<p>D2 leaves for Moscow in 3 days for her study aboard program. She received detailed directions on what to bring/not bring. Bringing a laptop was not a problem. I’ve traveled to Europe in May with DH and brought a laptop–had absolutely no problem getting through security.</p>
<p>D is in Switzerland this semester. Also had no problem with her laptop.</p>
<p>Many thanks to all for your responses. The customs sheet for New Zealand said computers are taxed 12.5% of its value. In Israel, the customs sheet said computers are taxed 16.5% of its value. Responses appear to indicate that you and your children have gone through customs without paying a tax. Therefore, I am confused – are customs taxes only for certain countries? Is a laptop considered an essential and a larger computer considered a luxury for customs tax purposes? Is there a difference for a student between bringing in a laptop vs. computer?</p>
<p>Do they mean that they tax new items, in boxes, that may have been brought in as gifts or for sale?</p>
<p>You are misunderstanding customs taxes. All countries have customs duties. But they are for if you are importing the computer into the country not for personal items that you have with you and will take back with you. Taking it in for a temporary period of time is *not *importing it. When my family come to visit me from Europe they do not have to pay import duties on their jewelry or laptops or other personal items that they are taking home with them when they leave. If they were bringing items over a certain value that they planned to leave here then they are supposed to declare them and pay taxes on them.</p>
<p>Do you see the difference? Your child is not importing the laptop into the country therefore does not pay customs duty on it. We would all be traveling abroad naked if countries expected us to declare and pay taxes on our personal items that we are planning to take back home with us.</p>
<p>mdcissp,</p>
<p>There really is no special problem. A laptop can be stolen or damaged anywhere, US or abroad. You should be careful anywhere and always have backup. </p>
<p>I think for travelling - anywhere - a netbook is a good idea, and only carry your necessary personal files on a flash disk. Backups are always a good idea.</p>
<p>Sure, 30-40 years ago there was some worry about customs and declaring your Nikon when you enter another country, not anymore.</p>
<p>I have been to 38 countries in the past 10 years, always with a computer. I had one stolen once (in South Africa). It was old and backed up so I bought a new one. Insurance doesn’t save you money over the long run.</p>
<p>Anecdotally, among fellow travellers, the #1 highest risk place for theft is Mexico. For example, my colleague was outside a hotel there, with a dozen other people waiting for the shuttle. A van came up, loaded all their suitcases (and laptops) - and drove off. Maybe it’s hard to find a place in the US that would be that blatant.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the feedback. Did anyone have to pay exhorbitant fees to use your personal laptop? What is a netbook?</p>
<p>OP, it sounds like your son is going to New Zealand? My daughter spent the summer in Shanghai and her apartment had internet. Most laptops now have dual voltage, so the only concern is getting the proper plug converter (and as you may know, the plugs for Australia and New Zealand are very different from those for Asia). If your son is going through his university program, I would think that the students from the year just ahead of him would be able to answer many of your questions, including whether or not a netbook makes sense.</p>
<p>I am concerned about hidden costs before sending my son to New Zealand or any other international place. Although the university tuition is significantly cheaper than in the U.S., I don’t know if there are fees we haven’t thought of such as extremely expensive food, internet fees, level of instruction, what the other kids are like (outdoorsy? artistic? intellectual?), etc. It just feels very far away, never been to New Zealand, and just don’t know what to expect which is why parent feedback is very much appreciated.</p>
<p>New Zealand is fabulous. Excellent produce and ice cream. I haven’t been there in a while, but I don’t recall that food was overly expensive. Never even thought about fees or duty on computers or cameras or anything else we took into the country. </p>
<p>One thing, they were very strict about camping gear, hiking boots, etc. They do not want to introduce any exotic plants or bugs into the country. They wanted to know where our tent had been, and when it was last used. Also want to know if you have been around livestock recently. Stuff like that.</p>
<p>He’ll have a great time!</p>