Specifically I'm interested in computer and data storage equipment. I move a lot of confidential data and and I need to know if they are going to turn on my computer and try to go through my files or not. Any other info on the customs search would be greatly appreciated. If it matters I'm holding a US passport.
2007-07-08 11:15:08 · 9 answers · asked by opticalnoise 4 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ China
I have gone through customs countless times and I have NEVER had them search my bags, they usually are more concnered with the Chinese people, the westerners usually move right through the line with no problems
2007-07-08 12:27:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
What are you doing with your confidential data in China anyway?
Anyway, besides a few high-security alert period after 9/11 (well the world is pretty tight back then), I never had problem at the custums. They do the basic things like go through metal detecter or open your water-bottle, other than that, not much. Unless you really look like a terrorist.
2007-07-09 09:19:02 · answer #2 · answered by Astrid Nannerl 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say it is very loose!!!!
When I left Beijing (2nd of June 2007), they checked my handbag because they found my hand cream, eye cream and my 100 ml rose water & a 10 ml bottle of essential oil wasn't stored in a zipped plastic bag. Last week (30th June, 2007, Beijing again) I packed all the cosmetics / creams / oils in the zipped bags, this time I passed the custom smoothly (within a few seconds)
I have never seen anyone got searched for datas in computers / cell phones.. etc. in Chinese customs of - Beijing / Shanghai / Shengzhen / Guangzhou / Nanjing / Dalian & Hong Kong International Airports. (I visit other cities by domestic flights, hydrofoil, train or car).
Just make sure that you are not bringing a big bottle of water (over 100ml) with you and pass the custom, they would ask you to either drink it up or throw it away.
2007-07-09 03:20:34 · answer #3 · answered by Aileen HK 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would do some research before you go. Some technologies are illegal to take to China from the US and they would probably take them from you on your way out of the US, or alternately you could get into some trouble on your way back in through customs. I know one of the technologies prohibited from export are certain types of encryption or cryptographic software. Encryption can be used in military applications, depending on the type you have.
The article I am going to site below is Canadian, but they worked with the US to develop the list of technologies after 9/11.
2007-07-08 11:57:10 · answer #4 · answered by amysaysrelax 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you a genuine business man going to China nobody will bother you. Its not like the old days during the cold war. You will be surprised to find that its simpler than going to London or other European countries.
2007-07-08 17:14:14 · answer #5 · answered by CAPTAIN BEAR 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for me, the customs search wasn't very intense at all. the most they would do is just open your luggage and search through it to make sure you aren't carrying any illegal substences. as for computers, i'm not really sure. i guess it depends on how much equipment you're carrying. if like a simple laptop, they wouldn't look though it. but if like you're loaded, they just might ask you to turn it on and have a peek
2007-07-08 11:36:35 · answer #6 · answered by goldenmonkey 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've gone to China 4 times and have never been stopped.
2007-07-09 14:23:45 · answer #7 · answered by ME 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
trust me they won't try to bother you.
if you don't have anything sketchy in the bags you'll be fine.
2007-07-09 13:59:53 · answer #8 · answered by sellatieeat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
personal belonings not computer or cell phone they never check that stuff.
2007-07-08 14:58:19 · answer #9 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋