GPS in Carryon

[Applemomma]

I really want to take our GPS from home for the rental car instead of paying for the one the rental company flogs. Has anyone had trouble bringing their own through security/customs too and from the US? I don't want to put it in my checked bag in case it goes "missing" and I also heard of the border agents trying to get you to pay duty on it even though it wasn't purchased in the US.

Any experience with this one?

Thanks!!

 

[C&B Young]

We've never taken a GPS in carry-on, but we have taken thousands of dollars worth of camera gear without any hassle. We did have photocopies of receipts just in case, but they never asked. I believe you can get a form from customs ahead of time to declare items you're travelling with also.

 

[Tower]

I travel a lot for business. I bring my GPS with me all the time. On last December's cruise, we even took it on the Magic so I could track us a bit as we sailed the Caribbean. I don't trust baggage handlers so I always put it in my laptop case.
You can also load into it various destinations you want to drive to so that you're not searching your GPS for it later when you're in a hurry. Also beats getting used to a different unit.
Bring it along! It saves $$$

 

[Daddio]

I always have a GPS with me and have never experienced any problem with border agents.

David

 

[dennise]

We take ours to Orlando every year, never even had security take it out of its case. Its one of my most important items to pack. Avoids a lot of arguments and missed exits. The GPS has replaced the need for taking the phone number for a divorce lawyer(just kidding).

 

[Applemomma]

Thanks for all your input! I think I will do the form for the GPS along with the netbook and camera just to cover my butt just in case. Nothing wasted if they don't ask for it and if they do then I'm willing to bet I've saved a lot of my time!

 

[mbb]

Just make sure everything can be turned on without plugging it in.

And they may swab it as well.

Have fun!!

 

[Alderbrook]

I've taken our GPS, cameras & equipment, laptop, DVD player & never once had any problems. They don't usually say anything when you're coming back as you're allowed $750 pp if you're gone a week. We never buy more than $200 when we're away (can't get everything into our suitcase LOL ). If I were just going shopping for the day, maybe a different story.

 

[pxlbarrel]

I've taken my GPS with me on numerous trips... and also camera equipment that's probably worth over $2000. Never had trouble with security and never had trouble with the customs people on my return. Gone is the day that electronics are cheaper in the States. LOL But also, with cameras, gps and the stuff you're likely to bring with you, you can pretty much prove you didn't buy it on your trip out of the country (without registering it first at a customs office) because these devices keep so much information on them. Your GPS probably has addresses in Canada stored in it so there shouldn't be any problem proving you bought it here. And if in doubt, carry the receipt with you. I used to do that until everything got so old looking you knew it wasn't new!!