Question...Please Help?

[Gareth's Girl 0]

I am hoping somebody out there who has already been through this can clarify this a little for me. My fiance is moving here on the 28th (WAHOO!!) and he is bringing our wedding rings with him (they were purchased by him in the UK). Our question is does he have to claim those with US Customs and what else would he have to claim? I searched their website and cannot find an answer....just more confusion. I would deeply appreciate any information or clarity I can get on this subject. Thanks!!!

[sweetpink 1]

it was funny cause I had to ask the AA stewardess if I have to declare my jewelries (most are fashion accessories and a real gold necklace) with US customs...she said NO...and so she was right. All my valuable belongings was on my hand carry bag though.

[sweetpink 1]

this could be very obvious but I got this list of travel reminders during my CFO seminar before I left for US...

what not to bring:

*firearms, explosives, fireworks and ammunition

*narcotics, other than prescription drugs

*meat, dairy and poultry products, fresh fruits and vegetables

*plants, flowers and soil

*cultural property except for family heirlooms

*more than 200 sticks of cigarettes

*more than 1.5 liters of commercial alcohol

*records, computer software, and reading materials produced in violation of copyright laws

*engdangered species, and the like...

[Jeraly 4]

GG - to be honest I doubt very much that they would have a problem - unless they are worth like $10k or something... Jeremy brought our rings over so I could see them then took them back and so I really don't think you need to declare them unless they have a really high commercial value Not sure what that limit would be though...

[StillThePrettiest 3]

I wonder what constitutes 'cultural property'? I'm guessing things of heritage value...?

[Tex'n'Brit 0]

I wonder what constitutes 'cultural property'? I'm guessing things of heritage value...?

Yep you're on the right lines. So don't be trying to sneek in things like a little bit of Elgin Marble, an original Magna Carta or the Mona Lisa, or perhaps a dusty old mummy, a shrunken head or a carved elephant tusk - unless it happens to have been in your family for donkey's years, passed down to you by ancient ancestors, and you can totally prove it!

If you want the legal stuff, this US Gov page all about cultural property protection is a good start.

All the best,

Sheila

[Gareth's Girl 0]

Thank you all for your help! I didn't think he would have to, but wanted to make sure. When I tried to look it up on the US Customs website, it just caused more confusion. I am so ready for Gareth to get here and then I can worry about something else.....AOS! EEKK!

[DanielParul 50]

He will not need to claim the rings. When we came to the US. I carried money + jewellery. We did not need to claim it. Each individual can carry valuables (including money) upto $10,000.. Hope this helps.

[Reba 2]

If you're moving here with a visa, you don't need to declare anything. All your personal possessions and household goods are tax and duty free (execpt items previously posted as prohibited without special permit)