Confirmed: traveling with a year supply without problems

[ardarn]

Hi.
I am lurking on this site for a half a year now. I would like to give back for the tremendous help this site and the members gave me with their amazing advice.

So here it is:
I decided to move out of China because of the recent uncertainty of the visa laws and move back to my country. Since July 3. it changed 7 times now.

I can confirm that at Chinese border if you spread your meds into 2-3 luggages in 3s they don't check.
I flew to Thailand and bought a year supply (12 boxes) of medication and flew back to Hong Kong. Then flew from Hong Kong transfer through Doha, Quatar to Europe with 12 unopened, original meds  and my PS4 in my carry-on. A big ass backpack with full of meds and a console. Lol.

Nobody asked or said a word. Nor at the security check nor at the borders.

Based on the advice I read here I did put 2 boxes into check in and kept a week meds in my pocket just in case. Also I had the doctors letters with me if needed and had a cover story too.

Altogether if you need to travel with medicine and use your common sense I don't think you will have problems.

Thank you once again for the members for their amazing support. I hope this helps people who needs to travel and ease their mind a little.

Ardarn

[Axiom]

I assume you was working in China?

Don't they require HIV test for the visa?

[mecch]

Good to know. Thanks for posting the info to share.

How is life back in Europe?

[ardarn]

China is...... China. There is always ways to go around things if necessary. And if you play nicely people will help.

Life back here is.... Strange.
I lived in China for 13 years ( most of my adult life tbh ), only visiting family every 2 years for a week or 2.  Life is very slow here,  everyone is extremely polite to a point it drives me crazy;) My ass is completely frozen and food is very heavy ( compare to the zero sugar or flour diet I had there). Gained at least 10 kg. Not happy about it. At all. So next week  start gym seriously.Having problems with communication though, did not forget too much from my mother tongue but it is definitely very different how people express themselves. Way too much information through gestures and mimics and people tend to talk a LOT of personal problems. Needs time to get to use to it again.

Altogether having a good time but it is challenging. In a week or 2 I also need to start to look for a job.  So.... Yay.

[marseilliais]

Thanks alot for this post! I am actually planning to visit China for a month or two for the first time since my diagnosis. I had my 10-year tourist visa approved prior to my diagnosis. Reading this is really relieving because I was worried that they'd ask questions about my pills at the Chinese border. Did you have problems re-entering Mainland China (not HK) with your meds?

[ardarn]

I would definitely not mention my status anywhere in Mainland. To cross the border if you separate your meds into different bags ( 2-3 boxes in big luggage, 2 in carry on, a week enough pills in jeans pocket) I don't think you will have any problems.
If you need doctor, just in HK as in Mainland all doctors need to report your status and this database is equally shared among all agencies including police.

Many things changed over the years, turning better, but you only need just one person to screw you over. Not worth it for a holiday.

Anyways, don't worry about it.There will be no problems. Enjoy your holiday;)

[ardarn]

I assume you was working in China?

Don't they require HIV test for the visa?

Sorry for the late reply. All foreigners tested for work visa, students visa. And 90% of the time you go to see a doctor they test foreigners for HIV doesn't matter if you have skin problems or stomach problems or just your hair hurts.