WASHINGTON: Customs services in both China and the United States have increased checks amid heavy travel between the two countries during the Spring Festival holiday, China National Radio reported.
Overseas Chinese media outlets have reported passengers getting into trouble at customs for carrying luxuries or electronic products exceeding allowed limits. Passengers are also advised not to carry a large amount of cash even though they plan to use it as hongbao, gift money put into red envelopes during the festival.
Some passengers who left John F. Kennedy International Airport said they saw customs officials with dogs monitoring departure terminals with many Chinese passengers.
Passengers are advised to strictly follow customs rules on the amount of cash or items they are allowed to carry when entering or leaving the country. Failure to declare monetary instruments of $10,000 or more can result in their seizure on arrival in the United States.
U.S. customs officials are also strict in checking for alien plants and food entering the country, so it’s not a good idea to carry bags of local specialties from China because these products are also available at U.S. supermarkets, according to the report.
