[SOLVED] Transporting PC parts by plane

[ghadi.halawi]

Hi,
I'm planning to visit Tampa, Florida on Christmas and was wondering if I could buy PC parts and a Laptop in the US and take them with me to Belgium so I could save a buck or two, I'm most likely going to put them in my hand luggage, is this a good idea, do I need to pay taxes when I'm back in Belgium, am I going to face any problems?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ralston18]

There are two issues here:

Issue 1) By "hand luggage" do you mean carrying the components on board into the cabin? Should be okay doing so but there is a good chance the "extra" electronics will be scrutinized accordingly. Pack so the components can be easily examined. You should also visit the airline's website and TSA's websites for current rules, regulations, and guidelines.

Issue 2) Taxes in Belgium: You will need to look into Belgium's/EU's importation laws and taxes/duties.

Here is a starter link:

https://customsdutyfree.com/belgium/

 

[Alabalcho]

Check with the airline you'll br flying with, but I'd recommend putting them in your checked luggage. Laptop is ok (and sometimes, even mandatory) to be with you.

 

[AllanGH]

I'd recommend putting them in your checked luggage.

If you don't mind them being stolen someplace between Tampa and Belgium; and given what I've seen out of the TSA, it's likely to be in Tampa.

 

[USAFRet]

Most of the price difference between US and Belgian prices is taxes and Customs.
Which you'll have to pay when you enter Belgium anyway.

 

[ghadi.halawi]

There are two issues here:

Issue 1) By "hand luggage" do you mean carrying the components on board into the cabin? Should be okay doing so but there is a good chance the "extra" electronics will be scrutinized accordingly. Pack so the components can be easily examined. You should also visit the airline's website and TSA's websites for current rules, regulations, and guidelines.

Issue 2) Taxes in Belgium: You will need to look into Belgium's/EU's importation laws and taxes/duties.

Here is a starter link:

https://customsdutyfree.com/belgium/

Yes, by hand luggage I meant cabin luggage, sorry for my bad English, and thanks a lot for your help.

 

[ghadi.halawi]

Check with the airline you'll br flying with, but I'd recommend putting them in your checked luggage. Laptop is ok (and sometimes, even mandatory) to be with you.

I will check with the airline, but I'd rather put them in my cabin luggage, my friend put his laptop in his checked luggage once and when he arrived in Belgium his laptop was gone.

 

[ghadi.halawi]

Most of the price difference between US and Belgian prices is taxes and Customs.
Which you'll have to pay when you enter Belgium anyway.

So my idea is pretty much useless?

 

[USAFRet]

So my idea is pretty much useless?

Probably.
There is no magic "cheap stuff".