Phenol
Contributor
My wife and I are going to Palau in March 
, leaving from Hartford, CT with a 19h layover in Narita. The airline (Continental) told us that we'll have to clear customs with our bags even if they are checked through, because the layover is so long. Of course, we intend to do a bit of sightseeing and have a good night's sleep before the next flight.
My problem is that I often need decongestants when diving, but pseudoephedrine is illegal in Japan. There are also severe restrictions on a whole lot of other products that are sold over-the-counter in the US.
Has anyone ever had any trouble travelling to or through Japan with "dive enabling" medication? I'm also a bit worried about other first-aid-kit substances like high-DEET insect repellant, ibuprophen, Gravol/dramamine, and antihistamines. In your experience, do Japanese customs make a big deal about these as well?
I've read horror stories about people being detained in Tokyo for weeks because of a couple of Tylenol Cold tablets. I really don't want to ruin what's probably a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and would like to hear what advice (or alternatives) others would have.
Other than that, we can't wait for this trip!
Thanks!
, leaving from Hartford, CT with a 19h layover in Narita. The airline (Continental) told us that we'll have to clear customs with our bags even if they are checked through, because the layover is so long. Of course, we intend to do a bit of sightseeing and have a good night's sleep before the next flight.My problem is that I often need decongestants when diving, but pseudoephedrine is illegal in Japan. There are also severe restrictions on a whole lot of other products that are sold over-the-counter in the US.
Has anyone ever had any trouble travelling to or through Japan with "dive enabling" medication? I'm also a bit worried about other first-aid-kit substances like high-DEET insect repellant, ibuprophen, Gravol/dramamine, and antihistamines. In your experience, do Japanese customs make a big deal about these as well?
I've read horror stories about people being detained in Tokyo for weeks because of a couple of Tylenol Cold tablets. I really don't want to ruin what's probably a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and would like to hear what advice (or alternatives) others would have.
Other than that, we can't wait for this trip!
Thanks!
