Australian Customs: Why You Can't Bring Home a Kangaroo

Australia is the dream destination for many people. It's not difficult to see why. First, Australia's rich biodiversity promises a real paradise on earth. Second, you don't have to worry about learning another language, other than the thick accent. Third, it will not be too difficult to fit in because the Aussie culture is very Western, too.

As you pack your stuff for a trip to the land down under, you are thinking of the fun and wild experience that you will have during your stay. You even plan on sneaking a koala bear into your luggage. If fate is on your side, you want to shove a kangaroo into your bag to replace your boring pet goldfish at home. Don't be disappointed, but you really have to stop thinking about that now. Australia is one of the countries with the strictest customs policies and implementation.

Australia is not just a country, it's an isolated continent. Therefore, the Australian government does everything to keep what's already there and prevent possibly harmful elements from entering the territory. That's why you cannot just bring in or take out any item, especially food. You need to meet rigid customs requirements so that insect pests and other diseases from other countries will not reach the land. No vegetables, fruit, meat, or other food products are allowed in except when they are factory-made or on the list of approved imports. Don't worry, chocolate is allowed.

Aside from food, there are many other items prohibited and restricted. You are not allowed to carry amounts of 10,000 Australian dollars or more without declaring it. Any equivalent in foreign currency must also be declared on departure. Besides cash, bearer negotiable instruments and cash equivalents such as money orders and checks must also be reported.

Other prohibited and restricted items include firearms and ammunition, heritage items, defense and strategic goods, and medicine. Australia also implements restrictive and prohibitive laws on the export of the country's native plants and animals. These include koala bears and kangaroos, so you had better forget about your plan. Protected wildlife such as giant clam shells and hard coral are also restricted or prohibited.

If you have prohibited goods with you, you have to declare them. There will be no penalty but the goods will be confiscated, destroyed or held in quarantine. However, if you attempt to bring prohibited goods in without declaring them, you'll meet heavy penalties including thousands of dollars of fines and a possible jail term.