[lee_zhuan_xiong]

Hello guys
i just wondering if im travelling to HK on a tourist visa from Indonesia, and carrying a laptop, would it get checked out on immigration or airport ? because i heard that some countries do that to find out that you probably bring in something illegal such as porns, illegal softwares, or such things...
i really need to know about this since i cant get away too long from my laptop (as i use it mainly for design stuffs) and want to bring it to HK when im looking for a job...thanks anyone for the reply and infos
regards
anthony

[PDLM]

It certainly doesn't happen on a regular basis, but if they have reason to suspect that someone has something illegal then I guess you might get pulled aside.

Asking this question in this forum is probably sufficient reason for them, so I hope your name isn't really "lee_zhuan_xiong"

But if they do pull you then it's most likely pirated software or content they they would be after.

[freeier]

so far never got that before. they will put it in the xray machine separately to make sure it doesn't have any bombs inside.. but i only know 1 country that makes you switch on the pc to see what's inside but again that's to make sure its a real machine.

[PDLM]

I believe he's talking about inbound customs, not outbound security...

[HKChigger]

It may be checked. Not all the time, but if they suspect something they will check, you don't need to worry about being away from the laptop though, they would search it with you together. Process takes only a little while.

Don't let immigration know you are looking for work though...

[freeier]

yap. and hk is the most lax country in the whole world i have seen of custom checks.

each time i go to japan, i get called up for a full luggage and body search because i came from hk and i'm an asian. the caucasians (e.g. french bosses of mine) get hauled up maybe 1 in 2 to 3 times. apparently those ppl that flies between hk and japan often gets checked because hk is such a free port with accessibility to everything you want!

[lee_zhuan_xiong]

hello guys

PDLM
well fortunately my real name isnt lee
heheh and im wondering how they suspect if someone carrying things illegal ? i mean, how they would know about it ? is it from the way you dress ?

freeier
hmm may i know which country is it ? i would love to mention 1 ASIAN country (not INDONESIA right ), but i dont want to offend anyone here.... and you mean separated so the laptop will get out from its bag case and then go x ray ?

HKChigger
if they do turn on my laptop and check it, will they also check all my softwares for its legality ? i mean how they do that ? or just browsing around "My Document" to look after anything suspicious ? How do i not let the immigration know if im not looking for job, IF i go to HK in a casual dress, carrying a laptop, a set of A3 design portfolio, and a big luggage....it must be difficult...


thanks

[freeier]

now for xray checks at airport outgoing securities, pc are usually required to be taken out from bags and placed separately into a tray for xrays.

if you are talking about piracy, there's no way they can really check cos you might have left your original CD at home. other illegal stuffs like virus generator and sorts i doubt the custom officers have any idea how to detect them.

and no, its not in the other asian country. there are far far far more 'sensitive' countries with regards to flight safety

[Max]

Originally Posted by freeier

each time i go to japan, i get called up for a full luggage and body search

oooh...not something I would rather reveal....ouch!

[HKChigger]

The most they will do for checking the comp. is get you to turn it on, and maybe take a look at the desktop or my documents for hints of illegal software copying or porn. Chances are very slim they would do that though.

As for job, I would suggest printing resumes and everything in country. Bring in clothing and your laptop just like any other tourist would.