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A Baby Abroad
International Travel with Infants Part Two
By Danielle Hamilton
Red Light, Green Light
Carts are available at baggage claim for you to load your luggage. Have your plane ticket, visa and passports ready for the customs agent. Most customs areas will have you go through a line and then either a red or green light will shine telling you to pass through or move to the inspection line. If traveling from the United States, many agents won't hassle you with details if you have a child in tow. But, they will certainly detain you if you look suspicious. Check with your airline or the consulate of the country you are visiting if there are certain things that will be forbidden at customs. Many Muslim countries do not allow alcohol, fitness magazines or books depicting women with bare arms, etc. to be brought into the country. U.S. Customs currently allows each U.S. citizen to bring $400 worth of merchandise duty-free into the country. The next $1,000 worth of items brought back for personal use or gifts are subject to duty at a flat 10 percent rate. Agricultural products may not be brought into the United States. For other customs guidelines read the State Department publication #10542 "Your Trip Abroad."
Helpful Tips
Have a tour group adopt you if you are unfamiliar with the language. Most travelers are eager to help a family with a young infant and will assist you in collecting baggage and talking to airline employees if you don't know the language.- If traveling alone with your child, bring a friend to the airport to help with the check-in. It can be difficult to drag luggage, dig for passports and feed a baby all at the same time.
