Customs and Duty Free (Southeast Asia)

It is recommended that passengers consult the following websites before departure for up-to-date information on the quantity of alcohol/cigarettes that can be imported when you arrive home, as well as the amount of cash that may be carried without declaration:

Australian passengers: www.homeaffairs.gov.au
New Zealand passengers: www.customs.govt.nz

Vietnam

Vietnams officials remain sensitive to what they call “culturally damaging material “that portrays the nation of government negatively; they forbid things like films or books which are officially banned (including some guide books) and pornography.

Cambodia

Exporting any Angkor period sculpture is illegal and these items will be confiscated. If you buy a souvenir that could be mistaken for a genuine antique, get an official receipt from the shop.

Laos

Exporting antiques such as old Buddha images or bronze drums are illegal and these items will be confiscated. If you buy a souvenir that could be mistaken for a genuine antique, get an official receipt from the shop.

Thailand

If you purchase any antiques/objects of art, you must obtain an export license through the Department of Fine Arts. Visitors entering Thailand are entitled to refunds of the 7% value- added tax (VAT paid on goods purchased at stores displaying the “VAT Refund for Tourists” signs). Banned items: illicit drugs, counterfeit currency, indecent publications (books, films, painting, etc), anything considered prejudicial to the interest of Malaysia. Piranha fish, turtle eggs, cocoa pods, daggers or flick knives, articles resembling syringes (e.g. pens or pencils), and poisonous chemicals.