Packing and Travelling with Local Specialities

Sanya offers an abundance of tropical fruit, local delicacies and handicrafts. To help your gifts and souvenirs reach home smoothly, read the following packing and baggage guidance before preparing for your return journey and heading to the airport.

Cabin and Checked Baggage

Choose an appropriate packing method for each item, taking into account security requirements and your airline’s baggage rules.

Liquids, gels and aerosols, including coconut oil, skincare products and alcoholic drinks

Cabin baggage: For international and regional flights departing mainland China, liquids, gels and aerosols are generally restricted to containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml, placed together in one transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre per passenger. The limit applies to the container’s capacity, not the amount remaining inside. Exceptions, such as necessary medicines and qualifying duty-free purchases, are subject to separate requirements.

Mainland China domestic flights have different restrictions. Do not assume that a liquid is permitted simply because its container holds no more than 100 ml. Check the applicable rules, including those for any connecting flights.

Liquids that exceed the cabin allowance, including unopened oils and liquid condiments, may be placed in checked baggage only if they are otherwise permitted for transport. Aerosols are also subject to dangerous-goods restrictions.

Alcohol in checked baggage: Keep alcoholic drinks in intact retail packaging with clearly legible labels. For drinks containing more than 24% and no more than 70% alcohol by volume, each container must not exceed 5 litres, and the total allowance is 5 litres per passenger. Drinks exceeding 70% alcohol by volume are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage. Drinks containing 24% or less are not subject to this specific 5-litre dangerous-goods limit, but baggage allowances and destination import rules still apply.

Tropical fruit

Strong-smelling fruit: Fruit such as durian and jackfruit may be prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage. Check your operating airline’s rules before purchasing or packing it.

Other fruit: Where permitted, pack fruit securely to prevent leakage or damage and comply with cabin baggage size and weight limits. For larger quantities, ask the airline whether checked transport is available. International travellers must also comply with destination plant-quarantine requirements.

Fresh, perishable and dried foods

Fresh seafood and other perishable foods are subject to airline-specific conditions. Some airlines accept them as checked baggage if properly packed to prevent leakage and odours. Confirm acceptance, packaging and any cooling requirements in advance. If baggage transport is not available, consider a specialist temperature-controlled delivery service, subject to applicable shipping and import rules.

Sealed dried seafood, coconut sweets, tea and similar dry foods can generally travel in cabin or checked baggage, provided they meet security, airline and destination import requirements. Sealed packaging alone does not guarantee permission to enter another country.

Packing Services and Protection Against Damage

Cushion fragile items: Wrap glass jars of sauces, coconut-shell carvings and other delicate souvenirs in bubble wrap or thick clothing. Secure them inside your luggage to reduce movement, impact and crushing during handling.

Ask about airport packing services: At Sanya Phoenix International Airport, airport code SYX, ask staff about baggage-packing counters and the services currently available. If you are travelling with boxed fruit or loosely packed souvenirs, confirm the airline’s packaging requirements before having them packed and checked in.

Import Restrictions at Your International Destination

Countries and regions apply their own animal and plant quarantine, biosecurity and food-safety rules. An item legally purchased in China may still be restricted or prohibited at your destination.

Fresh fruit, vegetables and seeds: Requirements vary according to the destination, product and country of origin. Some items are prohibited; others require inspection, a phytosanitary certificate or an import permit. Certain destinations allow limited quantities for personal consumption. Check each item rather than assuming it is permitted or universally prohibited.

Meat and egg products: Meat floss, pastries containing meat or egg yolk, and other animal-derived foods may be restricted or prohibited. Cooking, vacuum sealing or commercial packaging does not automatically make them admissible.

Seafood and fishery products: Some destinations permit certain fresh, cooked or dried fishery products within specified limits. Rules may depend on the species, origin, processing method and quantity. Declaration or supporting documents may be required.

Check official guidance: Before departure, consult your destination’s customs and animal and plant quarantine authorities for import requirements, and your airline for transport rules. Complete any required customs or biosecurity declaration accurately. If unsure, declare the item and seek guidance from an officer. Declaring an item does not guarantee that it will be admitted.