Top 10 Practical English Phrases for Stress-Free Customs Clearance When Traveling Abroad

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Travelers often fear being stopped and questioned by customs officers, worried that a small mistake could lead to being denied entry. Misunderstandings due to language barriers are especially frustrating. Here’s a list of ten common questions and sample answers from customs officials—travelers might want to jot these down.

1. What is your final destination?
Q：What is your final destination?
A：I am going to ___(place). I’m going to ___. / I am here to transfer to ___(place). I’m transferring here to go to ___.
 
2. How long will you stay?
Q：How long will you stay?
A：I will stay here for 7 days and I will return to Taiwan on 2nd of July. I’ll be staying for 7 days and returning to Taiwan on July 2.
 
3. What is the purpose of your visit?
Q：What is the purpose of your visit?
A：I am here for a vacation. / I am here to visit my family and friends. / I am here for a business trip. I’m here on vacation. / I’m here to see family and friends. / I’m here on a business trip.

4. Where will you stay?
Q：Where will you stay?
A：I will stay in ___ Hotel. / I will stay at my friend’s place in ___. I’ll be staying at ___ Hotel. / I’ll be staying at my friend’s place in ___.
 
5. How much cash are you carrying?
Q：How much currency/ cash are you carrying?
A：I have ____ (amount) cash. I’m carrying ____ in cash.
 
6. Do you have anything to declare?
Q：Do you have anything to declare？
A：I have nothing to declare. I have nothing to declare. / Yes, I need to declare ___. Yes, I need to declare ___.

7. Have you confirmed your return ticket?
Q：Have you confirmed your return ticket?
A：Yes, I am leaving on 2nd of July. Yes, I’m leaving on July 2. / I haven’t confirmed the air ticket yet, but I will leave before 2nd of July. I haven’t confirmed my ticket yet, but I’ll leave before July 2.
 
8. What is your occupation?
Q：What is your occupation?
A：I am a student/ teacher/ banker/ salesperson/ nurse...
 
9. Do you have any relatives in your home country?
Q：Do you have any relatives living here in this country?
A：Yes, my auntie/ uncle/ cousin/ grandparents/ mother/ father/ sister/ brother is / are living here. / No.

10. What do you have in your bag?
Q：What do you have in the bag?
A：My clothes, books, camera, and cell phone.

If you are carrying items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, or meat, customs officers will ask you to leave them here and they will dispose of them.
Sorry. No fresh fruits, vegetables, or meats may be brought in. You have to leave it here. We will have to dispose of them.
 

No more fear talking to foreigners！Travel English essentials cheat sheet

》https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=17445