Electronics during airport security process in South Africa
I'm travelling to South Africa for 3 months on an internship for school, and recently someone told me that they might take my laptop at airport security.
Can anyone tell me how this works? And does this apply for computers as well as cameras, phones, ... ?
I don't want to lose my laptop/camera/phone, nor do I want it to be taken from me. I would like to have my laptop and camera with me on the plane (personal luggage).
Is any of this true, or are there special actions that I need to undertake in order to get my electronics safe from Belgium to South Africa and vice versa?
Best Answer
Any country you enter (even your own) may inspect or seize your laptop or other electronics when you enter. It's usually quite rare, but it does happen. It's up to the Customs inspector. I've travelled extensively to many countries, and never once had a problem, but that doesn't mean that the same customs inspector who was nice to me won't be suspicious of the laptop of the person behind me.
Separately, any time you fly out of a country, airport security may want to inspect your laptop or other electronics to verify that they are real and work, because there have been instances in the past where electronics had the guts replaced with explosives. Usually a simple X-ray is all they want, but they might weigh it or ask you to turn it on, etc.
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Why do they scan electronics at the airport?
The Transportation Security Administration requires that all laptops be taken out of carry-on bags and passed through scanners on their own. The rule allows screeners to get an unimpeded look at each computer, which might help them discern whether it contains hidden explosives.How much cash can you carry on a domestic flight in South Africa?
A traveller is allowed to declare and carry a maximum of R25 000/unlimited foreign currency, whether leaving or entering. The South African bank notes is unlimited if the traveller is going to / coming from a country within the Common Monetary Area (CMA).Airport Security
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