Sorry if this is repetitious, but I keep finding lots of links on what I can bring back into the USA, but having a hard time finding what items I can take into Italy. Are there any items (specifically food) that we cannot take with us? We were going to pack some random breakfast items that we can get cheaper here and want to know if it's ok.
Thanks!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
Customs entering Europe is most always a walk through, it's very rare that travelers have their bags searched. Processed foods won't be problem...go for it.
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Monique - If you're going to Italy on a vacation - please don't worry about taking breakfast items with you!! If you're stopped at custome they will be taken - BUT - More importantly - Each area you're in has local markets where fruit and vegetables are nicely priced. Enjoy your trip - leave the breakfast items home
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
If you're flying from Pennsylvania to Italy, you will get breakfast on the plane. Free.
But if you're curious, you can read Italy's customs regulations here:
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I have taken tea, nuts, dried fruits and cereals all w/ no problems.
Posted by
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
No customs search when we entered into Bologna. We brought a buch of different things with us. Gronola bars, cookies, chips and several other things for the kids. Even on the off chance you get searched you have a good chance of getting an inspector that probably won't care.
Also, when we shipped our household goods here we included in the shipment a buch of spices, canned and boxed foods. The shipment supposedly went through a customs inspection and we had no problems.
Ron
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
We have never been searched, and always carry emergency granola bars, etc. You can find all of your bFast needs in Italy, so no need to take anything (except you can;t find peanut butter!)
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
712 posts
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. People may think it's odd (or super cheap) that I would even consider taking food in Italy (Italy!!!) of all places. My issue is that I have hypoglcemia, and there are times when my sugar drops suddenly and I get really dizzy and have the shakes, so here at home I carry granola bars and such on me at all times. I want to have that convenience in Italy as well and don't want to have to worry about translating or making change in Italian while I'm half passed out. And yes, such items are cheaper here so cost is a factor.
Posted by
Portland, OR
1091 posts
Hi Monique,
I do the same thing, for the same reasons. :) I have never had a problem anywhere in Europe with these items. I usually take a box of Lara bars.
Gelato also works very well for low blood sugar! :)
Have fun.
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
2349 posts
Root beer is not allowed.