Your Money Minute Travelers Wear Purchases Home To Try To Avoid Tariffs 10/3/25
Oct 3, 2025
Travelers are finding creative ways to dodge tariffs by wearing their new luxury purchases home. Luxury items bought abroad can be hit with steep tariffs, especially fancy watches from Switzerland. While customs rules demand declaration of these items, some travelers risk wearing them to avoid being noticed. However, customs agents are trained to catch luxury goods in disguise. It's even suggested that pre-registering watches can help travelers navigate potential accusations. Tune in for insights on these intriguing money-savvy strategies!
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Travel Purchases To Avoid Tariffs
- Wealthy Americans sometimes travel specifically to buy luxury goods abroad to avoid US tariffs.
- Greg Iacurci reports this behavior centers on Europe and Switzerland where markups can be large.
Tariff Impact On Luxury Watch Prices
- Luxury watch prices in Switzerland can carry an extra 39% cost due to duties.
- That surcharge becomes significant when items already cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Wearing Purchases Home
- Some travelers simply wear the purchased item back into the U.S. hoping customs won't notice.
- Customs officers are trained to spot brand-new watches, jewelry, and clothing on incoming passengers.