Gidday Jean and all, >>I do know that you are not allowed any food in your hand luggage, >>recall when we landed by boat at Sydney Harbour in 1962
I have been in and out of Australia many times in the last 15 months and I can tell you they are VERY strict about what you bring in. Anything containing fruit, nuts, meat products or honey are particularly a no-no, and they now insist that you put your hand luggage on the ground whilst waiting at the luggage carousel so that sniffer dogs can check your bags not just for drugs but for food as well. Hiding things in your checked-in luggage doesn't work anymore either as they do a full scan of your suitcases as well, and their scanning machines are amazing now and give glossy colour pictures of absolutely everything inside. Having said that, if you are prepared to take the risk of losing something then do bring it but DO declare it as Ruth said. I have taken chocolate bars and lollies home for my kids, and always gotten them through - but I do declare them. Chocolate seems to be generally alright in my experience but certainly anything involving fruit, nuts or meat gets confiscated. Travelling from an African country I always have to tick the "have you been in a country in Africa in the past 30 days" box and they even check your shoes for seeds/hay etc. if you have been in a rural area. Lots of people bring souvenirs made of wood and grass-weaving, but its ok as long as you do declare them - they do a pretty thorough inspection but will let the items through if they pass muster. I find it quite amusing when I come back to South Africa - cos' I could bring anything in and they wouldn't care less! When you walk through the Security barriers over here, if they beep you just keep walking cos' it beeps at everyone and they just let you continue! Michelle an Aussie living in Richards Bay, South Africa 30C and a light breeze today To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
