How to Avoid Getting Stopped at Customs

Even if you're not harboring illegal items, getting stopped at customs while someone rifles through your suitcase is a pain. Whether your suitcase is packed with nothing illegal or you are trying to smuggle 50 pounds of exotic mushrooms stuffed in a pillow, you can avoid getting stopped at customs without much fret. It's all about attitude, a little luck and a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Calm demeanor
• Genuine smile or poker face (pick one)
• Discerning eye
• Quick judgment

1. Pick your line. See what type of person is heading each customs line and stand in the one with the friendly-looking agent. Don't pick the line that is headed by a stern figure.

2. Smile a lot like a goofy tourist. Play up the tourist mode to the hilt, acting excited about the adventure you just had. That can usually convince the agent you were so busy snapping photos you had no time to smuggle illegal substances.

3. Act natural. Don't go overboard with the tourist thing and don't get nervous. Someone acting suspicious is the number-one reason to get stopped.

4. Declare something. No one goes on vacation, much less to a foreign country, without buying at least a few postcards. List something on that little card you get on the airplane, or you'll raise a few eyebrows.

5. Over-pack your suitcase. One last fool-proof method that worked for me was having a messy, jumbled, over-stuffed suitcase. When the agent opened it to look inside, I told them to have fun, but just make sure they fit everything back in it. They simply zipped up the suitcase and sent me on my way.

Tips & Warnings

• Having crutches, screaming kids or any other accoutrement that customs folks do not feel like dealing with is another way to avoid getting stopped.
• Some agents are going to be hard-nosed no matter what. Don't feel badly if you get stopped despite your best efforts.
• Don't get intimidated or start shaking. That will definitely lead to a suitcase search.
• Don't smuggle illegal stuff into or out of the country in the first place, and you will never be nervous about this stuff.
• Don't crack stupid jokes at the agents.
• Don't let them see you sweat.