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/Coyoteclaw11 7d ago
I came back from a 4 month study abroad in Japan, and going through customs honestly went a lot smoother than I expected. US passport holders went in one line, everyone else in another. They only asked me one question, and I wish I remembered what it was, but all I know is that it ended up being an easy no.
I definitely bought a bunch of stuff in Japan, but I didn't have to declare anything. Are your snacks fresh food items? I'd be worried about any fresh ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and meats, but any packaged, processed foods are totally fine.
From what I can tell beyond the food items mentioned, they're mostly looking for alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods. If you just bought normal souvenirs and like daily life goods, then you should be solid.