Korean Job Discussion Forums

[davester13]

I'll be going on a 3-month backpacking trip to Singapore and other SE Asian destinations, and I need to bring with me a large supply of herbal dietary supplements for health maintenance (no, not THOSE herbs). Although luggage checks are random, I'm concerned I could have problems with customs.

I'm concerned about two things: 1) the large quantity I'll be bringing (6 bags of about 360 count 1,000 mg capsules)

and

2) the fact that they will be in clear zip-lock bags with no labels identifying the contents (there is no original packaging with labeling because my nutritionist receives these herbs in bulk, and then passes them on to me).

The Singapore customs Web site states a person can bring a 3-month supply of "medicines" without declaring anything or getting special permission, as long as they aren't controlled substances (mine aren't). But he or she must have accompanying documents, such as "a physician's note and/or prescription" (I can get a note but obviously not a prescription since they are natural herbs).

But, will a note from a herbalist/nutritionist be enough? Many questions naturally arise from the site's declared requirements, such as, what constitutes "medicines"? And, how much is a 3-month supply?

By the way, I'm concerned not only about Singapore, but also other airport customs and border crossings for the countries I'll be visiting: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia. (I mentioned Singapore first since I'll be flying there first and they ostensibly have the strictest regulations for these kinds of things).

One obvious next step is to send a query to Singapore customs (they have a site organized for such queries). But, what else could I do? Should I consider avoiding Singapore altogether? Should I take a chance with the random bag checks and hope my note from my nutritionist is enough? What are your thoughts?

Please send along any information or suggestions which might be helpful. Thanks.

[articulate_ink]

[davester13]

[articulate_ink]

I'm not sure. The times I've travelled in SE Asia, I've always flown from country to country; except for my first trip from Singapore to Malaysia 7 years ago, I've never crossed a land border in the region.

One random idea would be to declare the supplements when you arrive in Singapore. If you're not planning to travel with illegal substances, just go through the red lanes at customs and tell the officials what you've got with you. I assume your note from your herbalist will include contact information. This approach might be swatting a fly with a sledgehammer, but if you're worried, it would give you a more predictable outcome.

[sojourner1]

Singnapore is said to be the strictest country in the world when it comes to drugs or anything that could be drugs. You can bet they will think you packed something else into those capsules. Since it's not illegal stuff, just pack them in your carry on and let them take a look. You might be fine and at worst, they will take them.

When I came to Korea, I had an unopened bottle of vitamin pills in my checked bag and they were confiscated.

I would try carrying them in original containers in my carry on as we were always told to pack pills in our carry on bags.

[davester13]

[davester13]

[OiGirl]

[alinkorea]

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore with a huge bag of herbal supplements!!!!
Not the greatest idea I've ever heard. If you get searched expect LONG delays. A note from a nutritionist won't fly.

[davester13]