Bags packed, boarding pass in hand, I made my way to the aircraft that would take me from Chicago to New Delhi non-stop. The flight was smooth and uneventful except for me needing an extra copy of the Indian Disembarkation form since I interchanged the day and month of my birthdate. (Yes, I know – lame!) But I did find myself wondering – why can’t governments use a standard DD-Mon-YYYY format in all their documentation? Like we create common standards for internet access and telecommunications, why not have them for governments across the world? Wouldn’t it make life easier for everyone? But then I think – Was the concept of government created to make anything easier for anyone? Oh well…
All was smooth until it was time for me to retrieve my bags from the baggage claim. For those used to announcements indicating the baggage claim when they are disembarking from the plane, forget it. All that was announced was that the baggage would be available in the baggage claim area (as if you were expecting it outside the plane, or delivered to your seat). Locating the baggage claim was simple thanks to a map of the terminal posted in the arrival area. As I hauled my bags off the conveyor belt, one of the baggage “helpers” approached me and asked if they were my bags. Not quite understanding the context, I indicated that they were. The next set of actions was a reality check. He went on to tell me that the customs officers were inspecting each bag through the x-ray screener. Not having anything to hide, I shrugged it off. He then went onto to say that iPads, cameras and LED TVs were on the “hot” item list and if had any of these and wanted to clear the terminal without waiting for the next 2 hours and paying the customs duty amounting to thousands of rupees, I could pay him $50 and walk out. After 18+ hours of travel and being jet lagged – I opted for the easy way out. I negotiated the $50 demand to $20 – and walked out in the next 5 minutes. It was a harsh welcome to reality.
As I write this, I wonder – why did I opt to pay that money? Self-preservation? Did I value 2 hours of my time more than the $20 in my pocket? Or did it simply awaken the dormant but inherent trait to work around the system?
1 comment :
Welcome 'home'!
The fellow ripped you. No imports duty to be paid if you were carrying only ONE ipad. If I am not mistaken, a single unit of each electronic item is legally allowed. All you have to say is it is for personal use and not for sale / business purposes.
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