probably the dumbest duty free question ever!!

[buzz for boys]

Hi Guys,
I know im trying to win an award lately for stupid questions but just so I can sleep tonight I need to ask this !!

So duty free allowances is £390 Is that per person so even kids get that allowance ??

If we buy in duty free before we fly does that count to this allowance as well ??

I think Im correct in saying the answer to both questions is yes but after googling for a while and not getting any clear answers id thought you guys would put my mind at rest !!

Thanks x

 

[2Tiggies]

I have always understood it to be per person, with the exception of the quantities rule on age restricted purchases like tobacco and alcohol.

 

[Goofyish]

Yes, it's per person, although you can pool the allowances together if you a buy a single item that is over the limit.

Remember that almost everything you buy and bring back is counted towards your limit (ride photos, souvenirs, clothes etc..). Also any item bought in the duty free shops in the UK on your way out and then is brought back into the UK on your return also counts towards your allowance!

 

[aaronandterri]

we de tag most things, and have never gone through the declare line, although my autistic son once anounced we have loads of stuff mum once very loudly couldnt move quick enough...lol

 

[2Tiggies]

my autistic son once anounced we have loads of stuff mum once very loudly couldnt move quick enough...lol

Oh you must have wanted to disappear.

 

[Peebee]

Yes, it's per person, although you can pool the allowances together if you a buy a single item that is over the limit.

Are you sure on this one Tim? I always thought it was the case that you couldn't pool allowances

Paul

 

[George12]

Have to agree with the last poster that you cannot pool allowances to bring in an item which is above the £390 limit. Also didn't realise that perfumes are now included in this £390 and don't know have a separate allowance.

 

[paulh]

Are you sure on this one Tim? I always thought it was the case that you couldn't pool allowances

Paul

correct you cant pool
Paul

 

[Funky_dino]

In almost 30 visits to the US I have never been stopped on the way back, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. I have looked back at the channels once through and maybe 2 or 3 times has there even been any customs agents standing in the green or red section.
A friend who works for the HM boarder control told me they are on the look out for certain flights from specific countries and the US is rarely one of them.

But at the same time I understand your or anyone elses reluctance to bring hoards of things back into the country

 

[buzz for boys]

Thanks guys
Got it all sorted in my head now and there is no way we will spend anywhere near that allowance

 

[Goofyish]

Are you sure on this one Tim? I always thought it was the case that you couldn't pool allowances

Paul

Yes, sorry a typo - meant to say you CAN'T pool allowances

 

[stitch7]

Thanks guys
Got it all sorted in my head now and there is no way we will spend anywhere near that allowance

really i bet you could if you tried

 

[2Tiggies]

Now believe it or not, despite not exceeding our allowance, this is what 1 adult and 1 child brought back this year. I would have happily produced receipts but nobody asked.

After taking this photo we still added another bag to this to contain the smaller ones for our piece limit. Alarmingly, this was certainly not the most stuff we have brought back in terms of volume and have never been stopped.

 

[disney_princess_85]

I think Tové and I would get along!!

 

[2Tiggies]

I think Tové and I would get along!!

It became hilarious because after that we took our luggage to Bell Services to store and between then and when we went to get it for ME, I had found photo albums, stationery and all kinds of things on sale in the gift shop -which I had to get We had 15 minutes and an interactive audience, all laughing and tyring to help while we literally rolled on the floor in hysterics, trying to get the extra things into the new bag. Tové stood quite calmly, as if it happens every day and took a photo of the scene. It was a great bonding time, albeit brief, with fellow resort guests.

 

[disney_princess_85]

It became hilarious because after that we took our luggage to Bell Services to store and between then and when we went to get it for ME, I had found photo albums, stationery and all kinds of things on sale in the gift shop -which I had to get We had 15 minutes and an interactive audience, all laughing and tyring to help while we literally rolled on the floor in hysterics, trying to get the extra things into the new bag. Tové stood quite calmly, as if it happens every day and took a photo of the scene. It was a great bonding time, albeit brief, with fellow resort guests.

Sounds like a very familiar tale!

I love situations like that, when you can bond with other guests. We had one just before we got the ME to the airport too: An older couple laughed at our EoS bag and remarked that they too had one for the journey! Another one: We were at the bus stop one day and there was a little girl looking at the flower displays. Suddenly she was next to me, offering me a flower she'd just picked. It was very sweet!

 

[2Tiggies]

Sounds like a very familiar tale!

I love situations like that, when you can bond with other guests. We had one just before we got the ME to the airport too: An older couple laughed at our EoS bag and remarked that they too had one for the journey! Another one: We were at the bus stop one day and there was a little girl looking at the flower displays. Suddenly she was next to me, offering me a flower she'd just picked. It was very sweet!

That is so sweet (the little girl ). I love those moments!