11 Essential Tips for Traveling with Valuable Luggage and Handbags

Imagine this: You've just landed from a red-eye flight. You're exhausted and eager to get through customs, catch an Uber, drop off your bags, and sink into bed. But suddenly, border security pulls you aside for a luggage inspection.

This is exactly what occurred once when I arrived at security after a trip to Paris with my boyfriend. My carry-on was stuffed with secondhand luxury handbags I'd amassed over the past decade. I spent the next two hours with border security, desperately digging up old eBay receipts and photos buried in my iCloud to prove my handbags weren't bought abroad.

Traveling with luxury or high-value luggage can easily arouse suspicion during customs checks. However, there are straightforward strategies to ensure you're well-prepared ahead of time.

Here's how to simplify your border crossing with expensive items purchased either abroad or at home, from understanding value-added tax refunds to selecting the right travel insurance.

How to Protect Your Valuable Items While Traveling

Keep a Record of Everything

If you're planning to take your favorite handbag or premium luggage out of the country, be ready to demonstrate to border security that you bought your bag in the U.S. If you're coming back from Europe, security personnel will likely be especially vigilant, and if you’re carrying hundreds of dollars’ worth of items, you may face additional screening.

The simplest way to keep your documents organized is by taking photos of your receipts if you have them. Consider creating an album on your phone with images of your items (including dates), receipts, and other pertinent details. If you can’t demonstrate that you purchased your items prior to your trip, border security can confiscate them and impose duty fees.

To ensure a hassle-free return to the U.S., you can register your items with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before you leave, providing undeniable proof of ownership before your departure.

The Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad form (CBP Form 4457) can be obtained at any CBP office or international airport. This form requires a description of your item along with its serial number or date code.

Obtain the Right Travel Insurance

Whether you have homeowner's insurance, office group health coverage, or something in between, it's crucial to review your policy’s fine print before your trip. Often, these insurance packages cover only a few thousand dollars' worth of luxury items. Typical coverage for high-value belongings is generally between $1,000 and $2,500, and there’s often a limit for individual items. Many items, like wallets and suitcases, may be excluded.

If your home or travel insurance isn’t sufficient to cover all the items you’re bringing along, consider insuring each piece individually. In the event of loss (including lost checked baggage), theft, or damage, you’ll receive full reimbursement without deductions for depreciation or normal wear and tear.

Optimize Your Carry-On Space

Large luxury handbags can be bulky and tempting to check in. However, even with a higher insurance limit, it’s advisable to keep your high-value items in your carry-on rather than in checked luggage. Damage and loss can occur. Even with excellent insurance, it’s best to avoid the hassle of filing a claim if possible.

To make the most of your carry-on space, designate one larger bag as your nesting bag, allowing your day and evening bags to fit inside. If that’s still not enough, consider bringing a rolling carry-on as well.

Invest in Magic Erasers and a reusable grocery bag

If possible, avoid bringing the dust bags that accompany your luxury items. While they provide excellent protection, they may raise suspicions if you get stopped during customs checks.

A clean dust bag implies you recently bought your items. Even with receipts and photos to verify that you purchased your goods in the U.S. or on previous travels, it’s worth sidestepping questions from border security if you can.

Instead, consider packing a few reusable grocery bags for unexpected situations. These bags are versatile, perfect for covering your items while going through airport security and for stowing them under your seat during takeoff and landing. Worried about damage? Include a Magic Eraser to quickly tackle any unexpected scuffs or stains.

Utilize Apple AirTags or a similar luggage tracker

In some cases, you may not be able to keep your valuables in your carry-on and must resort to packing them in checked luggage. In such situations, I recommend traveling with at least one Apple AirTag or a comparable luggage tracker.

Luggage frequently gets lost or damaged. A tracking device like an Apple AirTag can assist you in locating your belongings afterward—whether at a crowded baggage carousel or when you need to provide information to airport staff for recovery. We’ve extensively covered the advantages of Apple AirTags for travelers. Many TPG staff members won't travel without them.

Consider security devices to take with you

While you must rely somewhat on the security measures of your accommodations, certain products can enhance your safety.

First, ensure that your hotel or rental includes a safe when you make your reservation. Once you arrive, check that it’s functioning correctly, and if you’re unsure how to use it, don’t hesitate to ask the staff at check-in. While large items might not fit, it should securely hold smaller valuables, passports, and cash.

Next, think about enhancing your security while in your room.

While they’re not very helpful once you leave your room, a door stopper alarm can provide significant peace of mind while you sleep. The AceMining Door Stopper Alarm costs only $9.99 and is designed to trigger an alert if someone attempts to enter through the door, emitting a 120dB siren when activated. The same brand also offers a portable door lock (currently priced at $14.99 on Amazon, down from $20.99). This lock fits most doors and adds an extra layer of security if you’re concerned about the strength of your hotel room's lock.

Consider investing in an anti-theft bag for when you’re out and about with valuable items. This model by Pacsafe features reinforced zippers and cut-resistant material to guard against pickpockets. It also includes RFID-blocking technology for credit cards and can be securely attached to fixed objects. It’s currently available for $149.95 on Amazon.

How to Safely Bring a New Purchase Home

Always bring your passport when shopping

Many European and Asian countries provide VAT refunds for significant purchases. For instance, in France, you must spend at least 175 euros (approximately $188) at a single store to qualify. If you’re planning to buy a luxury souvenir, be sure to bring your passport while shopping to verify your status as a nonresident and your eligibility for a refund.

If you forget your passport, it’s advisable to place your items on hold and return to your hotel to retrieve it.

Keep and document all your receipts

While traveling in Europe, you'll receive a distinct VAT envelope with each eligible purchase, which you must keep until you're ready to depart the country. At that point, customs will stamp your paperwork at a tax refund counter located in the airport. Make sure to allocate sufficient time before your flight, as these counters can be difficult to locate and often busy.

Bear in mind that you technically shouldn't use your new purchases until you leave the country, or they will lose their eligibility for a refund. Keep your new items stored in their dust bags and boxes, and make sure all tags and receipts are properly organized.

Upon your arrival in the U.S., it's essential to answer the questions on the arrival card truthfully.

"If customs officers request additional details or valuations, it's wise to have supporting documents like receipts or appraisals on hand," advises Matt Woodley, an international moving expert at MoverFocus.com. "There's no need to provide more information than what's necessary."

Think about sending your items back via shipping instead.

If you're buying expensive items that you prefer not to carry through the airport and onto the plane, you're legally permitted to ship back any luxury goods, but you must declare them.

"You can send yourself up to $200 worth of items without incurring duties," stated Darrin Giglio, chief investigator of North American Investigations. "However, if an item is valued at $500, you will owe duties on the entire amount instead of just $300."

When in doubt, always declare it.

This is where things can become a bit tricky. Do you need to declare that used Louis Vuitton wallet? The answer is typically yes. Generally, you can bring up to $800 worth of goods into the U.S. without having to pay any duty fees.

Even if your luxury purchase is significantly below that limit, remember to account for smaller items like clothing, souvenirs, and alcohol. If you suspect you might exceed the limit, make a thorough list of your purchases to present to your customs agent.

Keep in mind that 'duty-free' items are not always free from duties.

"If you've bought any 'duty-free' goods while abroad and surpassed the limits set by the country you're entering, be ready to pay duties and/or taxes," Woodley noted. "Customs officers do have some discretion, but it's unlikely they'll provide leniency for luxury or high-value items... If you can afford to buy them, you can afford the associated duties and taxes."

In summary,

Traveling with valuable items doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. There are several ways to safeguard yourself from theft and minimize questioning about your purchases at customs. If you intend to buy luxury items while traveling, be sure to keep your receipts and proof of purchase handy for your return. Also, remember that depending on the value of your purchases, you might owe additional taxes at the airport.