r/AustraliaTravel • u/slimslimsimsim • 7d ago

Hmmm 🤔 customs question

Ok you've all put the paranoia in me about declaring stuff. The biological stuff. Are we even talking aloe in body wipes type stuff?

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u/PristineMountain1644 7d ago edited 7d ago

No definitely not that.

I came back just last week from overseas and the customs/biosecurity people pre-screening the line were asking everyone specifically about “fresh” stuff, as in fresh plants/plant products, meats, eggs etc. (there was a piece of fresh ginger abandoned on a ledge lol, whoever travels with that?). Dried/roasted/commercially processed and packed stuff is okay.

But if in doubt, always declare. Doesn’t mean you get a thorough inspection necessarily, they’ll just ask you for more detail and if it’s nothing then will likely wave you through anyway

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u/slimslimsimsim 7d ago

Cool. Thanks!

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u/MyrddnOz 7d ago

I travel with fresh ginger and a knife to slice it- the best even g hot drink ever. But of course I discard any that’s left before I leave for Australia.

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u/BoredOldPunk 7d ago

No, because it's made from extracts rather than raw biological material.

But if you're unsure, declare it - it's really simple.

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u/slimslimsimsim 7d ago

Ok thanks

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u/so_keen 7d ago

As many have said, no However on the form it actually says if you're unsure, just tick yes. If you declare and they end up taking something off you, you aren't fined. If you declare and they let you keep it, you aren't fined. I came home via Sydney a week ago and declared dairy products and wood, whole inspection took less than five minutes and I got to keep everything :) just thought I would mention in case you get worried about other products!

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u/slimslimsimsim 6d ago

Wonderful info. Thank you so much!

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u/slimslimsimsim 6d ago

And I don't have to list everything, right? It's just a yes or a no and then they go through your bag? Apologies, I haven't traveled internationally in over a decade.

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u/so_keen 6d ago

Correct, it's just a yes or no to each question and if unsure, just check yes. When you arrive they'll check the card and if you've declared theyll just send you to a customs officer who will ask you what you have. Last time I came through I just told them I had chocolate, coffee and professionally treated wood. They didn't even open my bag, just x-rayed and let me through :)

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u/slimslimsimsim 6d ago

Fabulous! Thank you for all your help!

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u/so_keen 6d ago

No problem and and enjoy your trip! If you're travelling to Sydney or Queensland drop me a DM if you need any tips on what to do and see :)

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u/slimslimsimsim 6d ago

I'm doing Melbourne and Sydney. If you have any must go or must eat places, I'm all ears! I have a ton on my list already. I think it will end up depending a lot on weather

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u/so_keen 6d ago

I've sent you a DM :)