Countries Customs Guide
Explore customs risk levels, safe scripts, and real traveler cases for popular digital nomad destinations. Click a country to see detailed guidance.
Indonesia
Strict customs checks at Bali (DPS). Laptops are frequently screened for 'professional equipment'.
Thailand
Generally relaxed, but be careful with multiple laptops. Vaping gear is strictly illegal.
Mexico
Random checks at CUN and MEX. 'Tax' scams reported by travelers carrying electronics.
Vietnam
Very relaxed entry. Rarely check laptops unless you have a huge amount of gear.
Portugal
EU standard entry. Digital nomad friendly. No specific laptop issues reported.
Turkey
IST airport has modern scanners. Phones must be registered if staying >120 days.
Colombia
Bogotá (BOG) officers may copy device data and question duplicate laptops. Travelers report clearance delays when shipping electronics.
Philippines
Customs uses the eTravel form but still charges clearance fees on shipped laptops. Hand-carried personal devices usually pass if visibly used.
Georgia
Extremely open to digital nomads. Zero issues reported.
United Arab Emirates
DXB allows laptops but charges 5% duty + VAT on brand-new gear above the AED 3k allowance. Officers are strict on banned meds and privacy laws.
Malaysia
KLIA holds wireless electronics without SIRIM approval, and laptop shipments often stall until the permit is uploaded.
Japan
Narita and Haneda rarely hassle travelers with a single laptop, but multiple sealed devices trigger resale questions and potential tax.
South Korea
KCS allows one laptop per traveler but taxes courier shipments as commercial imports. APO deliveries still need proper forms.
Singapore
Changi is relaxed but charges 8% GST on electronics valued above SGD 400. Officers may ask why you carry multiple laptops.
Spain
Schengen officers occasionally inspect electronics, and customs charges 21% VAT if you exceed the €430 allowance.
Greece
Athens airport normally waves through personal laptops but can demand receipts for sealed boxes and charge 24% VAT on imports.
Argentina
Ezeiza strictly enforces the one-laptop allowance and charges 50% duty on any additional device. Expect long customs queues.
Brazil
Receita Federal charges 50-60% on electronics above the USD 1,000 allowance and frequently seizes courier shipments without CNPJ paperwork.