I'm looking for moving/shipping companies to send a couple of boxes of books & clothes from Australia to the USA (as I'm relocating). While requesting quotes, one company strongly suggested that I hire them to pack my things for me as apparently US Customs get suspicious if the boxes were packed by the individual mover (me, in this case) rather than by a professional. I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere else and the US Customs website hasn't addressed this. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by divabat on Jul 1, 2012 - 12 answers

How to go about buying furniture in Bali (Indonesia) and getting it to Sydney (Australia)? [more inside]
posted by vidur on Nov 6, 2011 - 5 answers

I had a package misclassified by Australian Customs and seized on that basis. I can apply for its release but apparently they are forced to sue me if I do so. Wtf? [more inside]
posted by polyglot on Jul 15, 2011 - 8 answers

Australians of Metafilter, I want to hear from you! I've long heard that turning your glass upside down in a bar in Australia is the same as saying you think you could take anyone in the place. For some reason, this idea fascinates me. Is it true? Do people actually do this? What happens when they do? Where did it come from? [more inside]
posted by Captain Cardanthian! on Dec 20, 2010 - 49 answers

Will I have trouble with customs bringing homemade Indian food spice mixes (made in Australia) into Japan? [more inside]
posted by teem on Mar 8, 2009 - 7 answers

Australian customs- does anyone have any experience bringing a wooden drum with an animal skin into Australia? [more inside]
posted by twirlypen on Feb 20, 2007 - 11 answers

International travel for dummies. [more inside]
posted by Jimbob on Jul 25, 2005 - 14 answers