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I will be visiting the US and will be taking my work laptop with a US keyboard layout. In the past, I have had trouble reentering the UK because the laptop looked like it was bought in the US and I was challenged at customs. Is it possible to obtain paperwork to make the reentry easier?

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    Not long ago I bought a laptop in the US which had the Euro symbol and AltGr keys, neither of which are present on US keyboards. I wouldn't have expected to have similar trouble if I traveled to the EU with it, so +1 for you. Jun 10, 2014 at 14:45
  • I don't think there's any reason to worry over this. Recently I flew from the UK to the US and back with a laptop having a Hebrew layout and no one even bat an eyelid.
    – ilakast
    Jun 10, 2014 at 20:09
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    Some countries' Customs used to let you register high value goods, but I haven't been able to find anything for the UK.
    – mkennedy
    Jun 10, 2014 at 23:51

1 Answer 1

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The original invoice or receipt showing that you or your company purchased it in the UK would be best. This way you can prove the laptop is personal belongings you originally owned in the UK and thus exempt from duty and Import VAT.

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  • Unfortunately, I no longer have the original documents. Any other ideas? Jun 10, 2014 at 17:17
  • Maybe you still have the warranty receipt? That might work
    – drat
    Jun 10, 2014 at 18:32
  • Have your company prepare a paper that lists the computer, asset number, serial number etc. Does the UK have the same type of certification as a US notary public? Or put it in a sealed envelope, mail it (to get a dated postmark) to yourself, and bring it with you. Any questions, have them open it!
    – mkennedy
    Jun 10, 2014 at 23:50
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    @TillHoffmann is it even a current production model? If not things become a lot easier... I've had questions raised about cameras a few times, until I pointed out they were 5 years old and no longer being made :)
    – jwenting
    Jun 11, 2014 at 10:14
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    @jwenting, good point. The machine is about five years old. Jun 11, 2014 at 13:25

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