Laptop Query

[stba2006]

We are going to Orlando for 4 weeks next year, and I want to take my leptop. This is mainly so that we have e-mail and internet access if we need it.

The laptop I am taking will have a couple of programs on that I use for work (I am self employed and it is my own laptop). They are things like payroll packages.

I am just wondering if this may cause a problem as we are out there for 4 weeks and i have work stuff on there.

I don't want to be refused entry because they think i am going to be trying to work. I can't delete the programs. and i don't want to buy another just for the holiday.

I know i may be over reacting but you just never know :/

 

[Pegasus928]

We have never been asked to even take the laptop out of the bag, let alone switch it on, when entering the US.
The only reason I think that would happen would be if you got pulled to one side for some other reason - e.g. you passport getting flagged up - and they have to dig deeper into your intentions.
I wouldn't give it a second thought to be honest.

 

[Cyrano]

We have always travelled with a laptop and taken it out of the bag at security.
Like Kenny never had a problem nor been asked to switch it on

 

[wayneg]

Taken laptops numerous times, had 3 with us this trip.
I believe they brought in new legislation a few years back that gives them the right to look at anything you have on your laptop and take a copy of the hard drive so some companies were concerned about confidential info being mis-used.
They are more interested in terrorism than regular legit programs you have on there.

 

[originalkk]

I always take my work laptop (unfortunately), travelling to US both for work (US company) and leisure. It is full of financial and other work software.

Only problem I ever had was when customs at LHR asked if I had just bought my battered 3 year old machine abroad!

 

[Goofyish]

I always take my work laptop (unfortunately), travelling to US both for work (US company) and leisure. It is full of financial and other work software.

Only problem I ever had was when customs at LHR asked if I had just bought my battered 3 year old machine abroad!

I always buy new electrical equipment in the US and then kick them around the hotel room floor for a few days, put a few scratches here and there and smear a bit of dirt on them - saves paying the VAT and export duty becasue they look about 3 years old.

 

[2Tiggies]

Only problem I ever had was when customs at LHR asked if I had just bought my battered 3 year old machine abroad!

Unreal! I like the Goofyish approach. Leave the box behind, muck it up a bit .... BTW Tim, I do hope you don't literally kick things like a laptop around the room

 

[Goofyish]

Unreal! I like the Goofyish approach. Leave the box behind, muck it up a bit .... BTW Tim, I do hope you don't literally kick things like a laptop around the room

Don't be silly, of course I don't - I do rip holes in all my new Levis though to make them look old. Apparently it makes them fashionable as well

 

[2Tiggies]

Don't be silly, of course I don't - I do rip holes in all my new Levis though to make them look old. Apparently it makes them fashionable as well

Last time I bought Levis with holes in they charged extra for the holes! I just remove all price tags and packaging (if practical). I don't bother about the run of the mill stuff like clothing and shoes. They really don't bother with that kind of thing. Obviously different with one very costly item though.