Do I have to declare anything at customs?
di-chia-RA-re — four syllables, stress on third. 'Dogana' is do-GA-na.
When passing through customs after an international flight, particularly from outside the EU.
'Devo' (I must, from dovere) + infinitive expresses obligation or necessity. 'Dichiarare' means to declare. 'Qualcosa' means something. The phrase is useful both as a genuine question and as a way to proactively engage with customs officers, which is generally advisable.
Non ho nulla da dichiarare.
I have nothing to declare.
Standard phrase for the green customs channel
Ho della valuta estera da dichiarare.
I have foreign currency to declare.
Required if carrying more than €10,000 in cash
Sto portando prodotti alimentari dall'estero.
I am bringing food products from abroad.
Some foods require declaration or are prohibited
EU customs rules allow travellers arriving from outside the EU to bring goods up to €430 in value without declaration (€175 for under-15s). The green channel is for 'nothing to declare', the red for goods above limits. Random checks do occur even in the green channel.