Medications and Vitamins through Customs

Abbie · Post by **Abbie** » Wed May 05, 2004 11:35 am

Hi all, I'm new here and coming to live near CVO soon. I have various ailments and need to bring various medicines, supplements and vitamins with me - is there a problem with customs over bringing these in, or a limit on what you can bring? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Love to all, Abbie

Lesley Jean · Post by **Lesley Jean** » Wed May 05, 2004 1:35 pm

Hi Abbie
I suppose it all depends on the quantity you would be bringing with you. My daughter is Asthmatic as well as having Crohn's disease and a variety of allergies, she has to bring her medications with her when ever we travel and have had no problem with customs, she always carries her prescription, just in case. Same with vitamins which she also takes.
I don't think you will have a problem, but maybe others can tell you more detail. I know the pharmacy in CVO is very good.
Don't know if this has been any help.

Graham · Post by **Graham** » Wed May 05, 2004 1:57 pm

Lesley Jean - something your daughter may like to know as an asthmatic is that you can freely buy Ventolin over the counter in the Chemist in Portugal - so much less hassle than in the UK where you not only need to get a scrip but also have to pay three times the actual cost of the inhaler - I always bring a few back with me.

Abbie · Post by **Abbie** » Wed May 05, 2004 3:49 pm

Thanks for your reply. I take about 15 different supplements for IBS and other things plus some herbal tinctures.

has anyone else any experiences or comments to make please?
Abbie

Will 2 · Post by **Will 2** » Wed May 05, 2004 4:57 pm

Abbie wrote:Thanks for your reply. I take about 15 different supplements for IBS and other things plus some herbal tinctures.

has anyone else any experiences or comments to make please?
Abbie

My wife and I bring about the same amount of vitamins, herbal supplements, and script medications into Portugal from the states and we have never encountered any problems with customs. While we in Carvoeiro this year, I needed medical attention, went to the ER at the Portimao hospital, got into see a doctor, got my prescription and had it filled at the local pharmacy, all within 2 hours. My cost at the ER came to about 36 euros, cost of the medication came to 12 euros. The same medical procedure back in the states would have cost me about 130 euros at least or maybe more. I'll also mention that the doctor in attendance at the ER was a Dutch expatriate and spoke English.

Lesley Jean · Post by **Lesley Jean** » Wed May 05, 2004 7:45 pm

Thank you Graham, I will make sure she know that next time she comes out, will be handy just to buy over the counter as you say.

loretta · Post by **loretta** » Thu May 06, 2004 6:43 pm

Abbie,
My husband needs to bring medical supplies with him when we travel, he got a certificate from his doctor which explains in 6/7 different languages the reason why he is carrying so much medication we always put the medication in his hand luggage and when it is searched he shows the certificate and they waive him through. Go to your GP to see if you are eligable for the certificate.

Abbie · Post by **Abbie** » Mon May 10, 2004 1:19 pm

Thanks everyone for all the useful info.
Abbie.