Customs at Changi

[JudyO]

Hi all, newbie here. Coming to Singapore for a visit the day after tomorrow and am getting a bit nervous about going thru Customs. Have heard tons of stories and can't get straight answers on some very basic stuff. Looked thru the board and came up dry, so here goes.

Am bringing a ton of stuff with me, as I'm staying for about 2 months or so. This includes my juicer (can't live without), a multitude of supplements and a wide variety of cosmetics/skin care products. Needless to say, I've spent a small fortune on this stuff. Oh, and a really ground coffee blend and my protein powder (both already opened).

For the supps, all are opened bottles (~15), but some are herbal extracts (reishi, olive leaf, etc.), as well as some bulk vitamin powders in orig pkg (MSM, Vit C, etc - also opened). None have DMAE, DHEA, Yohimbine or anything else on their banned list, but I wanna make sure I'm gonna be okay.

Also, the cosmetics are in orig containers, but some are in unlabeled travel size bottles, simply cause it's easier. Just wanna make sure they won't get trashed, as I know the officials are really big on labeling. Or, will they pull out a test kit and test the contents (am I just being paranoid)?

I've heard answers ranging from "don't worry at all', to "they'll freak when they see all this stuff".

And, yes, I'm a health nut in case you're wondering.

[nakatago]

They'll freak in the sense that you brought so much. For the supplements and other drug-looking things, you can check the Singapore customs website.

[JudyO]

Been there, done that. It's bad enough I can't bring my Retin-A, but my gosh, my DMAE serum and progesterone cream, too?!! They'd really freak out if they saw my kitchen cabinet!

I just don't wanna get stuck there for 3 hours while they go thru all the bottles making sure I haven't stuffed contraband in there. I just can't afford to leave everything behind and purchase anew (never find half the stuff anyway).

Never had a problem going thru a number of countries in the M.E. Does *anyone* have experience bringing vitamins/cosmetics/etc in? How bad can it be?

[nutnut]

You may be asked why you have so much. You can bring supplements in to Singapore, I know a number of people who have done that, not sure about the quantities though. I'd definitely also recommend checking with The customs web page.

[the lynx]

Been there, done that. It's bad enough I can't bring my Retin-A, but my gosh, my DMAE serum and progesterone cream, too?!! They'd really freak out if they saw my kitchen cabinet!

I just don't wanna get stuck there for 3 hours while they go thru all the bottles making sure I haven't stuffed contraband in there. I just can't afford to leave everything behind and purchase anew (never find half the stuff anyway).

Never had a problem going thru a number of countries in the M.E. Does *anyone* have experience bringing vitamins/cosmetics/etc in? How bad can it be?

I've brought supplements and consumer drugs through Singapore customs before but always been ushered to the green 'nothing to declare' channel instead.

But oh my, you are bringing A LOT!

My advice, play safe. Email them ahead in advance and give them a list, detailing every single of those supplements, cosmetics and drugs you are planning to bring and ask for their advice. Make sure you also tell them if these items have been opened etc, and that all these are for YOUR OWN CONSUMPTION.

They are usually very helpful when passengers show forethought and seek their advice regarding customs.

Let us know how does it go.

[Strong Eagle]

Make sure they are in your suitcase, not your carry on luggage. I've come through with thousands of tablets in dozens of bottles without issue.

Where are you coming from?

[JudyO]

the lynx: Good advice on the email, will see if I can do that tonite before I leave 8/1 a.m. Spoke w/their help desk already, and they indicated it wasn't a problem if they were for my own consumption. Yet, they'll be surprised by the variety and quantity.

Strong Eagle: Everything's already packed in the checked bags. I'm coming in from the U.S., so it's not as if I've been globe-trotting around (yet). That, along with my advanced age (lol), may elicit the not as strong a response from the authorities -- I hope.

Oh, and should I declare any of this stuff or just go the green lane (and hope I sail thru)? I also have an expensive handbag/shoes that I wouldn't want them to charge me for on the way out, but am not sure if getting into the red line would be opening a can of worms.

[the lynx]

the lynx: Good advice on the email, will see if I can do that tonite before I leave 8/1 a.m. Spoke w/their help desk already, and they indicated it wasn't a problem if they were for my own consumption. Yet, they'll be surprised by the variety and quantity.

Strong Eagle: Everything's already packed in the checked bags. I'm coming in from the U.S., so it's not as if I've been globe-trotting around (yet). That, along with my advanced age (lol), may elicit the not as strong a response from the authorities -- I hope.

Oh, and should I declare any of this stuff or just go the green lane (and hope I sail thru)? I also have an expensive handbag/shoes that I wouldn't want them to charge me for on the way out, but am not sure if getting into the red line would be opening a can of worms.

Usually if that was their reply, you can just go through the green channel. If you are doubtful, send a follow-up email on the red/green channel part.

[JudyO]

Will do, wish me luck!