talkmagic.co.uk

Hi folks, next year I have been asked to go perform in Dubai...

My issue is, I have never travelled before for a job (abroad) that is, and I am wondering how one gets their box of tricks out there..and what kind of restrictions are there on whats in your luggage these days...Its been ages since Ive flown anywere?

you might get problems with the customs because of cards since gambling is not allowed there. check it out before. i know they took a poker set from a friend who went there for work.

greets

I dont do much card stuff so thats not to much of an issue...Im thinking the 2000 forks Ill be taking and flash paper and magnets...things that might cause a problem at airport security...

But cheers for the cards tip

Whoever asked you to perform ought to be able to advise exactly what you can and can't take/do over there. Failing that, have a word with the nearest United Arab Emirates Embassy or Consulate - they will be able to tell you everything you need to know. Matters such as visas and any necessary work permits can be checked there as well. Bear in mind that rules and regs in that part of the world are very strict and there's little chace of leniency as you might expect to get in the UK!

ALthough i have no experience of this ....... it would probably be wise to have a copy of your booking agreement with contact deatils etc .... customs can contact them then.... (to get you out of their cell after a good thoughough going over )

F x

I don't really understand why but when we went to Morocco we needed a proof of address, a bank statement did the trick. I don't know if it's the same in Dubai but might well be worth taking just in case.

to get you out of their cell after a good thoughough going over )

As long as they wash their hands first lol

Matters such as visas and any necessary work permits

Im glad you said that I had not even thought about things like that...

Flash Paper isn't considered and explosive. If it is it is very low grade and cannot do any damage. I see no harm in taking it on a plane. I know a magician who travels a lot and said that flash paper has never been an issue.

You might not need them but it's best to check and ask first and it can take weeks for such things to be organised. My niece and her fiancé are on holiday in India at the moment but they spent nearly 4 weeks chasing and getting the necessary visas. This summer, the local Embassy in Birmingham outsourced that function (no, not to India!) to another organisation less than 200 yards away but there's no communication, they only work very reduced hours, e-mails went astray, faxes disappeared into the twilight zone and only some really determined persistence got the paperwork don in time. The whole thing was costing money and if it hadn't all been sorted out the paperwork would have been returned and to start all over again meant another rash of payments - in advance - and a timescale extending beyond the date of the flight out. If you're using a Travel Agency to book travel, they might be able to advise and may even be able to take on the job or arranging paperwork - for a fee, of course. It might be worth it in the long run!

contact John Archer. He works out in Dubai and the middle east quite a bit, and im sure he will give you tons of advice.

Flash paper is a potential hazard and as such can't be taken in hand luggage on a plane in Europe. Recent events at UK airports have resulted in increased security checks so the last thing anyone needs on their way out is being detained under Terrorism laws! It might be OK if packed properly in baggage in the hold but again, it needs to be checked out in advance

Magic Chris wrote:I dont do much card stuff so thats not to much of an issue...Im thinking the 2000 forks Ill be taking and flash paper and magnets...things that might cause a problem at airport security...

But cheers for the cards tip

How about shipping your effects out ahead of you travelling - perhaps to the person whom booked you...could ease the problems at customs.

But then again could raise another problem for you - your stuff never arrives

Maybe sent well in advance and reciving confirmation that is has arrived may fireproof that pitfall.

Good look with the gig in dubia,somehow i dont think your severed hand effect will be greeted with much wonder and amazement out in dubia.....just call it a hunch

How about shipping your effects out ahead of you travelling - perhaps to the person whom booked you...could ease the problems at customs.

But then again could raise another problem for you - your stuff never arrives

Yes I was thinking fed-ex but I was scared of loosing it ...

contact John Archer

Cheers will look into that x

Most if not all organisations such as the airlines, Customs & Excise etc. have seen it hundreds of times before and if contacted will offer you their best advice.

As suggested, do this well in advance to avoid any difficulties at the point of departure. All you'll get then is officialdom and people who don't want to understand your problem.