i have a relative going to japan, she's willing to bring me back something for the R...any suggestions? Not too pricey and it must fit in luggage or if you have any ideas on how to bring back semi-large things....can you please tell me? i need to know ASAP...Thanks in advance
-James

 

bump^


[Modified by Type Goch, 6:45 PM 6/19/2001]

 

dc2 type r steering wheel, get me one too
and maybe some option videos too

 

up^

 

You might want to do a search - this topic was covered last week if I remember correctly.

If (your relative) is going to Tokyo, the best place would be the big SUPER AUTOBACS in Tokyo Bay.

You could get a C's Short Stroke Shift; they're way cheaper over there.

 

Thanx...your help is greatly appreciated. Also when bringing something back from Japan..small enough to fit in luggage, do you have any tips so that we dont have to pay anything?

 

Anything you bring back with you from Japan is subject to inspection by Customs. If you do not declare it upon re-entry and it is found, it will be seized and not returned. So, be smart, declare what you bought and present a phony receipt (like they can read Japanese) so you don't have to pay huge duty.

 

I don't think Customs can seize undeclared goods (unless it's Cuban cigars); however, you will be subject to the whims of whatever Customs agent is assigning the value to your goods. More importantly, you will get a flag in your record which means you will be searched EVERY time you come back to the US.

Also, since you live in LA, I would be extra careful as I'm sure the Customs agents @ LAX are a little more saavy than usual with regards to JDM car parts; I'm sure they've seen plenty of stuff brought back from Japan.

 

Undeclared goods qualify as smuggling. They have the jurisdiction to detain you, search you and seize all undeclared merchandise. (been there, done that - and had a sore ******* after the cavity search ....j/k)

 

Let's just say I agree with Big Phat R that it's not worth incurring the wrath of the nice folks @ US Customs.

Just don't try to bring back $2000 worth of goods and not declare it.

The other thing is, a lot of shops don't keep a bunch of inventory in stock; you have to order the stuff and it can take 7-10 days to arrive. That's why I recommend the Super Autobacs in Tokyo Bay; that has got to be the biggest store in Japan.

 

My tips is get some under value invoice and make the part look like used and throw away all the fancy and nice Japanese words boxs.
Also, when u come back, dress like a bump, don't wear any expensive clothes or watch or anything that the custom would think that you are a rich boy!!

When declare the total value of the goods you bring back, either declare it $100-200 over the max. so they will just tax u few $$ and let u go, or declare it way under the limit, and pretend u didn't buy anything!! (But I wouldn't do that)

Last time when I came back from HK, I brought over $3000CDN worth of goods and I declare it for $950CDN ($750 is the limit). So I get tax $21!! What do I do? I pay them cash and smile and run away!!!

 

Haha. I like that. Seriously though, I always see Customs giving those people using the burlap/rice sacks for luggage the most trouble.

Kengs - who has been to Asia more times (50+) than he cares to remember and has yet to run afoul of US Customs