What to Expect When You Return (2024)

Complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B

You have several entry options once you return from your trip. All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products.

Here are your options:

  1. Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.
  2. Complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk. (Only preapproved Global Entry members are allowed to use these kiosks.)
  3. Complete the online form at an Automated Passport Control kiosk.

Keeping all your purchase receipts handy in an envelope in your carry-on bag will ease this process. If warranted, the CBP officer will calculate the duties to pay on your newly acquired goods.

Paying Duties

Personal exemptions that do not require the traveler to pay duty will be $200, $800 or $1600 depending on the countries you visited.

The duty-free exemptions ($200, $800, or $1600) apply if:

  • The items are for your personal or household use or intended to be given as gifts.
  • Merchandise is in your possession, that is, it accompanies you when you return to the United States. Items to be sent later may not be included in your duty-free exemption. (Exceptions apply for goods sent from Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands.)
  • Merchandise is declared to CBP. If you do not declare something that should have been declared, you risk forfeiting the item. If in doubt, declare it.
  • You are returning from an overseas stay of at least 48 hours. This time limit does not apply if you are returning from Mexico or from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • You have not used all of your exemption allowance, or used any part of it, in the past 30 days. For example, if you go to England and bring back $150 worth of items, you must wait another 30 days before you are allowed another exemption.
  • The items are not prohibited or restricted as discussed in the section on Prohibited and Restricted Items. Before departing on your trip, check the latest information for the full list of prohibited and restricted items on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Cuba Sanctions website, as well as other related government resources.

Duty free exemption limits depend on the country or countries you visit and the length of stay. Learn which rates apply to the goods your purchase on your trip - call the CBP attaché at the country's U.S. embassy.

Your CBP Interview

To keep our borders secure and our nation safe, CBP must inspect everyone who arrives at a U.S. port of entry. The CBP officers are authorized to ask you questions about your trip and your personal background, including:

  • Your citizenship
  • The nature of your trip
  • Anything you are bringing back to the United States that you did not have when you left.

Officers have legal authority to search you, your baggage or your vehicle. If asked to, place your opened baggage on the exam station. After the exam, you will be asked to repack and close your baggage.

CBP pledges to treat you courteously and professionally. If at any point you are unhappy with your treatment, ask to speak to a CBP supervisor. You may also call the CBP INFO Center at 877-227-5511. If calling within the United States, call 202-325-8000 or go to www.cbp.gov and click on Questions/Comments.

What to Expect When You Return (2024)

FAQs

When you help someone do you expect something in return? ›

Sometimes people believe that anything we do to help another person, we get something in return. Sad but true! However, not all people do this just for their selfish intentions but few do this to feel good about themselves and show that they care. Not all people are kind-hearted.

What do you say when returning clothes? ›

Smile and say, “Hi, I want to return this item which I bought last week.” Show the clerk the item and your receipt. Don't delay returning the item. Some stores allow returns but only for a certain amount of time. For example, many stores only allow returns within 14 days of the purchase.

What is the word for giving and expecting something in return? ›

Some common synonyms of reciprocate are requite, retaliate, and return. While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received.

What to say when returning an item online? ›

If you think you can do it then do it! Tell them you purchased, said item, and you would like to return it. They might ask you why but you can simply say that you changed your mind. Or maybe you have another item.

How do you let go of expectations of someone? ›

Tips for Letting Go of Others' Expectations
  1. Put the expectations in perspective. Remember that someone else's expectation of you is theirs, not yours—and therefore it is their problem, not yours. ...
  2. Check your own expectations of others. ...
  3. Cultivate your inner voice. ...
  4. Begin saying what you want.
Jun 3, 2023

What happens when you have expectations of others? ›

Expectations often result in negative emotions.

Furthermore, if the expectation is not met, there is more anxiety, and perhaps even dread, insecurity, fear, guilt, and other negative emotions. All of these emotions are things that don't feel good to us as human beings; they're like a weight on our shoulders.

What is the best excuse to return an item? ›

Return Reasons
  1. Sizing or fit issues: ...
  2. Damaged or defective item: ...
  3. Did not meet expectations: ...
  4. Changed mind or impulse purchase: ...
  5. Incorrect order: ...
  6. Delivery delays: ...
  7. Unwanted gifts: ...
  8. Misleading product information:

Why are returned clothes thrown away? ›

"If it costs more to process an item and get it to sell in another channel than it does to throw it away, then they throw it away," Optoro CEO Tobin Moore told Insider. Not all retailers are environmentally focused, "so things end up being thrown away because of the cost," he said.

Can you get in trouble for returning the wrong item? ›

Technically yes. It's technically a form of larceny, and consumers who are caught committing return fraud may be subject to heavy fines and penalties. They may even be subject to jail time, depending on the severity of the crime.

What does expect nothing in return mean? ›

Don't expect repayment or gratitude or that they owe you anything. Consider the transaction complete. If they reciprocate or return a favor, great. If they don't, nothing is lost and you won't have negative feelings toward them.

What do you call a person who expects everything? ›

"Avaricious." Vocabulary.com Dictionary, Vocabulary.com, https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/avaricious. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024. DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word 'avaricious'. avaricious.

What is it called when you expect things? ›

To anticipate is to look forward to an event and even to picture it: Do you anticipate trouble? Hope implies a wish that an event may take place and an expectation that it will: to hope for the best.

What should you say when a customer wants to return a product? ›

I would apologize for the inconvenience and offer to process the return or exchange. Acknowledge the customer's frustration and apologize for the inconvenience. Ask for details about the damaged product...

How do you graciously return a gift? ›

Start by thanking him or her for the gift and say what you like about it. Then offer an honest explanation as to why it's not right. The giver may offer the receipt so you can get an exchange or mention where they purchased the item so you can get a store credit.

Do you need a reason to return an item? ›

Tempting as it may be to protect your revenue by insisting on a justification for returns, such policies rarely serve merchants well. If a customer is unable to return an item, they may file a chargeback instead, even if they don't have a legitimate reason for doing so.

Have you ever helped someone without expecting anything in return? ›

Absolutely. Every time I decide to be giving or do something extraordinary for another person I give of myself never expecting anything in return. I get pleasure out of the gratitude that comes from seeing another person feel a little bit better about their situation.

Should one ask for something in exchange when helping someone? ›

If you are helping others to get something, don't even bother. There will be someone who will help out of the goodness in their heart not expecting anything in return. If you are the one being helped though, it is nice to show your appreciation by offering something in return.

Should we help others without expecting anything in return? ›

*Helping others without expecting anything in return is a practice that can lead to personal growth, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. It reminds us that we are interconnected and that our actions have the power to shape a more compassionate and caring world.

When someone helps without expecting anything in return? ›

If you give time, money, or things to other people without expecting something in return, that's selfless. Most people would agree that the world would be a better place if there were more selfless behavior. Definitions of selfless. adjective. showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others.

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