£390 on souvenirs

[Magic_Kingdom]

I've been reading a lot in the last few days about the fact that you're not allowed to spend more than £390 on things to bring back to the UK and if you go over you could get a large fine. I wasn't aware of this and I have googled it a lot since but haven't found many answers, can anyone tell me how much it is you're actually allowed to spend on items to bring back home, is it also $390 or is it around $560 you're actually allowed to spend because that's around the equivalent of £390? Sorry I'm not very clued up! lol Thanks

 

[Dashzap]

I googled. From https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu
https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu

Allowance for other goods
You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 (or up to £270 if you arrive by private plane or boat).

If a single item’s worth more than your allowance you pay any duty or tax on its full value, not just the value above the allowance.

If you go over your allowance
You pay Customs Duty on anything you bring in above your allowance. The rate:

• is 2.5% for goods worth up to £630
• depends on the type of goods if they’re worth more than £630 - check by calling the VAT, Customs and Excise Helpline

You don’t pay Customs Duty if you owe less than £9.

You may also have to pay import VAT.

 

[Magic_Kingdom]

I googled. From https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu
https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu

Allowance for other goods
You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 (or up to £270 if you arrive by private plane or boat).

If a single item’s worth more than your allowance you pay any duty or tax on its full value, not just the value above the allowance.

If you go over your allowance
You pay Customs Duty on anything you bring in above your allowance. The rate:

• is 2.5% for goods worth up to £630
• depends on the type of goods if they’re worth more than £630 - check by calling the VAT, Customs and Excise Helpline

You don’t pay Customs Duty if you owe less than £9.

You may also have to pay import VAT.

 

[Magic_Kingdom]

Thanks, I know that you get a £390 limit but I'm just not sure if that means over there you can spend $390 or around $566 since that's around the equivalent of £390 in the uk, sorry, just really confused lol thanks

 

[minnie mum]

Thanks, I know that you get a £390 limit but I'm just not sure if that means over there you can spend $390 or around $566 since that's around the equivalent of £390 in the uk, sorry, just really confused lol thanks

You are allowed to bring back goods worth £390 without incurring Customs Duty. How much is that in $US? It certainly isn't $390. It shouldn't be confusing.

 

[gatorlisa]

Thanks, I know that you get a £390 limit but I'm just not sure if that means over there you can spend $390 or around $566 since that's around the equivalent of £390 in the uk, sorry, just really confused lol thanks

Since the limit is £390 duty free, you would be able to spend the US dollar equivalent of that while you are here. Right now, that is $570.75. Obviously the exchange rate fluctuates, but gives you a general idea. So you can spend up to $570 (ish) in US dollars right now, which will put you right at the limit of £390 value. You can take more back, you just have declare it and pay whatever duty/tax is required.

 

[burne99]

Also, check what qualifies!! We have a similar thing in Australia, it's AU$900, but looking into it, that amount didn't include clothes or shoes!! So I am always under.