Before Going to Japan

Before going to Japan or any other country, there are some things that need to be done.

Since Japan is another country, citizens of the United States have to go through Customs before entering Japan and before coming back to the US. Customs is kind of like a police department where they watch over people, items, animals, foods, and plants that enter their country. Customs makes sure that nothing dangerous comes into the country and that taxes are paid for on all items that come into the country.

The US Customs and Border Patrol can be found here! Before coming back into the US from Japan, they may look over all electronics and other goods that one might have. Remember that I'm bringing a lot of electronic equipment from home to Japan and back home. To make things easier on me and to help prove that I did not buy the equipment in Japan and then have to pay extra taxes on the stuff I already own, I filled out this form: CPB Form 4457.

First, I filled out the form by listing all the equipment and goods that I will bring to Japan. I also wrote down their serial numbers.
Then, I have to take the form and the items on the form to a customs office and show them to an officer to prove that I own them.
Finally, when I come back from Japan to the US, I can show them the signed form and that should make things go much faster for me and should make sure that I don't have to pay extra taxes on the stuff I already own.