Mr.Zhao: Here we are at the Customs Office. I have to leave you here now, but I will be waiting for you at the exit.
Betty:Just a moment, please. You see, this is my first trip to China. Please tell me how to go through the Customs.
Z: Well, firstly, you must go through the Immigration Office, then proceed through the Quarantine Inspection and finally the Customs. You have to present your passport and disembarkation card to the immigration officer. At the Customs Office you have to show your customs forms. On the forms you have to list the belongings you have taken with you.
B: The customs declaration form looks rather complicated and I’m not sure how to fill it out.
Z: What you need to do is simply look through these two lists---the Prohibited Articles List and the Duty- free Quota list.
B: What things do I have to declare on this form?
Z: You have to declare such articles as electric equipment, foreign currency, jewellery, gold, silver, antiques and other treasures. The officers will check to see if you are carrying any contraband.
B: What does the contraband include?
Z: Generally, prohibited items include illegal narcotics and dangerous drugs, obscene publications and switchblade knives.
B: If I have nothing but personal belongings.
Z: Personal belongings, such as food, wine (two bottles) and cigarettes (not exceeding 400) for personal consumption during the trip are duty-free. If you bring foreign currency with you, you should fill in the foreign currency declaration form.
B:Oh, it’s not easy to go through the Customs!
Z: Certainly.