Laptop through customs?

[Nick555]

Hi

I am British citizen with a Ukraine private visitor visa, my wife is a Ukraine citizen. We are travelling from England to Ukraine next week, flying from London Heathrow to Kiev Borispol. I want to take my old laptop to give to my mother-in-law. The laptop is in good condition, but about 5 years old (P2 300), it was expensive (2500 gbp) when I bought it, but worth nothing now.

What issues am I likely to have with Kiev customs control over the laptop? Is it better for me to carry it, or my wife? Accordign to the Ukraine embassy, we will have no problems, but as you all know, Ukraine customs see everything as a bribery opportunity.

Regards
Nick

[John K]

... in response to Laptop through customs?, posted by Nick555 on May 14, 2004

We've brought in 2 laptops over the last 2 years for my wife's mother.  Customs never batted and eye or asked any questions about them.  As long as you don't intend to sell any items over there, bringing in or taking out electronics doesn't seem to be any problem.

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Laptop through customs?, posted by Nick555 on May 14, 2004

I took a laptop with me on every trip to Russia and Ukraine (5 in total)...

I never had any problem at all. Was never even asked to show it. I declared it on the customs form and that was it.

You should be fine...

[Nick555]

... in response to Re: Laptop through customs?, posted by MarkInTx on May 14, 2004

Thanks Mark

I'm assuming that I don't need to declare the laptop as I will be leaving it in the country?

Nick

[TomTx]

... in response to Re: Re: Laptop through customs?, posted by Nick555 on May 14, 2004

You are correct, don't declare and leave it. I did that a few years ago. And that was in Ukraine. No problems, actually I did both and had no issues..
TomTx

[Nick555]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Laptop through customs?, posted by TomTx on May 14, 2004

Thanks guys

AFAIK declaring goods proves that you had the goods on entering the country, so when you leave the country you are not charged export duties. If I declare it, then I could get challenged about it on the way out.

Regards
Nick

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Re: Re: Laptop through customs?, posted by Nick555 on May 14, 2004

I'm not sure on that.

I know other guys have done what you are describing, but I am not sure how they handled it.

I've always brought mine back out with me.

I think if it were me, I would declare it in, and just don't mention it on the way back out. I doubt they would even ask you...

Maybe someone who has actually done this can give you better advice...