actually fits (unless you have just stolen it from the tomb of the pharaoh's).

[simongr]

On the other hand, depending on the value of the ring, if you are not elgible to claim TRS, Customs website under Carrying expensive items:

"For jewellery and other goods not readily identifiable, carrying proof of ownership in the form of receipts or insurance documents will help if you are questioned about the goods on return."

Might be a good idea in case they try to hit you up for taxes.

Mind you if you are planning on her returning with you with the ring and the price of the ring is below the TRS "limit" then expect her to be disappointed by the ring

Seriously - all should be fine and what a romantic idea - careful that doesnt set too high a benchmark for the future ...

[dimgai]

But surely not if you are wearing a ring that actually fits (unless you have just stolen it from the tomb of the pharaoh's).

Was more thinking Customs will want to tax you thinking the brand new shinny ring was bought overseas.

[stryker]

Was more thinking Customs will want to tax you thinking the brand new shinny ring was bought overseas.

I think what I was trying to say is that unless the ring looks extremely ornate and flashy (ie something like a Pharaoh would wear) and it is waved under a customs officer's nose, you wouldn't have any problems at all.

In over 40 years of travelling internationally, I've had just about everything poked and prodded by customs officers, but never once has anyone given my ring (or those of my wife) a second glance. And I actually collect antique jewellery (is that how you spell it?) which can be quite expensive.

[dimgai]

I think what I was trying to say is that unless the ring looks extremely ornate and flashy (ie something like a Pharaoh would wear) and it is waved under a customs officer's nose, you wouldn't have any problems at all.

In over 40 years of travelling internationally, I've had just about everything poked and prodded by customs officers, but never once has anyone given my ring (or those of my wife) a second glance. And I actually collect antique jewellery (is that how you spell it?) which can be quite expensive.

Yes, I must agree, and they don't enforce the $900 rule very rigorously either, which is always good for me!