Bringing an Engagement Ring into the US

[Orph]

Hi all, I know there was an old thread about this, but I still need some clarification. There is alot fo debate about what I need to do, and I am so confused. Declare, exempt, not declare, not exempt.....it is hurting my head!

Ok, so I am a Canadian buying a ring from a Canadian retailer, but the ring was made in the US. The Canadian retailer paid all the appropriate taxes and etc to get the ring into Canada. ( I somehow decide to bring it back into the US to propose)

So my question is this, do I need to declare the ring, when I am not importing it into the US for commercial purposes. Also, do I need to declare it with CBSA?

What should I do? Please help!

PS - Also, should I keep the ring in the box in my carry-on...or should I take the ring, put it into a nice pouch, and then in my carry-on?

 

[mtmbyck]

All valuables should be kept in carry on. You only need to declare anything over $10k so if they ring is worth that, you maybe should. Otherwise I'd say nothing.

 

[Gigi22]

Do you have the receipt from the Canadian jeweler? That should do.

 

[dsneygirl]

All valuables should be kept in carry on. You only need to declare anything over $10k so if they ring is worth that, you maybe should. Otherwise I'd say nothing.

That only applies to cash or monetary instruments.

It's no different than if she was already wearing it on her finger. The only thing would be maybe if CBSA on the way home thought you had bought it in the US so just carry the receipt.

 

[Kogo Shuko]

Are you proposing to an American girlfriend who will continue to wear the ring while in the US?

If you're simply surprising her while in the States and both returning to Canada, it pretty much would be the same as if she were wearing it on her finger, or if she had it in her carry on with the rest of her jewelery.

However, if you're bringing it into the States to give to a woman who lives there, it would be best to have the receipt with you, just in case.

 

[Orph]

Thank you for the reply everyone!

She is a Canadian also. I will have my receipt with me just in case. I am not afraid of CBSA as much as I am afraid of US Customs. I am afraid they will stop me when I am crossing the border.

I will be flying straight from Toronto Pearson, so yeah. Just afraid of the x-ray scanner and the people there not being discreet, and US customs. I dont want to ruin the surprise and all.

 

[Kogo Shuko]

Perhaps somehow subtly let the people scanning your bag know what you're planning? They're usually pretty nice. And considering it's just one piece of jewelery and you DO have your GF with you (I'm assuming), they'd probably figure it out.

 

[bankr63]

Thank you for the reply everyone!

She is a Canadian also. I will have my receipt with me just in case. I am not afraid of CBSA as much as I am afraid of US Customs. I am afraid they will stop me when I am crossing the border.

I will be flying straight from Toronto Pearson, so yeah. Just afraid of the x-ray scanner and the people there not being discreet, and US customs. I dont want to ruin the surprise and all.

A ring inside your carry on is not going to raise any eyebrows at security. It does not look like a suspicious object, and it will only look like a little circle on the x-ray monitor should your GF even glance at it. Security screening is only looking for dangerous objects. Although it is arguable that an engagement ring may be a dangerous object it is no danger to the flight or other travellers.

Congratulations Orph to you and your GF!

 

[mom_rules]

I always takes off my jewelry, including rings when I go through security scanners. I put them in the inside zipper pocket of my purse and have never been asked about them by anyone. We travel quite extensively. I would put it in a safe place in your carry on, take the receipt and don't say anything.

 

[dsneygirl]

I always takes off my jewelry, including rings when I go through security scanners. I put them in the inside zipper pocket of my purse and have never been asked about them by anyone. We travel quite extensively. I would put it in a safe place in your carry on, take the receipt and don't say anything.

Really? We travel a lot as well and I have never done that! It is far more secure on my finger than in a bag that will leave my sight potentially and be stolen.

What is your reasoning? To avoid the metal detector going off?

 

[LSmith]

Really? We travel a lot as well and I have never done that! It is far more secure on my finger than in a bag that will leave my sight potentially and be stolen.

What is your reasoning? To avoid the metal detector going off?

I always leave my rings on when I go through security (all around the world) and never has there been a problem.

 

[mom_rules]

I always set off the metal detector if I leave my jewellery on...

It's just quicker and easier to take them off.

 

[Orph]

Thank you for the great info everyone!

Currently, I am thinking about having the ring...in a ziplock...and the ring box seperately in the luggage.

I'll just have to pretend that its normal and etc.

 

[TheBig2na]

I proposed to my wife in Cinderella's Castle and just kept the ring in my.... I hate to even say it... Fanny Pack. yes i used to wear a fanny pack. leave me alone. hahahaha

I had no hassle and wasn't asked about it. You don't need to declare Jewelry unless you are taking it to be sold. The only hassle i get is when people see the picture of my fanny pack...I feel shame. hhahaha

Best of Luck and Congrats

 

[Roobear77]

What a great surprise you are planning!

My DH was planning to propose at Disney, and then we changed our plans from flying and staying in a hotel to driving and camping at FW. He panicked. Where to store the ring? How to secure it while camping? What if we got searched at border? How would he explain to me something locked in the glove box of car?

It was too much for him. He scrapped the plans and proposed 2 weeks later once we were home, on my 30th birthday. During a commercial break on the season's finale of LOST.

Very romantic.