do i need to prepare ?

[randy and ana 1]

Hello to all vj. anyone here from Philippines to seattle Washington who came in K1 visa? because i wanna know if i should prepare an extra money to pay at the port of entry coz i am bringing too much of boxes with me all my things here in the Philippines because i am bringing things back to seattle all items sent by my fiance to me because we gonna use it there also like electronic devices such as ipod LCD monitor,digital camera video cam which is i think some kinda expensive am i going to be charge for a certain tax ? since it is 1 yr or 2 yrs old already and not in their original box anymore. and is it ok to carry the digital camera and videocam to bring as hand carry or as a check -in baggage?Pls help me guys thanks and well appreciated for a response

[Robert and Amy 1]

Most of your electronic equipment wont work in the US because we have different voltage. Electronic equipment is less expensive in the us also. You have to evaluate if it is worth bringing and using a converter or just to puchase new when you arrive. I am sure someone else on VJ can answer the rest of your questions in regaurds to how much you can bring and any taxes.

[Speedytax 3]

Hello to all vj. anyone here from Philippines to seattle Washington who came in K1 visa? because i wanna know if i should prepare an extra money to pay at the port of entry coz i am bringing too much of boxes with me all my things here in the Philippines because i am bringing things back to seattle all items sent by my fiance to me because we gonna use it there also like electronic devices such as ipod LCD monitor,digital camera video cam which is i think some kinda expensive am i going to be charge for a certain tax ? since it is 1 yr or 2 yrs old already and not in their original box anymore. and is it ok to carry the digital camera and videocam to bring as hand carry or as a check -in baggage?Pls help me guys thanks and well appreciated for a response

On used personal items, there shouldn't be any customs fee, but you may have to pay extra to the airlines if you have too many bags. Bill

[randy and ana 1]

thanks for the reply but all my electronic devices which im bringing was sent by my fiance he purchased it there in US and all are in 110 volts ifever im bringing a 220volts is there any stepdown transformer i can buy at the store pls give me an idea thanks i am allowed to bring like 138kilos/303 pounds because were 3 and majority that i am bringing are clothes mostly for the kids.

[JimVaPhuong 4,864]

You shouldn't have to pay any customs duties or tax on your personal property.

Most modern electronic devices, including cell phones, digital cameras, camcorders, and computer equipment use switching power supplies that will work automatically with 110V to 220V, 50Hz to 60Hz. It should be printed on the power supply (or the device, if it plugs directly into a wall socket) which voltages and frequencies it will work with. In many cases, you just need an adapter plug which you should be able to get at any Radio Shack store in the US.

[Gary and Alla 3,696]

Most of your electronic equipment wont work in the US because we have different voltage. Electronic equipment is less expensive in the us also. You have to evaluate if it is worth bringing and using a converter or just to puchase new when you arrive. I am sure someone else on VJ can answer the rest of your questions in regaurds to how much you can bring and any taxes.

Electronic equipment is the ONLY thing that will work in the US. Electronic manufacturers sell their equipment around the world and they have transformers for the different voltages. You may need, at most a cord adaptor. It is no problem at all. My wife uses her laptop she purchased in Ukraine (220v Euro voltage) here every day. Our son uses his laptop we purchased for him here at school in Moscow. No problems. This also applies to our digital cameras, Ipods, etc. No problems at all.

Electrical (not electronic) equipment, such as hair dryers, irons, lamps, waffle irons etc., will NOT work in the US if they were made for 220v power.

You will not pay tax for bringing in your own property. It is not gifts. Bring anything and as much as you like.

[Gary and Alla 3,696]

thanks for the reply but all my electronic devices which im bringing was sent by my fiance he purchased it there in US and all are in 110 volts ifever im bringing a 220volts is there any stepdown transformer i can buy at the store pls give me an idea thanks i am allowed to bring like 138kilos/303 pounds because were 3 and majority that i am bringing are clothes mostly for the kids.

Your things will be fine. Bring them along.

There are weight limits imposed by the airlines and fees if you exceed those limits. Check with your airline. I was making lots of trips to Ukraine at the time and brought back suitcases full of stuff (several trips) plus we shipped things like books, clothes she would not need immediately, cooking utensils she couldn't live without, etc. There is no tax on any of it.

[Aztec&Taino 144]

Hello to all vj. anyone here from Philippines to seattle Washington who came in K1 visa? because i wanna know if i should prepare an extra money to pay at the port of entry coz i am bringing too much of boxes with me all my things here in the Philippines because i am bringing things back to seattle all items sent by my fiance to me because we gonna use it there also like electronic devices such as ipod LCD monitor,digital camera video cam which is i think some kinda expensive am i going to be charge for a certain tax ? since it is 1 yr or 2 yrs old already and not in their original box anymore. and is it ok to carry the digital camera and videocam to bring as hand carry or as a check -in baggage?Pls help me guys thanks and well appreciated for a response

Check the luggage policy of the airline you will be using. Some airlines charge for any checked-in luggage, others charge for the second bag, others let you check-in two pieces of luggage without extra charges. If you have more than two pieces of luggage for check-in, you should call the airline to see if they will allow you to check-in any additional pieces.

Best wishes!

[sheenaspapi 18]

thanks for the reply but all my electronic devices which im bringing was sent by my fiance he purchased it there in US and all are in 110 volts ifever im bringing a 220volts is there any stepdown transformer i can buy at the store pls give me an idea thanks i am allowed to bring like 138kilos/303 pounds because were 3 and majority that i am bringing are clothes mostly for the kids.

You didnt say what Airline you are flying and/or if your connecting to another U.S. city. Here is American Airlines policy from Asia and then within the U.S.

As you can see from Asia, you can check in 2 bags under 50lbs. From 50 to 70 lbs. is a $50 charge each and over 70 to 100 lbs is a $450.00 charge each. Yes, $450.00. There are also dimensions your luggage has to fall within as well.

Travel to/through/from Asia

One bag carry-on: No charge

Two bags checked: No charge

One Personal Item: No Charge.

Maximum number of 10 checked bags allowed per passenger.

Attention First and Business Class Customers

We are pleased to offer customers in First and Business Class the ability to check three bags at no charge.

45 in/114 cm (carry-on)

62 in/157 cm (checked)

50 lbs/23 kgs (checked)

Over 50 lbs/23 kgs but less than 70 lbs/32 kgs - is subject to a $50 USD overweight baggage charge

71 lbs/32 kgs - 100 lbs/45.5 kg is subject to a $450 USD charge.

Flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada

One bag carry-on: No charge

All checked bags have a fee.

For tickets purchased on or after February 1, 2010:

$25 for the first checked bag. Exceptions may apply.

$35 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.

$100 per piece for the 3rd, 4th and 5th checked bags

$150 per piece for the 6th checked bag and any additional pieces.

As you can see, it adds up fast.