Seeking advice on International travel (US-Germany)

[Bill Sepaniak]

I have done the carnet route several times. In each case it was when we were taking a whole bunch of stuff to gigs we had in the UK. Sort of a PIA in terms of paper-work and getting stuff stamped by customs on both sides. Think of it as a passport for your equipment. I guess, in theory, it is supposed to prevent you from taking your gear into a high-tax (VAT) country and selling the stuff there without paying the import duty and VAT, and vice-versa, to keep you from buying some high ticket piece of gear outside the US and bring it back without paying the import duty here in the US. To be honest with you, it got to be such a hassle to schlep our gear that on subsequent gigs we just ended up renting what we needed in the UK. I would think that if you kept the gear to a minimum and just looked like a tourist with a few expensive toys, you would probably be OK. (But, I would still have copies of the purchase receipts.) OTOH, if you are going with cases of stuff and look like you are some big production company, then you might want the carnet. The other thing you also have to consider is what you will say to the immigration officer when he asks you about the purpose of your visit. If you tell him, "work" then you may have some additional issues ... because technically you are not entitled to "work" unless you have the appropriate visa or work permit. I remember the first time we went to London with a camera guy, sound guy, associate producer and the talent. We all went through immigration together and I stupidly said that we were from LA to film some segments for American TV. WRONG ANSWER. As Ricky said to Lucy, "... you got a whole lot of 'splainin' to do ..." Somehow I was able to talk my way out of it ... but it is a lesson I never forgot.

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Scarlet X # 1859 “Bettie Page”
“… preparing to ‘whip’ the competition …”

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11-16/2.8

[Frank Weeks]

It just keeps getting stranger and stranger. I not sure they will buy the tourist routine with an Epic, Red one, 5dII and a bevy of lenses along for the ride. Even a Gopro.
How long does it take to apply for and receive a carnet? What's the fastest way to apply? Where? Anyway to expedite the process? About what should I expect to pay?
Thanks Miles and Bill for further insight into this ever confusing endeavor.
Still wondering if any of you have had to deal with major problems while traveling to and from Germany with or without a carnet?

[Rob Gardner]

We are very religious about traveling with a Carnet. Fifteen years ago I got caught without one and all my equipment was seized. I had to post a huge bond in order to get it out of customs. I never made that mistake again. You only have to be wrong once. it isn't really such a pain in the ass, just some paperwork and a little more time at customs. Actually, it is kind of a pain in the ass, now that I think about it, but much better than the alternative...

[Bill Sepaniak]

... How long does it take to apply for and receive a carnet? What's the fastest way to apply? Where? Anyway to expedite the process? About what should I expect to pay?

Give these guys a call: Carnets Xpress: 562-434-7983.

[Frank Weeks]

Fifteen years ago I got caught without one and all my equipment was seized. I had to post a huge bond in order to get it out of customs.

That's the kind of story I was afraid of Rob. Thanks

Give these guys a call: Carnets Xpress: 562-434-7983.

Tomorrow. Thanks

[Shane Kelly]

Thanks Shane, I'm clueless about the carnet. Is it obtained here in the US or when arriving in Germany?

Thanks Martin and Ulf. I'll check out your suggestions. I hope they understand English as well as you guys.

You get it here, it is a pita but will give you piece of mind. You could also carry your original receipts and be fine with getting back into the country. The issue here may be getting into Germany. I've travelled to many countries with my gear and have not needed to deal with customs but it's probably only a matter of time before I do.

I did get into taiwan in 1995 for $200 and a bottle of whiskey with no stamps whatsoever on my passport but that, as they say , is another story.

[William Albertini]

The United States Council for International Business, at the address I posted earlier are the guys that actually issue the carnet. I worked directly with them in order to try and save a few bucks. There are many expeditors who will smooth the process filling out forms etc. but it still comes from this organization so you will end up paying an intermediary to help. If I were to do it again I would probably cough up and use an expeditor, it really was that much of a pain. Also if you miss one stamp while traveling, the whole thing is voided. Before getting your flight here, you have to find a customs inspector to stamp your paperwork, do the same on arrival then do the same on the way back. So 4 sets of paperwork assuming you are only traveling to one country and back to the US.

[Miles Heckendorn]

How long does it take to apply for and receive a carnet? What's the fastest way to apply? Where? Anyway to expedite the process? About what should I expect to pay?

Honestly, I'm not sure. My boss always takes care of getting the paperwork. I'll ask him and see what he says.

Also if you miss one stamp while traveling, the whole thing is voided. Before getting your flight here, you have to find a customs inspector to stamp your paperwork, do the same on arrival then do the same on the way back. So 4 sets of paperwork assuming you are only traveling to one country and back to the US.

Very true! Make sure you get the stamps.

In Europe there is a "RED" line and a "GREEN" line when you arrive. Usually there will be someone from customs waiting in the "RED" line to check the paper work and stamp everything. However in Norway sometimes there isn't anyone and we have to wait...but that's another story. :)

Just make sure to ask them where to go for your return flight. Most of the time customs has their booth in departures or you might have to find the police booth. Either way there will be some waiting. So budget a little extra time.

[Miles Heckendorn]

Okay, I just heard back from my boss.

He uses an expeditor. :) He said that it actually costs a bit more but it is well worth it in regards to time and headaches.

[Will Keir]

So somber, any solutions? Does South West fly to Asia? :)

Delta is brutal, and wickedly stupid. Pint this out -

http://www.delta.com/traveling_check...ndex.jsp#media

Take it with you. Have a laminated card with your picture and the name of your company and the word media on it. If you are connecting in a European airport, be prepared for them to yell at you about the two carry ons. Be patient, and explain what they are. Ask at the ticket counter in the US for a tag for your carry ons. Some times they give you a first class tag to put on there so nobody bothers you.

I would make sure to have a plan for suicide as dealing with Delta is often worse than death, and if I had had access to the sweet embrace of the Angel of Oblivion, I would have taken it many times.

Nick