Customs and video/audio tapes

[Jo-2]

We are planning to move to SG next month.  We have quite a few personal collection of video and audio tapes including weddings, graduations, etc.
We were told that it will cost $4/hr for the officer to review them.
Do they actually go through them?
Would anybody say how much it cost them to have their stuff screened?
Thanks for responding.
Jo

[Jan]

I would leave them at home if I were you - perhaps with your parents or other trusted friends or relatives. The reason for this is that the humidity levels are so high in Singapore that mould grows easily on tapes and could destroy your precious recordings. This is the reason why laser discs, VCD's and now DVD's are so popular here as they don't get mould growing on them; in fact they even sell VHS video tapes here which are supposedly fungus resistant. If you really want to bring them, I would advise you to make copies and leave the master tapes back home, or to keep a dehumidifier or the air-con running constantly - but that is an expensive and a non-environmentally friendly option!

PS: the same goes for photos too, don't keep them in albums with plastic protective covers as the moisture gets underneath - some of my photos have been ruined in this way.  

[manu]

Our moving company recommened us to write a list of our videos.
So I wrote it, just mentioned the title of the video and then I categorized it e.g. as a children's or family video. (We just brought "decent" videos   )
The end result: no costs, no viewings

[Jo-2]

Thanks Jan. I will take your advice into consideration.  This also reminds me about my video-camara.  It is in good condition (3 year old).  If there is a problem for the video tape storage, maybe I should give it away and get a digital one instead?

[CK]

JO-2 Digital video cameras use tapes still. So that would not help you. Although I must add that I have been here for over 2 years and have not had any problems with mouldy video tapes nor photos.

[Mike M]

I had problems with the humidity ruining camera equipt/videos/photos when I arrived. Bought a dehumidification unit for a little over $100 and it solved all the problems. Looks a bit like a small glass fronted fridge - can get them at most of the camera/electrical shops, various sizes/prices and cost next to nothing to run - better option (for me anyway) to running aircon units all day.

[Daniel A]

We used an Esky to keep our photos in. Seems to have worked fine. Video tapes are surviving just in their case.

Depending on the amount of potentially "indecent" Video tapes, you could bring them in with your onboard luggage.