We have a region free DVD player that plays foreign DVDs. So far I have limited my purchases to amazon.fr. On our next trip to Europe I can't wait to stock up on DVD's.
Has anyone ever expereinced any troubles bringing many DVD's back from Europe (20+). Ever been hassled by customs.
Trips to France have become times to stock up on those things we cannot find in the US so we're just wondering about potential problems.
thanks.
Europe may be a different issue, but we bought lots of DVDs in China (maybe 100 or so all together between three of us). We listed them on the customs form just as "DVDs" and a value, without listing how many we had, and we were not questioned about it at all. Others who were on our trip, with fewer DVDs, were told that you can be fined as much as $1000 EACH for counterfeit DVDs -- but the customs person let them through anyway.
In my last trip I brought back 5 DVD's from London without hassel. Including 8 of UK CD's and magazines... basically stuff you can't get here in the states.
I am guessing...As long as its not in the thousands of dollars, you're ok with customs
I would think that if you bought the DVDs retail and not as duty free items you won't have any problems. I wouldn't think you should have to declare them either. It's not as if you are buying non genuine ones like those out of Asia. I wouldn't worry at all.
Another thing to know is that all the PlayStations and Xboxes are region free and you can play Euro videos through them on US televisions.
The US video games won't play on euro playstations and visa versa, though.
Happy shopping.
Keep in mind that DVD's are area coded. 1 is for the Americas, 2 for Europe, Middle East and Africa and 3 for Asia and Pacific. Many DVD players only accept "local" code DVD's.
It's not illegal to buy legitimate DVDs abroad and bring them home with you. There are a lot of foreign films that are never released in the US, and the only way to buy them is online via Amazon.com's international site or while your visiting Europe. Not many people know this, but most DVD player sold in the US will automatically convert PAL DVDs into the North American format, and there is usually a "secret" code you can enter via the remote control that allows region 2 DVDs(Europe) to be viewed on US DVD players. Computer DVD players and game console DVD players don't need a secret code.
We bought our DVDs in regular stores on regular shopping streets. I wouldn't know if they were counterfeit or not. As I said, there were three of us, with a total of 100 or so DVDs. If something is for sale in a store, I would assume it is as genuine as things you find for sale here.
Here is what customs says: "You may bring back genuine trademarked and copyrighted articles (subject to duties). Products subject to copyright protection most commonly imported include software on CD-ROMs, sound recordings, toys, stuffed animals, clothing with cartoon characters, videotapes, DVDs, music CDs, and books. Products subject to trademark protection most commonly imported include handbags and accessories, and clothing."
Therefore, I'm no lawyer, but sounds okay.
