Originally Posted by
PA66
Hello,
I have a question on customs allowance in India. Between the info here
http://www.cbec.gov.in/travellers.htm
and on the arrivals card, I'm trying to figure out what value of gifts I can take to India, duty free.
The arrivals form shows different allowances for 'tourists of foreign origin' (Rs 8000 for gifts and souvenirs) and 'tourists of Indian origin' (Rs 25,000).
I am a US-born US citizen, with parents/grandparents born in India.
Any idea how much gifts I can bring for family, and still go through the green channel?
My experience has been as long as you have reasonable amount of gifts eg 1 camera, 1 laptop, 1 ipad, liquor, 1 watch etc they usually don't harass folks with US passports. Act confident and don't make much eye contact. Keep moving and if questioned, question them back in an firm but polite tone. If all else fails you can say okay I will take it back and put it on my passport. Usually they never do that with US passports. They only harass folks with Indian passports. This has been my experience and I visit 3-4 times a year! YMMV