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jscho 2 hours ago

They're fined because they lied on their declaration forms. Our customs agents are generally pretty fair and reasonable, but they do take their jobs very seriously.

Tip for travelers to Australia/New Zealand: If you have something that is stated on the declaration form, just answer yes. Provided it's not some totally illegal substance, they'll inspect the items and if it's not allowed past the border it'll be seized without penalty. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe in some few cases, you can even pick it up on your return.

If it's something like large amounts of cash, goods, alcohol or cigarettes, you may have to pay a tax or import fee and answer a few questions. Just don't be a dimwit.

smdyc1 an hour ago | parent [-]

Yes, it's a basic function of any customs and quarantine organisation. Australian Border Force don't care if you have memes mocking our PM or DJT. Inspection of electronic devices only happens when there's evidence of a crime.

866-RON-0-FEZ an hour ago | parent [-]

> Inspection of electronic devices only happens when there's evidence of a crime.

This simply isn't true, I've seen video of them going through people's devices at the border without any probable cause. Arguably, the traveler was being a bit of a c*nt and they responded in kind but had no reason to suspect anything.