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SEndrigo · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 437

Hey all,

Hope you can help me out with this (what I think is) rather unique question...

I'm a fencer and I don't want to be without my foil for 3 months, so I'm considering checking it in when I come to Taiwan. I would put my foil into a case, say, a hard guitar case and then check it in, along with my one suitcase.

Do you think the authorities would give me grief over the fencing foil, even though it has no sharp edges and really couldn't hurt anyone (well I suppose you could hurt someone with it if you really wanted to)?

I was figuring that because fencing is an olympic sport, they would be lenient and let me check it in, since it's obvious that it's not a deadly weapon.

Just wanted to ask everyone here since I've no idea how the laws/authorities work over there.

Thanks, I'd really appreciate it if someone could give me advice on this matter!

BJ · Joined: 03 Dec 2003 Posts: 173

No idea, countries are funny about weapons entering their countries of any kind. will definately be seena s a sword. my question is not getting it into Taiwan but getting it back into your own country:).

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

SEndrigo,

Shooting is an Olympic sport too, but they still won't let you bring guns in. I don't think that reason will fly. Swords are not allowed (the EVA website has a list of regulations) as are many sports items (bats, pool cues) but clearly athletes get around the rules. Perhaps a call to the visa office would be helpful.

Good luck,
Peggie

SEndrigo · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 437

Hey Peggie,

Thanks for that, I'll have a look on the EVA website.

I figured they might not be too thrilled at someone bringing in a foil, even if it is basically harmless. I think I will contact the Visa office as I'm supposed to be going there soon anyway to apply for my visitor Visa.

If for some reason I'm not able to bring my foil, I hope I can find a place in Taipei where I can practice fencing. I know there is a China Taipei Fencing Association office there, but not sure if there are any shops that might sell foils there as my Internet search has not produced any good leads.

Anyway, thanks for the advice!

CWanders · Joined: 04 Jan 2007 Posts: 49

I know from experience that you can ship swords by standard mail. My bother purchased one while visiting me in China and then couldn't bring it with him on the plane, so it became my responsibility to ship it home. The cheapest shipping rate took about 3 months. So, you may want to look into UPS or at least priority mail.