Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/08/08

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Subject: [Leica] Re: U.S. Customs
From: Hans-Peter.Lammerich@t-online.de (Hans-Peter Lammerich)
Date: Tue, 08 Aug 2000 21:22:25 +0200
References: <200008072140.OAA18371@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>

During the past ten years I made 60 to 80 overseas trips. When returning
to Frankfurt/Main, one time I was asked from where I came, one time my
suitcase was briefly checked. No interest in cameras. I can't remember
that a border police officer EVER asked ANY question.

When arriving abroad, sometimes I am asked whether I carry a video
camera, but no interest USD 10,000 Leica gear. Some years ago they
sometimes scribbled my laptop's serial no. into my passport, but the
laptops are getting cheap and no one shows any interest.

The most "interesting" experience is travelling to and from Israel, in
particular if you use El Al and if your destination is on the West Bank.
The short security interview you enjoy if using an US airline is a joke
in comparison to that. Again no interest in Leica, but in some bars of
soap made from olive oil.

Hans-Peter