From cheap air tickets to destination-based information, gadgets such as smartphones and laptops have it all.
You have access to vast amounts of data that make your life easy and better. Its importance escalates significantly while traveling to far-off or unknown places.
You not only feel better and safe but also confident. However, you must also be aware of the rules and regulations of a particular country when it comes to gizmos.
Therefore, this article will help you make your travel from the USA to India convenient.
Here is what you must know next time you take a trip with your gadgets to India:
1. Shipping Electronics from the USA to India
If you wish to ship electronics to India, you have to take care of a few things. Your parcel must contain the necessary details.
For instance, in the case of mobile phones, you must mention the IMEI number. Otherwise, you may come across troubles from the Indian custom.
Next, for used electronics, such as personal computers, laptops, notebook, CRT televisions, and so on, an NOC (No Objection Certificate) is mandatory.
You have to get it from the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
Such a letter states that the authority has no objection in importing the particular item. Usually, the responsibility lies with the receiver rather than the sender.
Further, certain rules and regulations apply over the transfer and use of electronic gadgets from the USA to India.
It is to ensure the safety of passengers as well as the airport authorities and officials.
All electronics that you carry from the USA to India must be declared at the airport to the customs. They may be liable for customs duty.
2. Gadget Rules and Regulations at the Airport
All passengers can use electronics inside the airport complex. Hence, most Indian airports, especially terminals, have charging ports.
Also, the Wi-Fi facility is to benefit the customers. Using their laptops or smartphones, you can score cheap last-minute flights without wasting any time.
However, when it comes to migration and customs, you must not use any electronic device. You are under the jurisdiction of the traditions and security officers.
Moreover, you may have to expel laptops separately to aid security checks. Therefore, if you have an eye out for the cheapest airline tickets, give it a rest at the migration and customs.
3. Gadget Rules on the Flight
You may be familiar with the necessary safety and security rules about gadgets onboard. Such regulations on flights to India are no different than flights to other countries.
For instance, you have to switch off your mobile phone once you are inside the aircraft. Also, shut down all electronic devices that use a wireless connection such as Bluetooth, mobile network, or Wi-Fi.
Further, you may use the phone on airplane mode. However, during takeoff, you should not use the phone at all, not even on airplane mode.
This is so, because the signals that an electronic device catches may interfere with the signals of the airplane.
And, it is a serious matter when it comes to the safety of the passengers. So, if you are looking to score cheap air flights, wait until the land.
On American flights, such as flights from the Washington DC or other American destinations to India, you can use light gadgets.
It refers to electronics such as mobile phones, compact recorders, electronic books, iPods, tablets, notebooks, headsets, and so on.
However, use it with caution. Even on airplane mode, sometimes the signals may interfere with the air traffic controllers.
4. Clearing Customs and Security
Customs and security is a process that is inevitable when traveling to India. You may note that some passengers get anxious during the security and customs checks.
Everything seems perfect right from the time you nail cheap flights to India until you reach the customs!
But, you have nothing to worry about. It is a straightforward process for taxing and safety.
If the item you are carrying is sealed and packaged, the primary concern of the officer is whether or not you intend to sell them. You have to keep your composure and not sweat about it.
Remember to place each electronic device separately. That is, in different bags or one in cabin luggage and the other in the checked-in suitcase. And do not forget to unpack them. Lose the original packaging.
Similarly, if you are carrying multiple mobile phones, you can place one in the inspection tray and carry the other one with yourself.
Don’t be nervous, as many travelers tend to carry one than one mobile phone. People use them for entertainment, business, or to book cheap international flights.
Finally, make sure that you do not send the tray and your baggage together into the x-ray scanner machine.
5. Number of Devices from the USA to India
There is no limit on the number of devices that you can carry to India from the USA. As long as you pay tariffs and duties, there is no problem. Also, you must be a legit passenger.
For instance, you can carry two laptops without any charge. However, if you wish to take more than two pieces, you will have to pay customs duty for the same.
Although if you are successful in proving that the extra laptop is an old one and is used, the charges may be exempted. You can support your claim with a receipt of purchase.
This is so because many passengers carry electronics from the USA to India as presents for their family and friends.
6. Maintain the Duty-Free Limit
If you want to stay away from the customs duty and charges, remain under the duty-free limit.
If you are older than ten years, and an Indian resident traveling from the USA, you have a duty-free allowance of ₹45,000 if you stay for over three days. Otherwise, the limit is ₹17,500.
7. Gadget Import Limit
One consignee cannot import more than two electronic items or gadgets. Further, the maximum value of the single consignment from the USA to India must not exceed $1500.
8. Condition of the Electronic Gadget
While traveling from the USA to India, make sure that you pack the goods tightly. A good packing protects the electronic devices from the damage.
You may use Styrofoam and bubble packaging. Also, note that the officer may reject the electronic item if it is not packed correctly.
Also, you need to ensure that the goods pose no danger and do not cause any damage.
9. Declaration Form
Whatever electronic item or gadget you are carrying needs declaration to the customs. A declaration form is used for the same. Customs charges may be applicable as per the law.
Further, the declaration form must contain the necessary details. These include the market price of the item, description, and features.
Also, never fake the information. If you are caught making a wrongful disclosure, the goods may be confiscated. Also, the consequences may be worse, such as penalty and prosecution.
10. Prohibited and Restricted Electronics
India prohibits certain items. For instance, power banks or batteries with lithium-ion or lithium material are amongst it.
Further, items such as desktop computers, diesel generating sets, air conditioners, refurbished computers, and laptop spare parts are restricted.
That is to say that you can only import them to India if you have prior authorization.
Next, if the electronics you wish to import to India from the USA is for commercial purpose, it is prohibited. Also, radio transmitters are not permitted for general use.
Also, aero models like toy helicopters with a remote controller that uses high radio bandwidth are prohibited.
Such electronics hinder the communication network of security agencies.
11. Support the Gadgets with Valid Documents
Custom officials can ask for invoice or payment proof from you at any time. Therefore, you must carry valid documents with you all the time.
If you are carrying restricted items, you must possess the necessary authorization, such as NOCs, and so on.
In case of transfer of residence, you must provide the custom with two key documents. These are the proof of your stay in the USA and an Indian Passport.
12. Transfer of Residence (TOR) Benefits
Every Indian resident coming back to the country can avail of the transfer of benefits.
It depends upon the duration of stay, with the minimum limit being three months.
The TOR rules state that you can import certain electronics duty-free. It includes Laptop, Personal Computer, Air Conditioner, Video Cassette player, Microwave Oven, Music System, Electrical Cooking Range, and a few others.
Further, if the duration of the stay is between 3 to 6 months, the duty-free limit is ₹60,000.
Then, if the duration is between 6 to 12 months, the duty-free import value of items can be ₹1,00,000.
If the duration of stay is more than a year, the limit may reach ₹2,00,000. Finally, if the stay duration is for more than two years, the limit can go up to 5,00,000.
13. Ascertaining Custom Fee
It is wiser to assess the custom fee in advance so that no one can cheat or exploit you.
The custom document contains the items you are sending and their value. The custom authorities use this information to calculate tax and duty.
Various factors affect the amount you have to pay. This includes the reason for export, the type, and value of the product, etc.
So, be mindful of all this information while traveling with gadgets or electronic products from the USA to India.
Disclose all such items, pack them properly, and maintain proper documentation. Also, take care that no prohibited item is included.
Apart from booking last minute tickets, you can access all the latest information on the internet in case you did not find it in this article.
