Sorry if I sound dumb, but can you bring packaged snacks from USA into Italy? I'm on a very tight budget and would like to carry in some packaged protein bars and instant oatmeal. Do I have to claim them at customs? Has anyone else done this?
Posted by
Freedonia
15247 posts
They're fine. You don't have to declare them.
This question gets asked a lot. However, you will lose out on a great thing in Italy and that is the cuisine. Food doesn't have to be expensive.
Posted by
Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
606 posts
Customs would only be interested in what you bring in if you're planning to resell the stuff. They're not interested in snacks you bring in for your own consumption.
I have no problem with you taking your own snacks, as they're not real heavy and will cost you nothing to take to Italy (except a little luggage space). If this saves you enough money to let you enjoy a few great meals in Italy, it's well worth the trouble to take them!
"Its more of a fill-in for breakfast..."
Of course, most, but not all, places I've stayed in over there give you a free breakfast.
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
16 posts
Thanks for the info! Believe me, I am planning on partaking of the wonderful Italian food and vino! Its more of a fill-in for breakfast to get me started, or lunch with a piece of fruit so I can splurge on a nice dinner, or to keep me going until I reach my destination.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
After you retrieve your lugguage head for customs and walk past the green light. The red light section is for people with stuff to claim. You do not need to worry about your snacks.
Every hotel I've stayed at over the last 29 years has served something free for breakfast.
Buon viaggio,
RB
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
Susan,
As the others have stated, you shouldn't have any problems bringing pre-packaged snacks to Italy (although as Patrick mentioned, most places will provide some form of "continental breakfast").
However, don't include items such as fresh fruit or "unprocessed" foods or you will have a problem.
I usually pack along half a dozen Energy Bars on every trip, as they're good to have on long train trips. An Energy Bar is sometimes preferable to the food that's offered on the carts that come through each car.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
16 posts
Thanks for all the great info. Breakfast is included in the places I booked in Florence and Pisa, but I rented an individual room in Riomaggiore that doesn't provide it.
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
No problem. I took packages of nuts & protein bars for the exact reasons that you stated & didn't have a problem. Enjoy.