Travelling to South Asia

[JanetT58]

Has anyone travelled from UK to South Asia with Prednisolone? We are travelling to Shanghai and then picking up a cruise and end up in Singapore for one night before flying home. I was just wondering whether it would be a problem at customs in China or Singapore

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I’ve been through Singapore a couple of times with medication. Just make sure you have s copy of your prescription to show customs- and make sure all medication is

In the original packaging.

Carry it in your hand luggage, taking a few extra just in case you need them.

Also request assistance at airport - make life much easier.

Most of all - enjoy!

[JanetT58]

Thank you I’ll make sure I do that, luckily I don’t need assistance.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to JanetT58]

The purpose of getting airport assistance is to reduce the likelihood that dragging luggage across airports will result in a flare or injury due to the extra exercise, especially if you have to move fast to make a connection. You're also less likely to get whacked by other people's suitcases, elbows etc. since our pace is somewhat slower than other passengers.

The services are available because of the taxes and airport fees tacked o to our ticket prices. I've been paying for these services for others for decades, and gladly, and also so they would be there for me if I ever needed them.

My turn to use them now.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to JanetT58]

PS: Don't forget to get your immunizations.

[JanetT58 in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Thank you I’m going to see the nurse to discuss immunisations

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I had no problems in China, going in or coming out. Don't think I was on pred in Singapore - had PMR though. And whether you think you need it or not - you will be amazed at how much assistance helps.

[JanetT58]

Thank you

[Linnetbird]

Never had any problems with prescription drugs at airports if they are in packaging and in transparent bag in hand luggage for security perusal.

BUT was feeling fit on 4mg and just 5 months after having hip op. Travelled with small wheelie bag on train to London, travelled through long underground subway tunnels. Just like airport connection corridors. Had massive flare up of PMR fatigue and aches. Spent 3 days in London in bed. Got assist on the way home. Brilliant.

Like Dorset Lady would definitely recommend you ask for assisted travel. Not worth possibility of being ill on a holiday.

LinnetBird

[JanetT58 in reply to Linnetbird]

Thank you I’ll bear that in mind. I’m currently on 9mg and tapering very slowly

[CT-5012]

Please listen to the advice, I wouldn’t travel without airport assistance I did just once.

[JanetT58 in reply to CT-5012]

Ok will do thank you

[SheffieldJane]

Take a copy of your prescription and the Pred in its original packaging. Singapore is a strict but sophisticated country. Oh I see that DorsetLady has shared the advice. Have a lovely time. Be sure to have a Gin Sling in the Raffles Hotel, if you get time. Sublime.

[CT-5012]

But expensive! 🍷

[JanetT58 in reply to CT-5012]

Definitely will!

[Polywotsit PMRGCAuk team member]

A sniffer dog picked up the scent of the pred in my suitcase at Birmingham Airport. It was sorted out quickly, but I was very impressed with the dog!

[JanetT58 in reply to Polywotsit]

Wow they are certainly good at their job!

[piglette in reply to Polywotsit]

I don’t know whether I would have been embarrassed or laughed!

[Suet3942]

We’re off to Spain tomorrow. I have requested assistance for the first time. After reading your comments I’m glad I have. Was dithering a bit as to whether I really needed it. X

[Telian in reply to Suet3942]

Wise decision, I didn't ask when we went to Barcelona and nearly missed the flight the gate was that far away, I too didn't think I needed it. I lost one night then as they all went out to dinner and I had to stay in bed to recover. Have a good holiday. xx

[Suet3942 in reply to Telian]

Hi Terri. We’ve arrived. It was a wise decision to get assistance. Was so much easier.

[diana1998 in reply to Suet3942]

I travel to Spain and Scotland with assistance and swear by it. No standing in long tedious security queues, whisked through passport control, up in back lifts and often first at gates. Wonderful and I am not infirm and can walk up steps to plane. Book it for sure and you won't look back. If you travel with someone else, they accompany you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to diana1998]

Had you noticed this thread is over a year old?

[Suet3942 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, strange

[Telian]

Just reiterating what's already been said, original boxes and up to date copy prescription. I also ask for a copy of the patient summary, it contains all you'll need. Don't ask reception ask the GP, mine is very accommodating. As DL says carry all meds in hand luggage, it's far easier to get to if they want to see it - plus you might need some of it - I also worry they might not meet me at the other end!

Just for information should it ever apply - hubby has breathing equipment and I have a current dated hospital letter saying whose it is and what it's for. In Singapore they did deliberate a lot but got through in the end, the letter was key. I knew it might be an issue as they'd rung us prior to flying to ask more questions about this equipment. Be prepared is my strict motto now - dib dib dib!

Have a great holiday, I am jealous.

[JanetT58 in reply to Telian]

Thanks

[Valnvaughan]

Agree with all advice re assisted travel below.

In Shanghai, if you have free time, take the Maglev train to the airport and return just for fun.......speed thrill!

[JanetT58 in reply to Valnvaughan]

Thank you I will look at that

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Valnvaughan]

It is great isn't it! We were supposed to fly out of the other airport (we hadn't booked the flight ourselves) so should have missed the Maglev end to the tour. Our lovely guide said there was no problem, we went out on the Maglev and he accompanied us to the other airport in a taxi as he was leaving on a train for Beijing and the station and other airport are close together,

[Valnvaughan in reply to PMRpro]

We took it out and back just for fun. So exciting to see the speed increasing on the display. We have a photo of fastest speed. My heart jumped at the " bang" when we passed one coming the other way. We took the group coach to our departure airport. All this pre PMR.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Valnvaughan]

Oh no - China and Japan years before and Canada 2 years ago were with PMR. I don't ever need to see more temples, especially ones with steps! I made it all the way up the Yellow Tower in Wuhan on foot though - the lift is for over 70s and the legless (literally) ... It was about 34C and high humidity so I was very proud of myself!

[9lives]

Hi sounds wonderful, we have done a similar trip twice since my PMR with no problem at all. Although we flew to Singapore then cruise then flew Hong Kong then home.

I packed my pills in all my luggage, just to be sure in case I lost any , so had plenty of tablets xx

I Hope you have a fabulous time, relax and and enjoy.

Carole

[JanetT58 in reply to 9lives]

Thank you