How Do You Safely Travel Internationally with a Hermès or Chanel Bag Purchased from a Reseller?

Dear PurseBop;

How do you safely travel internationally with a Hermès or other luxury bag purchased from a reseller? Do you show the original receipt from the boutique or the receipt of your purchase from the Reseller?

Dear International Traveler:

When traveling with a luxury bag purchased from a reseller, especially from Hermès or Chanel, it’s important to take precautions to ensure the bag’s authenticity and avoid potential issues with customs.

1. Always carry the receipt from the reseller you purchased the bag. Ideally, this receipt should include:
   • Your name.
   • A detailed description of the bag, including the brand, size, color, and, if possible, the serial number.
   • The purchase price.
2. Even if you don’t have the original boutique receipt, some resellers provide Certificates of Authenticity. Carry any additional paperwork verifying the bag’s legitimacy. It can be the original receipt from the boutique, particularly if it has the serial number on the receipt. Also carry the Certificate of Authenticity. This can help prevent issues with customs or prove authenticity if needed.
3. While traveling internationally, customs officials might ask for documentation to prove the value of the bag. For customs purposes:
   • It is best to have a receipt from the reseller that is in your name and includes detailed information about the bag (e.g., serial number, size, and description).
   • Declaring the bag with customs before leaving home if you’re traveling with high-value items (such as exotics) is a wise move, to avoid accusations of importing the bag without paying duties.
4. You don’t necessarily need the original receipt from the boutique where the bag was first sold, but it can be helpful if it’s available. However, most authorities focus on the receipt of your purchase rather than the original purchase.
5. Reminder: Always keep all luxury bags, jewelry, watches, etc. with you in your carry-on tote or luggage, to avoid damage or theft in checked luggage

If you’re planning to sell the bag in the future, retaining the reseller’s receipt with detailed information is also crucial for proving its authenticity and value.

Read Related Article:

How To Protect Your Luxury Hermès and Chanel Collection from Theft and Home Burglaries

photo courtesy @hermes_attitude