Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Customs Regulations
Currently, each international visitor is allowed to bring into the USA duty-free:
»
1L of liquor (if you're over 21 years old)
»
200 cigarettes (1 carton) or 100 (non-Cuban) cigars (if you're over 18)
Amounts higher than $10,000 in cash, traveler's checks, money orders and other cash
equivalents must be declared. For more complete, up-to-date information, check with
US
Customs and Border Protection
(
www.cbp.gov
)
.
Most fresh fruits and plants are restricted from entry into Hawaii (to prevent the spread
of invasive species), and customs officials are militant in enforcing this. Because Hawaii is
a rabies-free state, the pet quarantine laws are draconian. For details, contact the
Hawaii
Department of Agriculture
(
http://hawaii.gov/hdoa
)
.
Before leaving Hawaii, make sure that any fresh food or produce in your checked or
carry-on baggage has been commercially packaged and approved for travel (else you'll
be forced to surrender those pineapples at the airport). The same holds for flowers: make
sure that any orchids, anthuriums or proteas are inspected and approved for travel. Call
the
USDA Inspection Office
( 861-8494) to find out which plants are allowed to be
transported out of Hawaii to foreign countries.
Discount Cards
Free visitor magazines packed with discount coupons are widely available at airports, ho-
tels and tourist hot spots. However, better deals on activities and tours may be available
by booking online directly with the company.
Children, students, seniors, and active and retired military personnel usually receive
discounts at museums and other sights; all but children need to present valid ID proving
their status.
American Association of Retired Persons
(AARP;
www.aarp.org
)
Advocacy group for
Americans aged 50 years and older offering member discounts (usually 10%) on hotels,
car rentals and more; an annual membership costs $16.
American Automobile Association
(AAA; 593-2221, from Neighbor Islands
800-736-2886, on US mainland 800-874-7532;
www.aaa.com
;
1130 N Nimitz Hwy,
Honolulu; Honolulu office: 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm Sat) Members of AAA and its
foreign affiliates (eg CAA) qualify for small discounts (usually 10%) on car rentals, hotels
and attractions; annual AAA membership from $57.
Student Advantage Card
(
www.studentadvantage.com
)
For international and US stu-
dents, this card ($22.50 per year) gives discounts of 10% to 20% on some rental cars,
shopping and hotels.
