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Viewing Beware When Shopping OverseasBeware When Shopping Overseas
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Going shopping during your Asian vacation can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a problem. Be careful when shopping by following the tips in this article. Know the rules, and avoid purchasing souvenirs that will be confiscated when you return home. By Larry Westfall Going shopping during your Asian vacation can be a lot of fun - but it can also be a problem. Be careful when shopping by adhering to the following tips. Saving money while shopping from the local vendors is great - but it can cost you when you return and go through customs. Do not ruin your holiday - know the rules before you go overseas and avoid buying souvenirs that will be confiscated when you return. Wildlife Souvenirs Be careful when you buy articles made from animals and plants or when you purchase live, wild animals to bring back as pets. Some items, such as those made from elephant ivory, sea turtles, crocodile leather, or fur from endangered cats, and many species of live animals cannot be brought legally into the United States. Your wildlife souvenirs could be confiscated by government inspectors, and you could face other penalties for attempting to bring them into the United States. Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products unless you are certain that they are legal for import. Glazed Ceramics Beware of purchasing glazed ceramic ware abroad. It is possible to suffer lead poisoning, if you consume food or beverages that are stored or served in improperly glazed ceramics. Unless ceramics are made by a firm with an international reputation, there is no immediate way to be certain that a particular item is safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that ceramic tableware purchased abroad be tested for lead release by a commercial laboratory on your return, or be used for decorative purposes only. Antiques Certain countries consider antiques to be national treasures and the 'inalienable property of the nation.' In some countries, customs authorities seize illegally purchased antiques without compensation, and they may also levy fines on the purchaser. Americans have been arrested and prosecuted for purchasing antiques without a permit. They have even been arrested for purchasing reproductions of antiques from street vendors, because a local authority believed the purchase was a national treasure. Protect yourself. In countries where antiques are important, document your purchases as reproductions, if that is the case, or, if they are authentic, secure the necessary export permit. The documentation or export permit may be available through the country's national museum. A reputable dealer may provide the export permit or information on how to secure one. If you have questions about purchasing antiques, the country's tourist office can guide you. If you still have doubts, consult the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In places where Americans have had problems because of purchasing antiques, the Consular Section is usually well aware of such situations. Consular officers can inform you about the local laws and the correct procedures to follow. About the Author: Larry Westfall is a frequent traveler to Thailand, visiting two to three times per year, and is owner of Hotel in Pattaya. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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