I'm going to Belgium and picking up some nice Trappist beer to bring home to the United States. I was wondering if I will run into any problems at customs as I am 20 years old which is above Belgian drinking age where I purchased it but under the American drinking age. Advice?
yes! You will have problems, I had some years ago, I was 19 and took some tequila bottles from Mexico to friends in the US, Customs took my bottles because I was under 21 at the moment. This was 14 years ago but I don´t think it has changed.
I just came back from Germany/France a month ago with a couple beers (and cubans) in my suitcase (landed in Detroit airport, for reference). Customs didn't harass me at all. Although, I'm 30 years old and was on a business trip. So take that fwiw. My gut tells me they will harass you. If I were you, I would play it safe and make yourself a box in Belgium to mail back to the states.
They will take it. Tried to bring Irish Guiness back from a trip to ireland pre 21 and it was siezed.
You'll be gifting those beers to some lucky Custom's Agent. I've done this on a return trip from Germany (visited Belgium and had goodies) and had success; but I was over 21 and therefore allowed to possess the declared items. My cousin flew in a week after me and decided to bring some Belgium love along as well (20 y.o.); they seized them when he wasn't able to provide identification that he was at least 21...Three bottles of Cantillon that went off to the land of left socks and keys. Best to play it safe and expect that you will at some point need to pack these and spend some $$$ to get them back home. I'd either plan on making sure someone over 21 is going to be at your place to sign for them, or send them to a friend who's over 21. Good luck!
Did you declare those items? If not, you took a helluva chance because I think all hell breaks loose when the customs folks become suspicious, search your bags, and discover something that was not declared.
I would find a 21 year old friend or just drink as much as possible while you are there. You can also ship it to yourself which might avoid some problems.
If I remember correctly, I had to answer about a dozen questions at a touch screen kiosk. I don't recall the exact wording of the questions, but one of them said something along the lines of are you bringing more than $400 worth of goods back with you (answered no). I'm not entirely sure if I screwed something up there or not since I was in a hurry to catch another flight and was just skimming the questions as best as I could. When I got to the actual human customs person, they just asked me where I was, what I was doing, how long, stuff like that. Didn't ask anything about what's in my luggage, etc.
I am sure that is true, but I think the risk is pretty low unless you just happen to fit some profile. I have been given a hard time by US customs twice in my life. Both times I was in my early twenties and was travelling on vacation coming back from places where young people are known to go party. Neither time was a big deal other than the hassle. I declared everything I should have. But one time I had everything in my possession thoroughly searched and one time I had a strip search performed on top of having my belongings searched. On the other hand, I have travelled extensively on business all over the globe from my 30s on (about to turn 50) and I have never had them ever do anything but smile and welcome me back to the States. How you are dressed, how old you are, the reasons for your travel...I think all of those can make a big difference.
I don't think they are looking for thugs, though. I was a fairly typical white, middle class kid travelling alone coming back from Amsterdam and the Carribbean. There must have been something else on top of that which fit some profile, too.
My daughter got me a bomber of Mermaid Porter by Carlsberg when she came back from Denmark. Not sure if she declared it, but she wrapped it up and put it in her suitcase. Great beer that you can't get here. Best thing to do is just take the time and ask someone when you are at the airport, or in the duty free shop. FYI here is a site that discusses this http://bonbeer.com/latest-news/bringing-back-beercation-beer-to-ship-or-to-schlep/
