Quote Originally Posted by ctbuchanan View Post
Many, many years ago my wife and I went to Ireland, Scotland and England on our honeymoon. We specifically used money we had received as gifts to purchase some special items on the trip because way back then the exchange rate was soooo good.

We bought Waterford crystal in Ireland which was shipped to us. The store labeled it as a 'gift' and we paid no duty.
We bought china in England which was shipped to us. The store declared full value and we paid the duty.
We bought many yards of different tartan material in Scotland which was shipped to us. The store declared the value at about $25.00 so it was exempt from duty.

Three different countries, three different approaches. Odd though that it was only the English which were the sticklers.
I'd take care if I were some of those vendors - labeling a parcel as something that it's not (even the value of the parcel) is illegal in most countries. And I'd hardly call something somebody paid for a "gift". The only reason so many things get through that way is that there are way too many parcels to check, and it really wouldn't be worth it to governments on either side of the transaction.

While I have little sympathy for my government or its financial situation, I am proud to be a citizen of my country and so will obey its laws.

Sorry if that came across as dogmatic - those are my reasons for being up-front about shipping of goods.

I'm stepping off my soapbox now...