Re: [APML] (OT) Airline Case for Schmidt Camera?

[Gene Horr <genehorr@texas.net>]

A few more tips for you when going overseas with astro-equipment:

1) (I know everyone has heard this from me over and over) get everything
	registered at Customs beforehand.  Yes, it is a pain to haul everything
	up there ahead of time but not only will it ease bringing things
	back into the country but it can make getting it into your destination
	without import duties easier.
2) Bring along some 5x7 prints of your work.  This can both make explaining
	why you are carrying these suspicious items easier as well as a 
	nice gift that is so cheap that it shouldn't be considered a bribe.
	Some countries (like Korea) require you to run through customs 
	even during a fuel stop and a picture can go a long way in getting
	past language difficulties.
3) If you can buy it there, don't bother to ship.  This especially applies
	to things like 12V batteries and even tripod legs (if wooden).  
	Bring one counterweight and just buy barbell weights at your
	destination.
4) Bring extra nuts & bolts.  Sometimes standard hardware can be difficult
	to find.
5) If traveling during rush periods (especially Christmas) expect the weight
	limits to be strictly enforced and prepare for a hefty freight charge.
	You might want to consider air shipping through a freight line rather
	than paying the airline.  You can often cut the cost by quite a bit.

Good luck!

Gene Horr
genehorr@texas.net

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