Hi, new here ^^

Erm, just a question. I'm about to further my studies in Japan within 2 months, and I was thinking to buy a CIJ Stratocaster there. The only thing that bothers me is that is it possible to bring it back to M'sia (given the no Fender Japan export policy)?

I'm just worried they would confiscate the guitar at the customs XD; no experience whatsoever bringing back an instrument from overseas.

Anyone can help me on this? Thank you ^^

You can buy a Fender in Japan and carry it back with you. The most they will do is to smack with u with a custom duty. Other than that, nothing to worry about.

I was told that musical instruments are exempt from taxes on the Malaysian side, but again I have heard experiences from other guitar buyers that this is not correct.


The customs classify an electric guitar as an ELECTRICAL item, not musical, so you still will get slapped with taxes.

Of course, the customs are the king, they are corrupt and they can do anything they want, selectively, what can we do about it if Malaysian customs decided to slap taxes on your electric guitar ?

True. But some times you get lucky. I brought my ZW Les Paul from the US in a gig bag...... no problems at all.

But the key thing is that if you bring it in a Gig bag, they are less likely to tax you.

Thanks for the replies

How much do I have to pay if my guitar gets taxed btw?

no tax. . . just claim as your own personal instrument. . .

anyway. ..

get a Ibanez J Custom. . . xD

LOL I'd love to, but too expensive for me ^^;

Then again anything with a "Made in Japan" sign sold here will cost around 1k-2k more...so might as well huh..

yes. . . Ibanez J. . . you can get alot of models that aren't available here. . .