Quick question - does anyone know the value limitation for bringing jewelry into Moldova? Does anyone know the amount and what the tax is after that. Also I have heart shaped diamond pendant woth under $200 - but I bought it several years ago - with noboby specifically in mind to give it to. Obviously I have no receipt.
Again - I am concerned about the lim thing. And do they have the right to confiscate if it is found and I have not reported it? Also are there any tricks reagrding hindig it in lauugage so that it won't be seen - like up against the frame.
There is a seperate package I was going to send - that will most likely arrive while I am there. I am thinking of sending the metal boxes, empty in that package. Andbody think this is a good idea?
Thunder - the heartshaped charm - is ah.... incredibly feminine looking. Whats worse - is I seem to recall hearing people being asked to take off all of their jewerly (since i don't wear any myself I don't remember exactly what they said). Can only imagine fumbling with a dainty little gold chain.
and the extremely feminine diamond engagement ring? Am I to wear that too?
Whilst crossing borders & customs I may well be the biggest poof on earth. Who cares Jet? ...... them!
Besides, only at the destination you have to 'act', and if you do - and clearly are sorta unfamiliar with this stuff - practise in the plane to allow yourself to remove this stuff to appear experienced with it. So btw, only big stuff has te be removed for detectors, and I'd keep it on until THEY point it out. Rings you won't take off in any case.
Come on Jet, have a bit of fun - because it is!
jet, human flesh like all other solid objects tends to shrink in cold temperatures, so the ring should fit your finger fine once you're on your way to the airport. Once I took with me a pair of diamond stud earrings to Ukraine for my wife. I know TD will yell "wear them!!!" but I decided to leave my ears alone since without holes they definitely look more attractive, and instead I simply put the diamonds in one of my pockets and hid the little box and little bag in my bag. What are the chances of a body search? Hell, if they search my pockets, I will pay the penalty, but if they would, they'd also found I had local currency in quantities that were not allowed (from previous trips). I think you may attract more attantion if you wear that ring with the heart on your small finger than if you simply make it disappear in your pocket. Good luck!
The ring is fairly substantial in size - I mean metalic content - unlike a pair of diamond stud earings. Its I also have a chain with a diamond heart that I might very well wear around my neck (after all..."it wuz my dear old sweet mudder's").
And trav - I don't like to talk about things shrinking in cold weather. Don't even want to think about it. She intends to do the Russian sauna with me again - and this time we might get into the snow. No trav, things shrinking in the cold weather is not a favorite subject of mine.
I just sent the boxes off via Postal Global Express along with some other things - supposedly 3 to 5 day delivery. Lets hope they get there while I am there.
Shrinking, pinky, cold weather and you put them on your finger?
Never even thought of it, but possible too I suppose :)))))
Water-diluted dishwash liquid removes anything from your fingers - any rings included! Yeah Wtrav, anything not being worn just put into the jacket/coat, and push it through the detector. They're looking for knives etc, could not be bothered less about small stuff/coins (make sure you've got some in the pockets). Never note's, especially not with a metallic band in them, they will see it and will attract attention.
Probably Jet won't read this anymore, but I'm sure he'll manage although he seemed a bit worried. I like especially these bits when travelling :)
what is the penalty/fine if they catch you at the metal detector with an engagement ring that was not claimed on the customs form. (If all methods listed by everyone here happen to not work)
that's the best part of it all.
What CAN they do? Virtually zero buddy, because it is yours, meaning YOU wear it now and then. Let them prove otherwise - surely you may carry your jewelry somewhere you think best? Just don't bloody wrap it.
If you don't want to argue & exit, simply pay the tax concerned 'because you're in a hurry', and refuse to accept their guesstimate regarding the value 'cause it was cheap' - so haggle! Never admit you were trying to smuggle, you'll loose more than that ring, possibly time also.
This may work. When I went into the military my mother bought me a Saint Christophers medal before I left home. When she passed away six years ago I kept her original engagement ring from my Father which I wear around my neck on the chain of the medal. I have been through customs in four countries and never have been questioned about it.