What not to bring!!

[Byo]

Have been talking to some newly arrived expats and thought it best to warn others that are coming over. The Aussie customs seem to have this thing about Christmas tree's and the pine cones that are on them or with them. I'm talking about fake ones here. They say they have to destroy them or spray them, either way you get stung with a nice bill. Also shoes, tents, bikes, they have to be cleaned which you get charged for. It can get quite expensive which you don't need after spending loads on getting here. You can't argue with them either cause they know you are desperate for your stuff so will pay anything.

[anj1976]

rest is alright, but how can someone come without shoes?

[Halo]

Its NOT that bad... if you use a reputable agent its doubtful that you will be hassled....

[Dolly]

Yep, if you've packed anything in your consignment that says "christmas decorations" on it they'll go straight for it. I had to leave behind all my christmas wreaths (even though they had fake berries and cones on). Broke my heart.

Bikes are OK if you clean them extremely thoroughly first. You will only get charged if customs think they are 'dirty'. All our bikes and shoes were fine (scrubbed to within an inch of their lives - took flippin ages!!).

Another tip: when cleaning bikes, tools etc make sure you use something like Jeyes fluid as it leaves a pungent odour so customs will 'smell' you're items have had a clean.

Did you get a cleaning bill from customs then?

Dolly

[anj1976]

I meant, if you are taking shoes on board, in the luggage.. ok, i understand it has to be cleaned, but do they still make an issue of it?

[Byo]

Originally Posted by Halo

Its NOT that bad... if you use a reputable agent its doubtful that you will be hassled....

Halo yes it is!!!!

Dolly, not with cleaning with fake pine cones from Argos. The funny thing is I'm from Africa and they let all my wooden stuff in no probs, so its abit of a joke really.

Shoes, makes sure they don't have any dirt on them.

[Dolly]

They don't seem to bother at all with shoes you have in your suitcases.

Dolly

[Bluecookie]

Originally Posted by Dolly

Yep, if you've packed anything in your consignment that says "christmas decorations" on it they'll go straight for it. I had to leave behind all my christmas wreaths (even though they had fake berries and cones on). Broke my heart.

Bikes are OK if you clean them extremely thoroughly first. You will only get charged if customs think they are 'dirty'. All our bikes and shoes were fine (scrubbed to within an inch of their lives - took flippin ages!!).

Another tip: when cleaning bikes, tools etc make sure you use something like Jeyes fluid as it leaves a pungent odour so customs will 'smell' you're items have had a clean.

Did you get a cleaning bill from customs then?

Dolly

Hi Dolly

The guy from the shipping company came to my house last week and told me the exact same thing about cleaning bikes and tools ,especially as my partner is a Joiner!!

So i might try your tip on the Jeyes fluid!!!

Hels

[northern mover]

Hiya,

Like Dolly, i am leaving some of my xmas stuff, which is cruel, i love christmas, and have spent years collecting decos!
I have removed the pine cones from my tree, which were plastic but i am not taking the risk!!

Hels, i have told my OH he has to sell the table saws etc, i cant be ar###ed cleaning that lot as well. Enough to do with the bikes etc. Not a happy chappy, but he will just have to buy new......and he's an accounts manager, why he wants this stuff is beyond me;

All i can say is i am sooo glad they don't want the kids cleaned with Jeyes fluid; can you imagine????

[hazeyfantazey71]

I know it is most bizare! we had loads of wood and stuff in our shipment, but they took all our christmas stuff! what the?

H.

Originally Posted by Byo

Have been talking to some newly arrived expats and thought it best to warn others that are coming over. The Aussie customs seem to have this thing about Christmas tree's and the pine cones that are on them or with them. I'm talking about fake ones here. They say they have to destroy them or spray them, either way you get stung with a nice bill. Also shoes, tents, bikes, they have to be cleaned which you get charged for. It can get quite expensive which you don't need after spending loads on getting here. You can't argue with them either cause they know you are desperate for your stuff so will pay anything.