Just found out I am going to Moldova... can I bring my detector through customs?

[ace1968]

My wife is from Moldova and I have never met her mom. We have decided to go in September. Her mom owns 3 acers of land my wife said it butts up to forest the state owns. She said she played in the woods all the time and could metal detect all week.. thats good since I think I would be bored since I can't speak the language. Any ideas on if it will be a problem to bring my detector?

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector, Waterproof Gold Detector, Pinpoint & Terrain Modes, Professional Metal Detector - Grab it through Amazon!

[cti4sw]

If she had one growing up, I don't see why not. It's not food, alive, and you'll be leaving with it. Just make sure you tell Customs that you have it and what it is so they don't think you're trying to smuggle in something potentially terroristic. What language is spoken in Moldova?

 

[ace1968]

They speak a form of Russian... they may be other languages but my wife talks to her sister and mother in Russian. I never know what is going on at my house since my wife and daughter always talk in Russian. If I was smarter I would learn the language but it is too hard for me. I tell them to speak in English but I am outnumbered.

 

[DizzyDigger]

Checked the US Postal rules for shipping to Moldova:

Moldova

Looks like you're good to go. I would disassemble it and pack
it VERY WELL, as it's a long ride to your in-laws!

Bringing home any artifacts you find...well, that might be more difficult.

 

[cti4sw]

They speak a form of Russian... they may be other languages but my wife talks to her sister and mother in Russian. I never know what is going on at my house since my wife and daughter always talk in Russian. If I was smarter I would learn the language but it is too hard for me. I tell them to speak in English but I am outnumbered.

Make a travel tag for the MD case similar to this one with your info and her moms info on the back:



That should cover any questions, if they open it they will be able to see it for what it is.

 

[pat-tekker-cat]

Hope ya'll enjoy your trip!
Look for some moldavite rocks while your there, too! They're usually green, btw.

It would be funny if when TSA goes to checking you for metal, you pull out YOUR detector, tell them you want to check them, too!

My experience with them though is, they ain't the joking types!

 

[ace1968]

Thanks... I already printed that out..... as far as bringing something home I will make a plan according to what it is.... if I find a few coins I will put them in my wife's coin purse she carries. If it's bigger I will make a new plan based on what it is.

 

[cti4sw]

Bringing home any artifacts you find...well, that might be more difficult.

Mail them home. I wouldn't bring them on the plane. Customs may check the package, but if it's labeled innocuously they may let it go. If you choose to use a... euphemism as a description, make sure you choose one whose weight would approximately match the items in the package so suspicion is not aroused. There's a saying: "If you act like you're supposed to be there, no one pays any attention. If you act shady, people will notice."

 

[Wildcat1750]

Bon Voyage and good luck transporting your detector and find lots of great stuff!

 

[Chuck In Oregon]

Make a travel tag for the MD case similar to this one with your info and her moms info on the back:

View attachment 817089

That should cover any questions, if they open it they will be able to see it for what it is.

THAT is one heckuva a good answer. I put an extra baggage tag on the detector case, too. If you're going to just put it in your regular luggage, I'd put an extra baggage tag on the detector itself. If Moldovan customs separates the MD from your bag, say for extra inspection, it would be convenient to identify it later.

Bringing home a collectible that is not otherwise prohibited is easy through US Customs. Just ID whatever it is/they are as "collectibles". Have a list ready to document your bring-backs. No duty if they are not otherwise prohibited.

Getting through Moldovan customs might be a problem. I'm not familiar with their laws. If they are similar to Russia, you could have a real problem. I'd check into it ASAP. There are some antiquities laws that you don't want to cross. OTOH, detecting in FYR Macedonia and FSR Georgia was a piece of cake. Knowledge is your friend.

Good luck and share your finds with us.

Chuck

 

[pat-tekker-cat]

Oh, I was also gonna say, If they ask why it's not packed with the luggage and stuff, you can remind them that it is very sensitive equipment, and you're not sure that the freezing temp's in the cargo hold would damage it or not. They should understand that, I would think.

I put both my addresses in my detector luggage, where I was going and where I was coming from. Mine was just the little ace250, I didn't carry it on board. Wasn't too worried about it, and the flight didn't seem to affect it at all.
Again, happy tripping and safe travels.

 

[amishboy]

Just like some others have said keep an eye out for moldavite a green gemstone only found there formed from a meteor strike

Sent from my iPad using TreasureNet