Six things you should never take out of different countries

Swirling shells from the beach of an exotic country are an exclusive souvenir and a free gift for a colleague or friend. However, for customs officers, even the smallest things are a reason for a fine. Thus, they check all your luggage and take away prohibited items.

You will definitely be detained at the airport for transporting weapons, drugs, and pornography, but that's not all on the list. OBOZREVATEL has named simple items that cannot be taken out of resorts.

Medicines

Strict rules on the import and export of medicines apply almost everywhere. The main requirements to bring medicines are a receipt and undamaged packaging. Narcotic and psychotropic substances are prohibited, and the EU has restrictions on codeine and ephedrine, which are part of some cough drops. If these medicines are prescribed, you can carry up to 20 pills with a prescription, stamp, and signature.

In China, a tourist cannot take out medicines worth more than 300 yuan (about 40 dollars), as customs officials consider it as transportation for sale.

Books

Books that are more than 50 years old, including scientific works, valuable newspapers and magazines, are prohibited from being exported from Italy. Customs officers will check the entire library of your suitcase, looking for bookstore stamps. In Cuba, the workers will also look through your books to make sure you are not taking them from free libraries.

Shells

Almost every country prohibits the export of objects from the sea, especially corals. In Vietnam, Egypt, Thailand, and the Dominican Republic, you can get a fine even if you just take a piece of coral out of the water.

Cultural heritage

Anything that resembles the country's cultural heritage must have a receipt. For example, it is forbidden to export Buddha statues that are taller than 13 centimeters from Thailand. In Tunisia, you can't take out products made of wood, leather, ceramics, and stones. Customs officers from the Dominican Republic will take away orchids, shells, and corals. In Turkey, workers carefully check carpets - they must be accompanied by a receipt with the date and manufacturer.

National currency

Often, tourists have some local money left in their wallets at the end of their trip. Sometimes this can lead to big problems at customs. In India, Tunisia, the Dominican Republic, and many other countries, it is forbidden to take even a few coins abroad.

Stuffed animals and some plants

You cannot export turtle shells, scorpions, stuffed birds and animals from almost all Asian countries. You will pay a fine for such a violation. For example, in Vietnam, an attempt to transport such items will cost you $500.