2 Questions About Going To The Usa

[livinthailandos]

I will be flying back home to the USA and wanted to know from anyone who has been to the usa in the last 6 months or more anything I should have a heads up on.

I already know about obamacare and have keep up to date regarding the new elections recently and the economy and the guns issue just wanted to know if there was anything else I should know about especially any new rules regarding immigration and customs. I will also make sure to check out the usa immigration as well before I go

Other question I have is regarding getting a sim card for internet and telephone use, the last time I was back in the USA there does not seem to be any options for international travelers. The only option I know is to buy a prepaid phone and prepaid service at walmart or target. I would rather prefer to use my smartphone if possible, By the way my phone is a samsung galaxy s3.

any help would be welcome and I look forward to any comments, ideas, and postings

[lomatopo]

I return to the U.S. every ~ 60 days. Not sure how health care reform, the elections, economy or guns would affect your trip? They certainly do not affect my frequent trips back home. I haven't heard about any new rules regarding customs and immigration?

You can get a pre-paid SIM from T-Mobile, AT&T or one of the gazillion MVNOs reselling T-Mo and AT&T. StraightTalk is both an AT&T and T-Mo MVNO. An exact recommendation would be based on your specific location(s), duration, requirements (mobile data?). I use T-Mo, pre-paid and select the $3/day plan which offers unlimited voice, text and 3G data. I use an unlocked SGS2, your SGS3 will work fine.

Edited February 2, 2013 by lomatopo

[rfukata]

things to be aware of before entering USA.

1) if you are carrying over $10K in monetary instruments you will need to fill out form C105, previous called #4790 (you can download on google)

2) fill out (onboard) aircraft; form 6059 - customs declaration

3) US Agriculture; does not permit any kind of Pork i.e. extract, Knor soup base, jerky, dry-noodles w/pork flavor. Chicken is also a prohibited as

well.

[aarn]

Canadian friend of mine flew HongKong - Toronto via Detroit last year. US Customs seized his laptop, held it 6 weeks, then allowed him to liberate it, if her paid US$120 to send to Canada.

Don't take anything that may be construed as copyright violation or porn on your IT-ware. AA

[callao]

you'll get a much better rate of exchange changing thai baht to US$ in thailand, they might go thru your bag, long ques in LAX

[pomchop]

things to be aware of before entering USA.

1) if you are carrying over $10K in monetary instruments you will need to fill out form C105, previous called #4790 (you can download on google)

2) fill out (onboard) aircraft; form 6059 - customs declaration

3) US Agriculture; does not permit any kind of Pork i.e. extract, Knor soup base, jerky, dry-noodles w/pork flavor. Chicken is also a prohibited as

well.

So if you have more than 10 k usd you can just fill out a form on the plane and then no problems? Or do they then quiz/hassle you about the money? Of course could wire transfer but prefer to just carry about 20 k usd if no problems?

Advice?

[rfukata]

things to be aware of before entering USA.

1) if you are carrying over $10K in monetary instruments you will need to fill out form C105, previous called #4790 (you can download on google)

2) fill out (onboard) aircraft; form 6059 - customs declaration

3) US Agriculture; does not permit any kind of Pork i.e. extract, Knor soup base, jerky, dry-noodles w/pork flavor. Chicken is also a prohibited as

well.

So if you have more than 10 k usd you can just fill out a form on the plane and then no problems? Or do they then quiz/hassle you about the money? Of course could wire transfer but prefer to just carry about 20 k usd if no problems?

Advice?

the form c105 is not available on board the aircraft. you may want to note it on the #6059 that you have in excess over $10K.

usually, no quiz or hassle if you document the money (as nothing to hide). some times they ask why you are carrying so much

money, so my answer is the exchange rate is better w/cash vs wire transfer or, i.e. I am buying a car, downpayment for house..

the best thing to do is ask the Customs agent or Immigration officer that you need the c105 in advance prior to getting your

luggage check and fill out the form.

for the wire transfer over $10K situation; if out of the US, the US banks will fill a special form out with your SS# number and information

and forward it the proper agency.

Be absolute sure to fill out the c105 if you are carrying $20K out of US, this will save you and alot of time if you were to get

stopped. (check the form out online, its not scary)

[lomatopo]

you may want to note it on the #6059 that you have in excess over $10K.

Every person/family entering the U.S. must complete a Customs Declaration form:

http://www.cbp.gov/x...ration_form.xml

Question 13 specifically addresses the $10,000 limit, so it is not optional.

If you are carrying more than $10,000 then I would answer honestly, and pre-complete FinCEN 105

https://help.cbp.gov...to-or-leave-the

http://www.fincen.gov/forms/files/fin105_cmir.pdf

and I would carry a lot of docmentation re: source/destination/reason/intent for carrying the cash. Note that this applies to both entering the U.S. and departing.

Personally I would just wire xfer funds as it is easier and safer.

Edited February 3, 2013 by lomatopo

[rfukata]

things to be aware of before entering USA.

1) if you are carrying over $10K in monetary instruments you will need to fill out form C105, previous called #4790 (you can download on google)

2) fill out (onboard) aircraft; form 6059 - customs declaration

3) US Agriculture; does not permit any kind of Pork i.e. extract, Knor soup base, jerky, dry-noodles w/pork flavor. Chicken is also a prohibited as

well.

So if you have more than 10 k usd you can just fill out a form on the plane and then no problems? Or do they then quiz/hassle you about the money? Of course could wire transfer but prefer to just carry about 20 k usd if no problems?

Advice?

the form c105 is not available on board the aircraft. you may want to note it on the #6059 that you have in excess over $10K.

usually, no quiz or hassle if you document the money (as nothing to hide). some times they ask why you are carrying so much

money, so my answer is the exchange rate is better w/cash vs wire transfer or, i.e. I am buying a car, downpayment for house..

the best thing to do is ask the Customs agent or Immigration officer that you need the c105 in advance prior to getting your

luggage check and fill out the form.

for the wire transfer over $10K situation; if out of the US, the US banks will fill a special form out with your SS# number and information

and forward it the proper agency.

Be absolute sure to fill out the c105 if you are carrying $20K out of US, this will save you and alot of time if you were to get

stopped. (check the form out online, its not scary)

here is the form; 105' pls. omit the C, or search US customs 105

[pomchop]

you may want to note it on the #6059 that you have in excess over $10K.

Every person/family entering the U.S. must complete a Customs Declaration form:

http://www.cbp.gov/x...ration_form.xml

Question 13 specifically addresses the $10,000 limit, so it is not optional.

If you are carrying more thean $10,000 then I would answer honestly, and pre-complete FinCEN 105

https://help.cbp.gov...to-or-leave-the

and I would carry a lot of docmentation re: source/destination/reason/intent for carrying the cash. Note that this applies to both entering the U.S. and departing.

Personally I would just wire xfer funds as it is easier and safer.

thanks ..yep prob easier to just wire it as don't want to get the third degree from some over eager customs guy....

[craigt3365]

Several off topic and ridiculous posts have been removed from view. If you can't help the OP, then please don't post.

[JDGRUEN]

OP - TSA is rabid these days... Customs almost as bad. I would not provoke them in any way ... I wouldn't carry any large amounts of cash. Just wire it or do a bank transfer after you arrive in the USA. I would follow every baggage contents rule.

The articles I read in the newspaper and see on TV have caused me to consider crossing over to Canada by car then fly to Thailand. I am very serious in this statement.

And - there is a new rule about phones -- cannot use phones that have been 'broken'... jail broke... what ever. T-Mobile or Metro PCS maybe be your best bet. Metro PCS has a no contact for phones - smartphones included. $55.00 a month and you could get a SIM card with no contract for your Samsung Galaxy 3

Edited February 3, 2013 by JDGRUEN

[craigt3365]

TSA is a bit of a pain, but don't believe what you read in the news. The vast majority of travelers experience NO problems.

As for jail broken phones being illegal, please provide a link. Here's what I was able to come up with, it's legal, and most problems seem to be due to Apple pursuing this:

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/10/jailbreaking-iphone-legal-in-us-illegal-to-jailbreak-ipad-unlock-iphones.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_jailbreaking

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/07/feds-ok-iphone-jailbreaking/

[lomatopo]

This recent, longish thread has most of the usual (mis-)perceptions and experiences re: traveling to/from the U.S. Oh, the horror.

http://www.thaivisa....ng-in-thailand/

Personally, I have never had any issues re: CPB (aka: Immigration/Customs) or TSA in hundreds of segments, but then CPB stamps in ~ 62 million people per year while the TSA screens 1.8 million passengers per day. With that volume of people I would expect there to be some problems, issues and complaints. It is not even clear if the OP will even encounter TSA, save perhaps one time beginning their return journey.

The current moratorium on carrier unlocking of phones under contract will not affect the OP.

The following is a very minor detail but I would recommend leaving any Thai lottery tickets at home as the importation of even a single one is technically against the law.

Edited February 3, 2013 by lomatopo

[NowImEasy]

Always, the best way to avoid problems is to tell the truth. If ICE suspects any deception, be prepared for a thorough search, including pictures on your phone, and memory cards. Child porn is a serious offense in the US, commited anywhere in the world. If they search your data for this, any information on anything is considered leagally discovered in US courts.

About the money, just tell the truth. $20,000 is no big deal.

[NowImEasy]

As a footnote, Cuban cigars are still illegal! I used to buy a few packs of Puritos in Narita, and the one time I was searched, they didn't bother me for the Cubanos. But I believe that US ICE is the reason they no longer sell them at Narita.

[mopar71]

Canadian friend of mine flew HongKong - Toronto via Detroit last year. US Customs seized his laptop, held it 6 weeks, then allowed him to liberate it, if her paid US$120 to send to Canada.

Don't take anything that may be construed as copyright violation or porn on your IT-ware. AA

Any idea why they chose to take her laptop? I would think thousands pass through one custom point every day and they can't take one without good reason. Right?

[mopar71]

So if you have more than 10 k usd you can just fill out a form on the plane and then no problems? Or do they then quiz/hassle you about the money? Of course could wire transfer but prefer to just carry about 20 k usd if no problems?

Advice?

the form c105 is not available on board the aircraft. you may want to note it on the #6059 that you have in excess over $10K.

usually, no quiz or hassle if you document the money (as nothing to hide). some times they ask why you are carrying so much

money, so my answer is the exchange rate is better w/cash vs wire transfer or, i.e. I am buying a car, downpayment for house..

the best thing to do is ask the Customs agent or Immigration officer that you need the c105 in advance prior to getting your

luggage check and fill out the form.

Make sure you get the form before going too far. In Germany a friend of mine arrived at Frankfurt airport with a lot of cash. He walked up to ask a question about whether or not he needed a form. They confiscated his cash because he had already crossed some line or point in the airport he wasn't supposed to. He had to get a lawyer to get most of it back.

[akspace]

Canadian friend of mine flew HongKong - Toronto via Detroit last year. US Customs seized his laptop, held it 6 weeks, then allowed him to liberate it, if her paid US$120 to send to Canada.

Don't take anything that may be construed as copyright violation or porn on your IT-ware. AA

Any idea why they chose to take her laptop? I would think thousands pass through one custom point every day and they can't take one without good reason. Right?

I had a secondary search and they wanted to look at my laptop. I was completely open with the customs agent so he didn't even bother opening it. I suspect if they had opened it and found the encrypted hard drive (work requirement) they would have confiscated it. He did want explicit details about where I worked and lived after I told him it was a work laptop. In my case they were looking for evidence of child pornography, at least that is what the agent told me, because I fit the profile. I haven't been searched since, but I do get lots of comments about the number of stamps from SEA countries.

[Nana Cowboy]

I had posted something earlier which doesn't appear to be here. I thought it was important for the OP as he requested "any comments, ideas etc". My take as a US citizen and someone who has traveled back and forth from Thailand to the US multiple times from 1999-2013. Yes so that b4 9/11 and after, b4 sandy hook and after. Don't fall for MEDIA HYPE about world events, tsa, school shootings or whatever. These things have NO EFFECT on world travel except that screening is done more closely for the benefit of all. Millions and millions of travelers are processed thru the immi and security screenings. Just do as you would anywhere, be polite and cooperate. I have never had a problem. The chances of you being singled out for anything are nil. the posters who talk about carrying cash well do not carry over 10,000 dollars as they almost always ask you how much you are carrying

also someone had mentioned Canada: I did get interrogated and searched flying from Toronto to the USA back around 2000. For some reason there is something going on btw that border but Asia to the USA never a problem.

Edited February 4, 2013 by Nana Cowboy

[Nana Cowboy]

the chances of US customs/immi checking to see if you have a jail broken phone are about as close to zero as you can get. I doubt your laptop would get singled out for inspection either

[craigt3365]

TSA is a bit of a pain, but don't believe what you read in the news. The vast majority of travelers experience NO problems.

As for jail broken phones being illegal, please provide a link. Here's what I was able to come up with, it's legal, and most problems seem to be due to Apple pursuing this:

http://www.iphonehac...ck-iphones.html

http://en.wikipedia....OS_jailbreaking

http://www.wired.com...e-jailbreaking/

Just google 'It is now illegal to unlock cell phone U.S.

http://abcnews.go.co...ory?id=18319518

From the article:

If your phone has already been unlocked, you are grandfathered in and won't face any legal issues.

...............

Jeschke said that the EFF hasn't heard of anybody who faced legal action during an earlier period when it was illegal to unlock phones in the U.S. before a prior rule change made it legal several years ago.

[lomatopo]

I was not talking about the U.S. Customs looking at the phone (sorry I did not make that clear) I was talking about the phone company from which OP intends to buy a SIM card. Depending upon how that particular company interprets the new rule - they may or may not issue a SIM card to him for his phone. It was a 'heads up' to OP to be aware of the rule change and that is may affect him - depends on how his foreign acquired phone is viewed by the vendor.in the USA.

This is a non-issue - there is no check/verification of a handset when a SIM is purchased - and the OP will not be affected, at all.

If you purchased a subsidized handset in the U.S., and it is still under contract, and you've unlocked it then you might be advised to stay away from the service provider who's contract you have violated. But obviously, the reason to unlock a device is so that you can use it on another network. I just can't see, even an AT&T MVNO like StraightTalk, blocking a potentially "illegally unlocked" handset based on the IMEI?

But again, for anyone who has purchased a "factory-unlocked" phone, and every phone sold here is "factory unlocked", please do not be concerned with this issue that people seem intent on re-surfacing. It is a non-issue: you can get a pre-paid SIM and use it.

[watcharacters]

Canadian friend of mine flew HongKong - Toronto via Detroit last year. US Customs seized his laptop, held it 6 weeks, then allowed him to liberate it, if her paid US$120 to send to Canada.

Don't take anything that may be construed as copyright violation or porn on your IT-ware. AA

And add trademark as in "copies" to that as well. It could potentially be extremely expensive if caught.

[craigt3365]

You can buy "unlocked" phones in the US. I got one not long ago. I think this new ruling is your not allowed to jail break it yourself, right???

http://www.amazon.com/unlocked-cell-phones/b?ie=UTF8&node=2407749011

http://www.walmart.com/cp/Unlocked-Phones/1073085

[lomatopo]

You can buy "unlocked" phones in the US. I got one not long ago.

Yes, of course you can.

Apple sells unlocked iPhones, in the U.S.

AT&T sells unlocked phones.

Again, this is a non-issue, but continue to beat it like the dead horse that it is.

[lomatopo]

Yes - you can still buy NEW unlocked phones under the new restrictive rules from the major vendors like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and others... BUT you will pay Full Price which is expensive ... $450, $550, $650, etc. Buying used 'branded' unlocked phones from anyone other than the vendor whose brand is holds will go by the wayside in the USA under this new idiot protectionist rule. In other words selling used branded phones from AT&T, Sprint, Verizon being sold on ebay and Amazon or anywhere else will come to an end under the new rule.

A.) This entire post is wholly misinformed so please ignore it, except:

B.) Yes, unlocked phones are more expensive than subsidized phones, obviously. However a factory-unlocked iPhone 5 is less expensive in the U.S. than here.

C.) Subsidized phones come with contracts which have terms and conditions covering many, many items, including not tampering with the phone.

D.) Once the contract is completed, carriers give unlock codes.

Still not seeing how this affects anyone, including the OP? The OP will definitely NOT have any issues and should ignore posts implying otherwise. But beat away, eventually you will be "right" and the horse will move if you hit it hard enough.

If the OP can share any details re: location, length of trip, requirements, I can make some more defined recommendations. AT&T and T-Mo have perhaps the simplest pre-paid pay-as-you-go options, coverage, and mobile data. The SGS3 would likely work best, for 3G, on the AT&T network (850/1900 MHz) network, but T-Mo has re-farmed much of AT&T's 1900 MHz 3G, as a result of the failed take-over, in the top major metropolitan areas, so T-Mo is also an option. (Note that much of T-Mo's 3G network operates on the unique AWS frequencies 1700/2100, which the SGS3 does not support.) Most MVNOs, which resell AT&T or T-Mo, have 30-day plans which might only be economical on trips in the 2 week+ range.

[craigt3365]

Great info, Mr. Lomatopo!

I've hidden a few off topic posts. I think enough with the cell phones, OK?

[callao]

check Metro PCS for no contract fairly cheap prepaid or monthly service in USA

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

Don't pay cash for your ticket, use a credit card or check. I paid cash and they searched me at both US airports. When I ask them why they said it was because I paid cash for my ticket. go figure.