For those traveling to Japan
03-02-11, 11:05 PM
#1
For those traveling to Japan
Hey guys,
I would assume anyone here that ever plans to come to Japan for travel would be inclined to take parts back with them to their home country.
Here are some tips for doing this.
#1 The most important thing in my opinion is to be sure you are not flying using any American carriers including ANA because I believe they are linked with Continental now. The reason for this is mostly for baggage restrictions but also I have found the service is crap also. I highly recommend Singapore Airlines or Korean Airlines. I have flown with a lot of different carriers but these two have allowed the maximum amount of luggage (size and weight) as well as amazing in air service.
#2 Any used parts you are taking back will need to be cleaned as best as possible. The parts are X-rayed and if they show there is oil or grease then there is a strong chance they will not allow it on the plane. Last summer I took a used turbo that I had cleaned but it still had oil remnants inside of it, they had me unwrap it from the bubble wrap and plastic wrap and show them. Thankfully they were satisfied with its cleanliness and allowed it on the plane.
#3 The two carriers I listed above will allow the following luggage amounts per person. 2 bags under the plane, each can weigh up to 20kg and they often will give you another 3kg if you are nice
. That makes a total of 46kg. Then you are allowed a carry on bag as well. This is supposed to weight 10kg or less... but they do not weigh this so if you can carry or wheel it past everyone without them assuming it weights a lot then you wont have any problems. You are also allowed a computer case (mine usually does not contain a computer... shhhh) as well as hand carried bags from the duty free shops (be creative). You can also take sports equipment with you. I have had success taking some large car parts claiming they were from a "sports" car 
. Keep in mind they do not charge people to take a wind surf board set up and those things are HUGE!
#4 Be prepared to pay import sales tax on your items. It is not fun but thats just the way life is. If you can show proof of the items value at a very low price then you may get away with paying a smaller amount than if you say you dont know the value or say you dont have receipts.
#5 Nine out of Ten times you will be stopped by someone and questioned about the items you are taking or bringing. Some times you will be questioned before departing japan and sometimes you will be questioned once you arrive back home.
#6 Be sure to document with pics, the parts you take before they are given to the airline to stow away. This can be very helpful in the case of damage or missing parts.
#7 Most airlines will allow you to insure your baggage, however most airline counter employees have no idea how to charge you for this so be prepared for it to take some time. They will push for you to use some other form of insurance but if you do not have other means of insuring your items be confident that they can insure them for you.
#8 Lastly, reread #1 and #2 these are very important.
Have a safe trip and good luck with your parts hunting!
I would assume anyone here that ever plans to come to Japan for travel would be inclined to take parts back with them to their home country.
Here are some tips for doing this.
#1 The most important thing in my opinion is to be sure you are not flying using any American carriers including ANA because I believe they are linked with Continental now. The reason for this is mostly for baggage restrictions but also I have found the service is crap also. I highly recommend Singapore Airlines or Korean Airlines. I have flown with a lot of different carriers but these two have allowed the maximum amount of luggage (size and weight) as well as amazing in air service.
#2 Any used parts you are taking back will need to be cleaned as best as possible. The parts are X-rayed and if they show there is oil or grease then there is a strong chance they will not allow it on the plane. Last summer I took a used turbo that I had cleaned but it still had oil remnants inside of it, they had me unwrap it from the bubble wrap and plastic wrap and show them. Thankfully they were satisfied with its cleanliness and allowed it on the plane.
#3 The two carriers I listed above will allow the following luggage amounts per person. 2 bags under the plane, each can weigh up to 20kg and they often will give you another 3kg if you are nice
. That makes a total of 46kg. Then you are allowed a carry on bag as well. This is supposed to weight 10kg or less... but they do not weigh this so if you can carry or wheel it past everyone without them assuming it weights a lot then you wont have any problems. You are also allowed a computer case (mine usually does not contain a computer... shhhh) as well as hand carried bags from the duty free shops (be creative). You can also take sports equipment with you. I have had success taking some large car parts claiming they were from a "sports" car . Keep in mind they do not charge people to take a wind surf board set up and those things are HUGE! #4 Be prepared to pay import sales tax on your items. It is not fun but thats just the way life is. If you can show proof of the items value at a very low price then you may get away with paying a smaller amount than if you say you dont know the value or say you dont have receipts.
#5 Nine out of Ten times you will be stopped by someone and questioned about the items you are taking or bringing. Some times you will be questioned before departing japan and sometimes you will be questioned once you arrive back home.
#6 Be sure to document with pics, the parts you take before they are given to the airline to stow away. This can be very helpful in the case of damage or missing parts.
#7 Most airlines will allow you to insure your baggage, however most airline counter employees have no idea how to charge you for this so be prepared for it to take some time. They will push for you to use some other form of insurance but if you do not have other means of insuring your items be confident that they can insure them for you.
#8 Lastly, reread #1 and #2 these are very important.
Have a safe trip and good luck with your parts hunting!
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