Mr. Li: You've traveled abroad a lot, Tom, so would you like to tell me something about clearing customs.
Tom: When you arrive in a country, you clear customs. A lot of countries have two channels: the green channel
and the red channel. Some countries, like India, have three channels: the white channel, the green channel and
the red channel.
Mr. Li: Then what are the differences between the green channel and red channel?
Tom: If you have more than the duty-free allowances or prohibited goods, you go through the red channel and
declare them to a customs officer. If you otherwise have nothing to declare, you go straight through the green
channel unless you are asked to stop by an officer.
Mr. Li: I see.
Mr. Li: I'm told that we'll have to state the purpose of going to a certain country, is it true?
Tom: That's right. People go aboard for different purposes: some for pleasure, some on vacation, some on
business, and some for other purposes.
Mr. Li: I'm going to New Zealand for sightseeing. What should I say if they ask about my purpose?
