8 International Air Travel Laws That Will Help You Travel Smarter
Travelling is perhaps the best thing you could do with your time and money -
for those are the memories that'll stay with you for time to come. But you'll be
surprised at how little we know about travelling laws. So here are a few things to
remember while travelling that'll help save time, money and, most importantly, a lot of hassle.
1. Carrying cash while travelling abroad
Of course, you don't need Indian cash when travelling abroad, but
you do need it when you return. You could convert your money into foreign currency
when you land if you haven't had a chance to do so in India, but keeping some cash
always helps in case there's an emergency. Most people still think the limit of cash a
person can carry is Rs 5,000, which is not true! The cash limit was changed from 5,000 to
7,500 per person in 2009, and further increased to 10,000 in 2013.
Then in 2014, it was brought up to Rs. 25,000.
So anyone travelling out, or coming into the country can carry up to Rs. 25,000,
unless they are citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh. For security reasons, people from
these countries aren't allowed to carry any Indian currency in or out of the country.
2. You could have as many frequent flyer programs but it doesn't make sense.
Yes, frequent flyer miles are awesome and can really sort you out especially when
you want an upgrade on a long flight. What's even better is that you could be a part of
as many frequent flyer programs as you like, but you really shouldn't go nuts with that.
Since you need to build a certain amount of miles to use them, building up miles on,
let's say, 4 different airlines, would take you forever. Thus making it less attractive to you
than it actually is. The best would be to have two frequent flyer programmes, and to not go
beyond three. Also, airlines often limit the number of seats on each flight for which frequent-flyer
awards can be used. You may not be able to get reservations on your first- or
second-choice dates or flights. So book in advance.
3. Can you transfer your miles to someone?
Transfer policies of frequent flyer miles really depend on the airline.
Many airlines already do allow you to transfer your miles to your immediate family
and relatives as beneficiaries. But rarely would you find an airline that would allow
you to sell your miles. In fact, they'll ban you if they find you selling your miles.
4. Most people ignore this, but it's really a must when you're travelling abroad.
Insurance! Might sound like an added headache at first, but
really, ask yourself this, would you like to land in a foreign country only to
realise your baggage was left behind back home, or worse still, lost? The
unfortunate people who actually have gone through this tragedy would tell you
how enraging it can get because it generally takes weeks before your baggage
actually reaches you, if at all it does reach you. Which is why it is advised that you are
insured while you travel, if possible, even for domestic flights.
5. What's the value of imported goods that you're allowed to
carry without having to declare them?
As per the baggage rules of 1998, there is absolutely no limit on the number of
goods bought from abroad, as long as the combined value of the goods doesn't
exceed Rs 45,000. So it could really be an iPhone or ten cheaper Chinese phones - only
the value makes a difference. If you exceed the duty-free allowance, you have to pay a
30% tax, plus other charges, on the balance. Meaning if your device is worth Rs 50,000,
your charges will be levied on only Rs 5000. All this is for adult passengers; children
below the age of 10 are only allowed Rs 17,500.
This rule excludes TVs and gold ornaments, though. TV sets attract a charge of
33.3% duty, regardless whether they're old or brand new. The customs officers keep
the value of the TV sets with them, so there's really no point lying to them. In case, they
quote a higher value than what you paid for your product, make sure you have the
discount receipt or the bill of the product with you.
6. Avoid tagging baggage as 'fragile' while flying in/out of Dubai/Abu Dhabi.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Gulf countries are quite strict with their rules and regulations
and rarely budge. So in case you're flying an airline like Emirates that has a stopover at
one of these countries, make sure you're not carrying any item you know you'll have to
declare, because that'll get you in hassles you wouldn't want to be a part of. Also, if you're
planning to sneak in anything by putting a fragile tag on it, don't. They'll ask you what it is,
then they'll open it to verify. If by chance, your description doesn't match the item, you're jacked.
7. Avoid bribes.
Giving and taking bribes is bad, everybody knows that. What everybody also
knows is bribes work very well with Indian police, and the traffic police in particular.
But bribes don't go down well with the customs. If by any chance you do get away by
paying a bribe, you'll definitely not get a landing certificate. Which can become a
huge problem in case there's a raid by the IT department. So two things - never offer bribes;
and always remember to take and keep the landing certificate.
8. Carrying alcohol and cigarettes.
Booze is cheaper at duty-free stores. In fact, most people, even those who
don't drink, end up getting some as a souvenir if nothing else because it's so goddamn cheap!
Firstly, you can check your booze in, but since they go through x-ray checks, they
might hold you for questioning. So on domestic flights, you are not allowed to carry
alcohol unless you buy a sealed bottle right before boarding. You can carry up to 5 litres of
sealed liquor within the country, except when travelling from Goa and Mumbai.
You cannot carry from Goa and you need a permit to carry from Mumbai. International flights
allow not more than 2 litres of sealed liquor. As far as smokes are concerned, one can't carry
more than 100 cigarettes or 25 cigars, or open tobacco exceeding 125gms.
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