KEY POINTS:
Q. I'm heading across the Tasman to Australia for my sister's birthday shortly and I want to take oysters (in tubes), mussels (shelled) all frozen, plus Pinky chocolate bars with me. Can you please tell me what the procedure is for taking this food items into the country? Thanks. - Dianne, Auckland
A. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service allows passengers to bring unshelled or half-shell oysters and mussels from New Zealand (full-shell oysters aren't permitted), and chocolate bars aren't a problem.
We do strongly urge passengers to declare all food items -including confectionery - on their incoming passenger card so that a quarantine officer can inspect the food to make sure it complies with Australia's requirements. Failing to declare could result in an on-the-spot fine of up to A$220.
We also suggest that passengers either carry food items in their cabin (carry-on) luggage or pack it at the top of their luggage to make inspection easier.
(The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service)
Q. I am off to Thailand for a six-week holiday but I am worried about the food as I am a strictly meat and two-vege eater at home. Can you tell me what to expect and how safe is it to eat in local restaurants and from street sellers without getting sick? - Margaret, Mairangi Bay.
A. Thai food is renowned worldwide for distinctive spices and aromas, but in Thailand itself the food can vary greatly, depending on where you choose to eat and how adventurous you are.
As the tourist market is so developed, most restaurants cater to the international visitor - with European food and the ubiquitous green curry and pad thai on offer. But stick with these and you're missing the real treats.
Take yourself for a wander down any street in Bangkok and you'll see lots of roadside carts with makeshift stoves and lots of cheap eats on offer.
This is where the locals eat and where you will get a true taste of Thai food.
Be brave and try something new. Take recommendations from the staff in restaurants.
My only serious bit of advice is to avoid soft drinks with ice cubes in - if you can, drink from the bottle with a straw.
(Sarah Peterkin, Frommer's Travel Guides)
- Detours, HoS
