Customs Nightmare, Need some Help

[azhiker54]

Originally Posted by piratfisk

Fun! I'm sure you've got a story or two.

You know, for the most part, my life has always been boring and uneventful. It seems like everyone else has all the fun. The closest thing to excitement, was an attempted kidnapping of me and a local in Manila. After me kicking the window a couple times ( taxi) We were released.

This thing about customs is always on my mind, as I said, I do travel with two watches. Hopefully, the OP will get relief.

[georgew]

Originally Posted by pandajoe

My wife and I - we always wear watches (SS) through the metal screening machine and it never triggers it

This has been my experience as well. In years past, I;ve been in and out of europe, asia (ROK, hong kong, japan, china), mexico, carribean, canada - and not once have I had to take off my watch thorugh security (either Breitling, SS or TT rolex, or SS VC overseas). And customs either way has not been an issue. But, I;ve never been to a country like India (or others with rampant government corruption).

[JSCP]

Would never take my gold rolex to Asia. Sorry this happened.

Was in europe and had to take off a SS vintage 36mm oysterquartz. Finding a last minute tray is imposible.

Security prices in Europe: London, Paris is insane … they are rude, slow , fake organized process. Better to put in carry on.

Going thru customs itself it’s crazy nothing to declare, once you arrive keep it on you wrist . Cover ounders sweater/ shirt etc.

[geoffreyis]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

This is the part of airports that bothers me - what to do with my watch. Bag or tray.. I think wrist until they tell me to take it off.

Interested to hear the responses to this one myself..

Mine never leaves my wrist. Period.

[konkaniman]

OP, any update? Did you make it thru the rest of your travel without issues with customs?

[nGage7962]

Should not have taken it off.
Leaving India this year, I discovered on the way out of all places, that they make you remove everything (and I mean everything) from your carry-on that has any metal in it. All the charge cables, etc etc.
After doing this the guy indicated I should remove my watch. I ignored him and hoped into the metal detector and moved on.
Crazy place.

[Speedsleev]

I have never taken a watch off in the airport and never will, I have been pulled a side and checked by the wand a few times but no one has ever given me any issues. My wife travels with a ladies date just diamond bezel and has never removed or been hassled. Certainly there are countries that I would advise not to for the simple reason of the unknown. Enter the Speedmaster Grand Seiko or like someone else said, plain Seiko for such travel. I love to have a solid piece on at all times but its a small price to pay for avoiding such a mess.