Thread: Going To South Africa...I Need Some Help

Stirlo,

Stick to the truth with Customs, it's not worth your while to be found telling porkies to them.

1) Haven't been, no plans either. It's always a good idea not to display items of value whilst overseas. No sense in making yourself a target.
2) Unless an item has a tariff, once you exceed your tax free allowance, you are just up for GST (10%). I've bought all sorts of stuff in, and never heard the tariff word mentioned. YMMV.
3) Wood items will be inspected. (declare it) If they are found suspicious, they may be sent off for fumigation. Again, I've bought all sorts of stuff in without hassle.
4) International is usually free food and drink.

Enjoy your trip!

woodbe.

Sticking to the truth is the only way to go.

1. Just behave sensiblyand don't make yourself conspicuous and you should be fine. You will be with your hockey hosts most of the time and if htey seem like sensible people, take your cues from them.
2. I thought the duty free limit was raised to $1000 a couple of years ago. Anyway, I doubt that the customs people will be worried about hockey sticks on grounds of duty. However, they may want to fumigate them.. You don't pay duty on used goods, so you could play with your new sticks - but make sure you clean off all dirt etc you get on them as that is a real quarantine issue. This is the way peole bring in golf clubs they buy os. Again, declare it, show it to them and let the Customs people decide. The most you are up for, as woodbe said, is usually GST (unless you are bringing in smokes or booze).
3. Declare it - as woodbe said, wood items are suspect on a quarantine basis and they are often fumigated by Customs (they do it and send it on to you). You do not want to bring unwanted bugs into Australia - imagine if it was something that killed grape vines, you'd be really popular in Cessnock, not!
4. Qantas is free all the way unless you do in-air shopping.

Have a great time and score heaps of goals!

i lived there for 10 years my advise would be to use common sence. the things you wouldnt do here or in any country, dont do there just keep your wits about you and you will be fine.

I've always found the people on customs and quarantine duty very helpful and friendly. They really want to catch drug dealers and other idiots, they're not out to harass normal people. Be truthful and reasonable with what you bring back and you will be ok. The current duty free declaration limit is for $900 worth of goods.

However you have something else to be seriously vigilant about. AQIS is particularly concerned about dirty things coming back. Since you are going to be playing sport on turf you will have to take extra special care. There are serious fines for things like coming home with mud stuck to your boots. You should always wash/scrub your boots and used equipment before coming home.

It's hard not to look like a tourist anywhere you go. Just be careful. There are lots of good tips on this guy's website. Take note of his packing list, he is correct. However I find it hard to actually fit that much into a day pack! My problem is usually with fitting a second pair of size 11 shoes in.

so:
like i thought, tell customs about the sticks
declare any wood products i buy
and wash all dirt off everything.

thanx guys

And don't forget to declare any food, (that includes lollies) that you have with you on the way back. There'll be no hassle even with the timber stuff if you declare it.

Have a great trip!

P

Get me some black ebony.

Originally Posted by ss_11000

....and wash all dirt off everything.

Stirlo's coming back clean.

Originally Posted by Wongo

Get me some black ebony.

sure, i'll bring you back a pen blank

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

And don't forget to declare any food, (that includes lollies) that you have with you on the way back. There'll be no hassle even with the timber stuff if you declare it.

Have a great trip!

P

lollies sound good. i can just see myself getting into trouble for having a stick of chewing gum in my pocket and forgetting about it

Originally Posted by chrisb691

Stirlo's coming back clean.

lol

Hey Stirlo,

Check this out:

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-c...e/South_Africa

It's the official government warning page.

Note the bit about not being in certain areas after dark, and don't go exploring downtown with your mates after tea.

I have friends who have just gone home to Jo-burg for a wedding and they are a bit uncomfortable about the rise in crime in the last 18 months since their last visit. (and they were locals!)

Cheers,

P

About a year (or maybe 2) ago my BIL went to SA with his girlfriend. They brought back a carved wooden noah's ark and animals for the kids - no problems with quarantine. It's only one data point but it's obviously possible.

Peter

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

Hey Stirlo,

Check this out:

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-c...e/South_Africa

It's the official government warning page.

Note the bit about not being in certain areas after dark, and don't go exploring downtown with your mates after tea.

I have friends who have just gone home to Jo-burg for a wedding and they are a bit uncomfortable about the rise in crime in the last 18 months since their last visit. (and they were locals!)

Cheers,

P

i read that last night after posting this thread. i was suprised to read that jo'burg was that bad with crime. we spend a few days there before going to cape town. hope it settles down a bit before we get there. i guess i will just have to not go places i shouldnt be in ta for the worning midge

thanx for that note peter

Stirlo,
you can bring back timber as long as it has no bark on it. Last time I went o/seas [ last year ] the duty free amount was $900 something. That is the purchase price, not what it maybe worth here.

S.A hmm lived there many years ago. Things have changed much, I would pay close attention to what the locals advise on where to go etc.

S.A is a real pretty country...too bad about the politics.

Originally Posted by hughie

Stirlo,
you can bring back timber as long as it has no bark on it. Last time I went o/seas [ last year ] the duty free amount was $900 something. That is the purchase price, not what it maybe worth here.

S.A hmm lived there many years ago. Things have changed much, I would pay close attention to what the locals advise on where to go etc.

S.A is a real pretty country...too bad about the politics.

For people under 18 - the duty free amount is $450. If I see some timber at the local markets etc, I will be tempted to buy some depending on how much I have already spent

So listen to the locals is the way to go huh Do they speak english?

Thanx for the tips Hughie

btw - not long to go now: 9 days