What to bring to Europe?

What's the procedure if you want to bring a laptop from Canada to Europe?

• I want to buy a laptop from Canada and bring it to Europe (Romania more precisely) through a friend who is returning from there. Does he have to pay twice (once in Europe and once in Canada) the tax or what's the procedure? thanks:D

• Answer:

  This is a Romanian tax issue. He will pay Canadian taxes, and there is no way to avoid those unless the laptop is delivered directly overseas. Picked up in Canada and transported by hand, he'll pay the tax. He will them likely pay tax and duty in Romania, depending on their tax system. He will need to know the country of origin for the unit (it's almost certainly NOT Canada), and carry proof of the value (the sales receipt). For the person who suggests smuggling (that's what bringing it in hand luggage is): worldwide, customs officials are very adept at spotting false claims. Body language, tensions in the voice, etc. One slip, and the person is subject to a search. The search will quickly ascertain that the laptop is brand new. At that point he is at risk of fines, jail, and confiscation of any suspicious goods. He will also go on an Interpol list of smugglers, making ANY international travel a major hassle. That's a REALLY stupid idea.