LESSON 1

AT CUSTOMS

Customs officer : Good morning. May I see your passport?

Foreigner : Sure. Here it is.

Customs officer : Thank you. Hmm. OK. Do you have anything to declare?

Foreigner : No, I don’t.

Customs officer : You have six suitcases. Is that right?

Foreigner : Yes, that’s right.

Customs officer : What do you have in your cases?

Foreigner : Clothes. And I have some compact discs and some perfume.

Customs officer : How much perfume do you have?

Foreigner : One bottle.

Customs officer : OK. And how many CDs do you have?

Foreigner : Um… three.

Customs officer : Fine. Do you have anything else?

Foreigner : No, don’t.

Customs officer : Good. Now open this suitcase, please.

Foreigner : Huh? What?

Customs officer : Open your suitcase. Now, let’s see. Well, look at this. You

have three portable CD players, five…no, six large bottles of

perfume, and a lot of CDs.

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DRILL 1

I. Learn the ways of asking for permission, a favor and giving offers of help. - May I see your import / export permit? - May I ask you a question? - May I ask a favor of you? - May I have your cooperation, please? - May I help you? - May I show you how to make this declaration? II. Place “How many. . . . .” or “How much. . . . .” before the following:

- whisky am I allowed to import without duty? - pieces of baggage do you have? - money can I take with me? - times have you been here? III. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following: Example: Do you have anything to declare? - to ask me - you want to tell me - valuable in your baggage - you were asked to bring by others

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LESSON 2

GIVING DIRECTIONS

F: Excuse me. Could you tell me where the bank is?

C: There’s one upstairs, across from the duty-free shop.

F: Oh, thanks. Do you know what time it opens?

C: It should be open now. It opens at 8:00 A.M.

F: Good. And can you tell me how often the buses leave for the city?

C: You need to check at the transportation counter. It’s right down the hall.

F: OK. And just one more thing. Do you know where the nearest restroom is?

C: Right behind you, ma’am. See that sign?

F: Oh. Thanks a lot.

(Later)

F: Excuse me. It’s me again, I’m sorry. I need some information – if you don’t mind.

C: Not at all.

F: Thanks. Do you know how much a taxi costs to the city?

C: Well, it depends on the traffic, of course. But it usually costs about forty dollars.

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F: Forty dollars? I guess I’ll take the bus. That means I have almost an hour till the

next one. Where could I find an inexpensive restaurant in the airport? Maybe a

fast-food place?

C: Go upstairs and turn right. You’ll see the snack bar on your left.

F: Thanks very much. Have a nice day.

C: You, too.

DRILL 2 I. Place “Do you know . . . . . ?”; “I don’t know . . . . .” before the following

questions and make the necessary changes. - Where is the immigration office? - What time does the bank close? - Who should I meet?

II. Place “Can/Could you tell me . . . . . ?” before the following questions and make

the necessary changes. - Do I have to pay duty? - Have you ever been to Vietnam before? - Is there a police station near here? III. Learn how to express thanks, responses to thanks, and apologies. - Thank you for your help. - That’s very kind of you. - Thanks anyway.

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- You’re welcome. - Don’t mention it. - That’s all right - I’m sorry. - Forgive me for being late. - I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.

LESSON 3

CONFIRMING THE CUSTOMS INSPECTION

C: Have you been through the customs inspection?

F: Yes, on the ship.

C: What do you have in the paper bag?

F: Liquor.

C: Could you show it to me, please?

F: Certainly.

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C: There’s no customs clearance stamp on this. How come?

F: Well, I thought it had been cleared.

C: Do you have anything else that has not been cleared?

F: No, nothing.

C: May I have a look inside your bag?

F: Go ahead.

C: Oh, what about this watch?

F: Oh, I forgot about it.

C: I’d like you to come with me to the headquarters. Please come this way.

DRILL 3 I. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following: A. Example: Have you been through the customs inspection?

- baggage inspection - quarantine inspection - immigration inspection B. Example: What do you have in your paper bag?

- pockets - suitcase

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- package C. Example: Could you show it to me, please?

- produce your permit - tell me where you came from - place your bag on the table D. Example: Do you have anything else that has not been cleared?

- has not been stamped - is on this list - is dutiable II. Change the following to polite imperative sentences using “I’d like you to . . . . .” - Fill out this form. - Write your name here. - Come here again tomorrow morning.

LESSON 4

WHAT SHOULD I DECLARE?

C: Good afternoon. Do you have anything to declare?

F: To declare? I’m not sure what I’m supposed to declare.

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C: Well, for instance, jewelry, whisky, or cigarettes?

F: I’ve got 4 Swiss watches. Are they considered to be jewelry?

C: Yes, they are. What is their total value?

I mean, how much were they altogether.

F: $4,000.00. I paid $ 1,000.00 for each watch.

C: I think you’ll have to pay some duty on them.

F: Oh, how much do I have to pay?

C: I’ll check right now. Please wait here.

F: Do I pay here?

C: No, please pay at the cashier over there.

F: OK.

C: I hope you’ll enjoy your stay.

F: Thank you very much.

DRILL 4 I. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following:

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A. Example: I’m not sure what I’m supposed to declare. - how much duty / pay - where / pay the duty - who / present permit - why / do this

B. Example: I think you’ll have to pay some duty on them. - you’ll have to complete this form - he may not import this article - she’ll have to present the export permit - I can't help you do that

C. Example: This is considered to be jewelry. - Taking over $7,000 without permission / against regulations - This article / a type of goods prohibited from exporting - Importing counterfeit goods / a customs offence - This magazine / illegal in Vietnam

II. Reply to “Do I have to pay here?” with the following:

- Yes, you do. - Yes, if you pay in cash. - No, please pay at the cashier counter. - No, please go to the desk over there.

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LESSON 5

CLEARANCE OF THE PASSENGER’S BAGGAGE

(1)

C: Good morning, gentleman.

F: Good morning.

C: May I see your passport, please?

F: Sure. Here it is.

C: Thank you. Are you here on business or for pleasure?

F: For pleasure.

C: Do you have anything to declare?

F: No, nothing in particular.

C: May I check your suitcase?

F: Yes. No problem. Here you go.

C: Thanks. --- I see you only have your personal belongings…

F: I believe so.

C: All right. Everything is fine. Thank you.

F: Thank you, sir. Good-bye.

C: Good-bye.

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DRILL 5

I. Change the following to sentences using “I’d like to . . . ." - May I have a look inside your bag? - May I ask where you are from? - May I search you? II. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following: A. Example: Are you here on business? - to study - on vacation - on a home stay B. Example: Thank you. Everything is fine. You may go now. - You’re cleared - That’s all right - That’s OK III. Study the example and continue with the following: Example: I’d like to get a permit. Where can I get a permit? - I’d like to cash my traveler’s cheque. - He’d like to have his visa extended. - She’d like to get her passport back.

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LESSON 6

CLEARANCE OF THE PASSENGER’S BAGGAGE

(2)

C: Is all your baggage here?

F: Yes, it is. Only two bags. This is my passport.

C: Thank you. What about a declaration for customs?

F: I didn’t make one.

C: Put the bags on this counter, and open them, please.

F: Sure, be careful, please. They are both full.

The big one contains my clothes, toilet articles and other daily necessities.

C: A-ha. Let’s see . . .. --- OK. No problem with this one. What about the small one?

F: Two bottles of wine and a variety of gifts are in it.

They are for my business partners at our branch office.

C: Are they? Then, may I have a look at your briefcase, too, please?

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F: Oh, this? Of course you may. (Showing them) The contents are business paper,

writing materials, a carton of cigarettes, and something like that.

C: All right. You may go. Thank you.

F: Thank you.

DRILL 6

I. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following: A. Example: What about a declaration for customs? - the package behind you - the money you are taking with - the CDs you have in your bag B. Example: Put the bags on this counter, and open them, please. - put all your baggage through the scanner - follow me to the inspection room - let me see inside your bag II. Memorize the following:

- Are these two bags all you have? - Please get your baggage and put it on this counter.

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- Are these your personal effects/belongings? - Do you have any prohibited articles listed on this notice? - Please fill out this form and stand in line over there

LESSON 7

CLEARANCE OF DUTIABLE GOODS

C: Good morning. Your passport, please?

F: Good morning. Here you are.

C: Thank you. Where did you come from?

F: I came from Switzerland.

C: Are you here on business or for sightseeing?

F: For sightseeing.

C: Do you have anything to declare?

F: Well, I have 150 cigars, two Swiss watches, and five wool sweaters for my friends.

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C: How much were the watches and sweaters?

F: They were rather cheap, officer, honestly speaking. Well, I remember the watches

were about 1,200 US dollars, and the sweaters were approximately 300 dollars.

C: I see. Up to 100 cigars are duty free. So, you have to pay a duty on the extra 50

pieces. The other articles you mentioned now are also free of duty.

F: Is that so? Where can I pay the duty?

C: Pay at the bank over there. I will prepare a payment slip for you.

Wait a minute, please.

F: Sure. Thanks.

DRILL 7

I. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following: A. Example: Do you have anything to declare? - any goods you bought in a foreign country - anything over the duty free allowance - any CDs in your baggage - any money in this package

B. Example: So, you have to pay a duty on the extra 50 pieces.

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- apply for permission from the Airport authority - go through the security check and then depart - get a permit at the State Bank - re-export them - pay some duty on them

II. Memorize the following: - Antiques are a type of articles prohibited from exporting. - You must apply for permission from The Ministry of Health. - What kinds of CDs do you have in your baggage? - We’ll have to temporarily retain these goods. - Please go to the desk over there and ask the airline staff.

LESSON 8

A RUDE FOREIGNER

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C: Good afternoon. Are these all your bags?

F: Yes.

C: Do you have anything to declare?

F: No. I have nothing dutiable, I’m sure. I wouldn’t hide anything.

All I have are cigars. Would you like one?

C: No, thanks. It’s against regulations to accept gifts.

What are the other things you are bringing in?

F: I told you - Nothing dutiable.

C: I understand, but let me check just to make sure.

F: This is the second time you’ve asked me, and besides, I’m in a hurry.

I’m telling you it’s not necessary to check my bags. But if you insist, go ahead.

C: Would you show me that bag?

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DRILL 8 I. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following: A. Example: I have nothing dutiable, I’m sure. - You didn’t tell me to do that - I’ve completed my declaration - I haven’t done anything wrong

B. Example: I wouldn’t hide anything. - smuggle anything - slip through the customs - bring in/take out anything illegal C. Example: This is the second time you’ve asked me. - I’ve told you about it - he’s imported these illegal goods - you’ve done this wrongly D. Example: It’s against regulations to accept gifts. - take photographs in this area - bring in more than 400 cigarettes - take out these CDs II. Substitute the words and phrases below in the following sentences: Example: Let me check the bag again just to make sure. - the document again / to make certain - the price again / to make sure - the weight again / to be safe

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LESSON 9

IMPORT-PROHIBITED ARTICLES (1)

C: May I see your passport, please?

F: Yes. Here it is.

C: I see you travel across the world on a regular basis.

F: Yes, I do. It’s my job to keep in touch with our oversea firms.

C: Which means you are familiar with Customs formalities . . .

F: Well . . .Yes, I think so.

C: That’s good. Could you tell me what you have in your briefcase?

F: Only business paper.

C: Can I have a look in it to make sure?

F: To make sure of what?

C: To make sure if you have nothing has to do with customs regulations, for instance.

F: As I said just earlier, I don’t have any dutiable goods.

C: I know that, but it is my job to check passengers’ belongings in general.

F: . . . Oh, is it? . . . Well, er . . . yes. Go ahead.

C: Thank you.

(The inspector finds there are some obscene goods prohibited from importing)

C: Well, I’m afraid these magazines go against the Customs Law.

F: What? Really? I didn’t know that. Believe me, sir. So, what should I do?

C: What they usually do is give up ownership of their illegal goods.

F: I see . . .

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DRILL 9

I. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following:

A. Example: it is my job to check passengers’ belongings in general. - prohibited / bring this into Vietnam - necessary for you/ do it - strictly controlled by law / import medicines

B. Example: I’m afraid these magazines go against the Customs Law. - these are more than the duty-free allowance - we’ll have to make a report for this - your money is exceeding the allowance C. Example: What they usually do is give up ownership of their illegal goods. - describe the goods in detail - complete the declaration - apply for permission before taking them out II. Memorize the following: - There is no duty free allowance for business purposes. - We’ll proceed to make a report for this. - I’m sorry but we’ll have to search you.

- How much money do you have in total here, sir / madam? - It’s against regulation to take more than 7000USD in cash out of VN.

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LESSON 10

IMPORT-PROHIBITED ARTICLES (2)

C: Which countries have you visited so far?

F: Apart from Australia, my country, I’ve visited Thailand, China, and

South Korea.

C: I see . . . Oh, where did you buy these purses?

F: I bought them in South Korea.

C: They look nice . . . Well, I hate to say this, but they are copies of Chanel.

F: What? Really? Are you sure? I was told they were real ones when I got them.

C: I’m sorry, Miss. They have the Chanel-label, but they aren’t genuine.

F: Ah, what a shame! What a mess! What shall I do, officer?

C: There are two choices for you in this case. One is to abandon them. The other, you

re-export, that is take them back to the seller in South Korea.

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F: I want to do neither. I don’t want to throw them away; I can’t go back to South

Korea again.

C: I know how you feel, Miss. At any rate, I’m afraid there’s no other way but to

follow the regulations.

F: (Being let down) All right. If that is the case, I prefer abandoning them to

undergoing the reexport procedures.

C: All right. I’ll get you an abandonment form. Wait a minute, please.

DRILL 10 I. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following: A. Example: where did you buy these purses? - can I pick up my baggage - are you going? This is a restricted area - is the check-in counter for domestic flights

B. Example: Well, I hate to say this, but they are copies of Chanel. - this permit has expired - we’ll have to inspect your goods again - you’re not allowed to bring it in

C. Example: I’m afraid there’s no other way but to follow the regulations.

- re-export them - pay duty for the extra goods - get permission from the State bank

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II. Memorize the following:

- Do you know how much money you can take out of VN? - You are required to present an export permit.

- What kinds of CDs or VCDs do you have in your luggage? - These are strictly prohibited in VN.

- Please go to the desk over there and ask the immigration staff.

LESSON 11

THE SMUGGLER

C: Hello, there!

F: Hi!

C: Do you remember me?

F: Yes . . . of course I do. You’re a customs officer.

C: I used to be, but I’m not anymore. I retired last month.

I often used to search your truck . . .

F: . . . but you never found anything! 23

C: No, I didn’t. Can I ask you something?

F: Of course you can.

C: Were you a smuggler?

F: Of course I was.

C: But . . . the truck was always empty. What were you smuggling?

F: Trucks.

DRILL 11 Notice: “Used to . . .” We use used to + infinitive to talk about past habits or states which are now finished. Example: - Tom used to play football every Sunday, but now he doesn’t. - They used to be happy together, but now they fight all the time. used to + infinitive takes the same form in all persons. used to + infinitive is always past. There is no present. We cannot say “I use to do”. For the present, use the present simple.

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Example: - Kate goes sailing quite often nowadays. - Alice sometimes comes to London on business. The normal question form is did . . . use to . . .? Example: - Did you use to like classical music? - Where did you use to live? The negative form is didn’t use to . . . Example: - I didn’t use to like classical music. - Jack didn’t use to go out very often until he met Jill.

LESSON 12

BULGING POCKETS

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C: Just a moment, please.

F: Did you call me?

C: Yes. Do you have anything to declare?

F: I beg your pardon!

C: I asked if you have anything to declare to Customs.

F: Oh, I see. No, I don’t.

C: May I see what is in your raincoat pockets?

F: Well, they are only little gifts for my friends.

C: Please take everything out of your pockets, and put it on the table here.

F: Oh, all right.

(The person takes two cartons of cigarettes and four Swiss watches

from his raincoat pockets.)

C: Anything else?

F: No, nothing else.

C: Why didn’t you declare these?

F: I didn’t think I had to.

C: Please let me see your passport.

F: Yes, here you are.

C: We’ll have to check into this further. Please come this way.

DRILL 12

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I. Study this conversational pattern and continue with the following:

Example: C: Do you have anything to declare?

F: I beg your pardon! C: I asked if you have anything to declare.

- Are you here on business or for sight seeing? - Why didn’t you declare these? - Will you please open this package?

II. Change the following to ones using “May I see . . . . . ?”

- I’d like to know what is in your pockets. - I’d like to know what is in your case. - I’d like to know what is in your package.

III. Study the example and continue with the following: Example: (You didn’t tell me about it.)

+ Why didn’t you tell me about it? + You should have told me about it.

- (You didn’t declare these.) - (He didn’t sign his name.) - (She didn’t get a permit.) IV. Change the following to ones using “Please let me . . . . .”

- I’d like to see your permit. - I’d like to know what type of your goods. - I’d like to check your baggage.

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LESSON 13

CHECKING A SUSPICIOUS MAN

C: Good evening. I’m from customs. Where did you come from?

F: Me? I, I’m just taking a walk along the waterfront for the evening breeze.

C: Did you get aboard a ship at this pier?

F: I live near here, but I wasn’t on a ship.

C: Do you have anything to declare to customs?

F: Declare? What do you mean by “declare”?

C: I’m asking if you have any foreign goods to report to customs.

Any foreign products are supposed to be reported to customs.

F: I see. Well, I don’t have anything like that.

C: Are you sure? Then what’s that inside the paper bag behind your back?

F: Nothing, nothing. It isn’t anything to declare.

C: Could you show it to me, please?

We have to check people and goods coming in and out of customs area.

F: Oh, is it? Well . . . Go ahead, if you like.

(The man gives the bag, and two bottles of vintage wine were found inside the

summer jacket in it)

C: Look. This is serious. I’ve got a few more questions for you.

Come with me, please.

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DRILL 13 I. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following: Example: I’m asking if you have any foreign goods to report to customs. - goods you bought in a foreign country - products over the duty free allowance - CDs in your baggage - of prohibited articles listed on this notice - goods you bring for others II. Change the following sentences using “Would you mind . . . . . ?” Example: Could you show it to me, please? Would you mind showing it to me? - Write your name and address here, please. - Wait a moment, please. - Tell me what you want, please.

III. Change the following:

Example: Come with me please. Come with me, will you? - Come this way, please. - Open your suitcase, please. - Hand me the declaration form, please.

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LESSON 14

CHECKING A SUSPICIOUS WOMAN

C: Hello ma’am. Which flight were you on?

F: I was on JL flight 356.

C: May I have a look at your passport?

F: Here it is.

C: Thanks. Have you filled out a declaration form for customs?

F: I glanced over the form, but I didn’t make a declaration.

C: So, you mean you have nothing to declare.

F: Yes. That’s right.

C: Do you have a cold or feel cold, by the way?

F: Well . . . Yes, I feel cold somehow . . ..

C: Could you take everything out of your pockets, please?

F: They are just odds and ends. Nothing to show you.

C: I don’t care about it. Will you, please?

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F: . . . OK, if you insist. (The woman shows him her things in six paper packs)

C: What about this jewellery? What are you going to do with these earrings and

necklaces? There are roughly 60 pieces.

F: I was just asked by my sister, who runs a jewellery shop in Nagoya.

Is there anything wrong with that? They are mere samples, officer.

C: I’m afraid I have to clarify your claim at our inspection room.

Another inspector is coming here to take you.

F: Do I have to go there?

C: Right, ma’am.

F: (Resigning herself) All right . . .

DRILL 14 I. Change the following sentences using “I want to know . . . . .” Example: - Have you filled out a declaration form for customs?

+ Pardon! - I want to know if you have filled out a declaration form for customs.

- Is your baggage here? - How many times have you been here? - What kind of goods did you import? - Why didn’t you declare these? II. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following: Example: I’m afraid I have to clarify your claim at our inspection room. - these magazines are illegal in Vietnam - you’ll have to re-export them - you may not import this article 31

III. Memorize the following:

- Oh, your money is exceeding the allowance. - Be sure not to import these goods next time. - You can import two bottles of whisky without paying duty.

- All you have to do is to describe the goods in detail. - My senior officer can explain to you. Please come with me.

LESSON 15

A SUSPICIOUS-LOOKING PACKAGE

C: What’s in the package you have behind you?

F: Oh, nothing in particular. It’s only extra undershirts.

C: You really have nothing to declare?

F: Nothing.

C: Please let me see what’s in it anyway.

F: Why? It’s only used shirts.

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(The foreigner opens the package. The customs officer examines the contents.

He discovers a small package containing jewels under the shirts.)

C: Oh, these are jewels. Why did you say you had nothing to declare?

F: I’m sorry. I didn’t know I had to declare them.

C: You must declare these. May I see the purchase slip?

F: I don’t have it. Can’t you overlook it this time?

I promise not to do it again.

C: I’m afraid we can’t. We’ll have to check into this further.

Please take a seat over there and wait.

DRILL 15

I. Substitute the underlined words in the example for one of the following: A. Example: What’s in the package you have behind you? - the paper bag the man next to you is taking - the box you have in your pocket - the bag she has with her

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B. Example: It’s only extra undershirts. - my belongings - my personal effects - odds and ends II. Change the following to questions using (a) “Do you have . . . . . ?”; (b) "Please show me . . . . .”; (c) "May I see . . . . . ?” - I’d like to see the declaration form. - I’d like to see the certificate for this. - I’d like to see the permit. III. Change the following:

Example: (You said you had nothing to declare.)

+ Why did you say you had nothing to declare? - (You said you didn’t bring any illegal goods.) - (You said you came here for the first time.) - (You said you already asked for permission.)

IV. Place “I’m sorry, but . . . . .” before the following:

- we’ll temporarily retain all of these articles. - that’s the regulation. - these magazines are illegal in Vietnam.

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