What with fitting in five kimonos, packing can be stressful. Even more stressful: losing things at customs and/or facing a fine. We all know the rules about no fruit or meats or items made from ivory, but what about toasters and breakfast spreads? Thanks to CNNgo, here's a list of curious contraband from around the world. And we thought the TSA was persnickety.
What with fitting in five kimonos, packing can be stressful. Even more stressful: losing things at customs and/or facing a fine. We all know the rules about no fruit or meats or items made from ivory, but what about toasters and breakfast spreads? Thanks to CNNgo, here's a list of curious contraband from around the world. And we thought the TSA was persnickety.
Do NOT try bring into:
The USA -
Kinder Surprise Eggs
Poor American kids will never know the fun of chocolate plus toy all in one. They are banned because of a “non-nutritive object imbedded”.
Ceramic tableware
The rules are bent here but customs encourages you to test your new ceramic goods bought abroad for levels of lead (especially if coming from Mexico, China, Hong Kong and India)
Denmark –
Marmite and Vegemite
Aussie and Brits grow up on the stuff, but because they have “enhanced vitamins” they are a no go in Denmark.
Cordless phones
No cordless phones without an approved license are allowed to enter the country. Along with live animals and produce.
Nigeria –
Mosquito nets
Make sure you pack your malaria tablets and bug spray because if you have a net it will be thrown out on the border.
Cuba –
Electric pans, toasters and irons.
Well at least you know that while on vacation you won’t be doing any household chores.
China –
Tomatoes, red peppers and eggplant
To prevent the foreign disease countries usually do prevent produce being allowed over the border -- but why just these items? No idea.
Malaysia –
Three articles of new clothing
Make sure after you have shopped for your new travel outfits you remove all tags before putting them in your suitcase -- you don’t want them taken off you before even wearing them!
Chewing gum
The myth is true -- to a point. Gum for sale is banned in Singapore, except at pharmacies for medical benefit, so keep it to a "personal use" level.
