Airport Arrival

For international travelers coming into the US, in particular for Newark Liberty International Airport, we have to pay $3.00 for getting the baggage cart from the turnstile. Now, for some common sense, not all arrivals will have US currency especially quarters or dollar coins for the machine (though it does accept credit cards).

From the gate to customs, there is no change machine nor a Travelex currency booth so travelers can exchange their foreign currency for US dollars. Plus, in most cases, you would get mostly bills, not coins since US does not really hand out dollar coins (nor does it have two-dollar coins like the euro or pound).

Second, you are not allowed to use your mobile phone in the international baggage claim area because they conveniently placed the area right next to the customs section. Frankly, half of the people at each baggage claim area were trying to quickly talk into their mobile phones before security would tell them to stop. Also, the customs area is fenced off and you couldn't see through the walls anyway. This is especially a problem when your flight got delayed or you are waiting a very long time for your luggage, the people who are supposed to pick up are very anxious in finding out where you are, and what's the holdup.

There is really no danger of using your mobile in the baggage claim area. The immigration section was upstairs and the customs section was just on the far side of the area. Common sense would make it prudent to just to fence off the customs area enough so the travelers can make their necessary phone calls.

Anyways, happy xmas.