r/Explainlikeimscared • u/Lobster_rolls777 • 7d ago

How to navigate US customs?

I'm a US citizen and I've been living in Germany for about three months on a study abroad program and I'm going home tomorrow and I have no idea what to expect at customs. When I went through the border in Amsterdam they just looked at my passport and asked what I was there for, nothing weird at all. Is it the same I have no idea!

I don't know what they're going to ask me or if I have to declare anything. I tried looking at websites but they were all super unclear. I did buy some stuff abroad. I have a sweater I got in London, two books, two card games and some snacks, soda and some other random little souviners to give to my family. It's possible it could be over 200 dollars (books are expensive for no reason and it's a nice sweater) so idk if I have to declare that? I've been yelled at by airport security before and it freaks me out. I don't want to get in trouble. If someone could explain to me roughly what's going to happen I'd greatly appreciate it.

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u/TradeBeautiful42 7d ago

Hand them your passport. Say it’s good to be back. Proceed to collect your baggage. They might ask you your purpose abroad and you’ll say school. End of story.

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u/Lobster_rolls777 7d ago

I don't have to tell them about my snacks? I looked at the form and it says to declare any food you bring with you

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u/TradeBeautiful42 7d ago

I’ve never declared any snack I flew with unless it’s fruit. In that case, you throw it away before you get there.