Bag safty while entering other countries? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**TimmyJames1976** · 08-16-2005, 03:41 PM

I am always confused by this. Should you give customs and security easy access to being able to open your bags, or should you secure the living bejesus out of them? I keep remembering that story about the aussie surfer girl. I am entering a country that executes drug trafficers, and while I am only packign clothes and a laptop, I would like to be as safe as possible and avoid any bag switches or whatever.

**space virgin** · 08-16-2005, 03:47 PM

Wait, are you worried about someone making off with your bag, or are you worried that customs officials will find illicit things in your bag? Because, well, it's a no-brainer-- don't bring anything illegal into a country where you might DIE because of it!

Customs officials absolutely have the right to search your belongings, so just make it easier on yourself and don't force them to ruin anything to look through your shit.

And always carry anything important with you.

**TimmyJames1976** · 08-16-2005, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by space virgin@Aug 16 2005, 03:47 PM
Wait, are you worried about someone making off with your bag, or are you worried that customs officials will find illicit things in your bag?* Because, well, it's a no-brainer-- don't bring anything illegal into a country where you might DIE because of it!*

Customs officials absolutely have the right to search your belongings, so just make it easier on yourself and don't force them to ruin anything to look through your shit.* * And always carry anything important with you.

[snapback]73676[/snapback]

I was concerned about others putting stuff in my bags. I know it is a long shot, but I remember people shrink wrapping their bags while the Oz stuff was going on. So I shoul dmake it easy to get in my bags? No locks while checking them?

**space virgin** · 08-16-2005, 04:08 PM

Well, I've never bothered, because they'll just break the locks anyway. *shrug* You can get a TSA lock that customs officals-- and only customs officials (and you, of course)-- can open if you're really worried.

**omisan** · 08-16-2005, 04:39 PM

For the ultimate in security: Trim down what you're packing and go carry-on only.

Probably not the solution for most people, but it's amazing how quickly you breeze through customs and security that way

**TimmyJames1976** · 08-16-2005, 05:49 PM

Thanks guys. I will just have to hope for the best. I am their for a year, so I already as trimmed down as can be.

**space virgin** · 08-16-2005, 06:44 PM

You never did say WHERE this was going to be...

**TimmyJames1976** · 08-16-2005, 08:12 PM

ahhhhhhhhh my bad......going to teach ESL in Lin Kou, Taiwan for the next year

mjgeo · 08-18-2005, 06:06 AM

Cable ties are an easy option.

I wouldn't worry about what happened to the Aus girl too much though.