Help with importing a bike

[michaelbiker]

2 hours ago, Michael_48 said:

Good morning all and compliments of the season. I am planning to bring a used bike from Europe to South Africa on a plane. Any recent experiences with customs upon arrival in CT? 

Came in two weeks ago and nobody batted an eyelid. Albeit with bikes bought in SA.

They are looking for cigarettes and booze. 

[NGM]

3 hours ago, Michael_48 said:

Good morning all and compliments of the season. I am planning to bring a used bike from Europe to South Africa on a plane. Any recent experiences with customs upon arrival in CT? 

I've been stopped by customs both times I've brought a bike box through arrivals in CT. The first time it was a bike I'd brought over from South Africa in the first place, and could show them the receipt indicating purchase in RSA. The second time it was a 2nd hand frame I'd bought in the UK. I again had to show them the receipt (ebay) and in this case it needed to be below R5000 (it was - a 200 pound frame), to meet this requirement (see the last paragraph):
https://www.sars.gov.za/customs-and-excise/travellers/duties-and-taxes-for-travellers/

This happened last year, so fairly recently. My point is, it's not a formality or forgone conclusion that you will just waltz through. In both cases I was walking with what was very clearly a cardboard box containing a bike, so maybe it made their eyes light up. If you have a more discrete and generic looking padded bag you are less likely to be checked in my opinion. 

 

[Scott roy]

4 hours ago, Michael_48 said:

Good morning all and compliments of the season. I am planning to bring a used bike from Europe to South Africa on a plane. Any recent experiences with customs upon arrival in CT? 

I’ve done multiple trips and never ever been stopped anywhere. I have however noticed that they pay more attention to people using cardboard boxes than dedicated bike travel cases/bags (which I use). 
Always have the bike serial number saved on your phone as well. 

[michaelbiker]

Yeah I always have two very beat up old bike bags. Was only stopped once and was using a box. I just told them I was leaving with the bike again in a few weeks and they were okay with that.