Travel and Vaping Dominican Republic?

[dreamweaver3913]

Tried searching but didn't find much...

So... off to the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana - PUJ Airport) soon and wanted to try and iron out any issues. GF uses analogs so if I have to I'll bum from her, but want to avoid confiscation of any of my PV gear.

I'm going to travel with enough equipment to put together 4 eGo's and approximately 45ml of fluid (15ml in carry on using 3-1-1 rule, rest in checked baggage). I plan to have eGo's completely disassembled with battery contacts covered and a bag for batts, a bag for attys and a bag for cones. I think as far as TSA (in the US) goes, this will be good (if someone has comments please chime in!).

My real concern is when we're leaving punta cana. I've heard of quite a few things being confiscated at the airport that aren't normally confiscated here in the US. Liquids used to be an issue but they're now following the 3-1-1 rule. batteries sound like quite an issue, but at the same time, eGo batteries don't really look like batteries either Can anyone comment, has anyone traveled to the DR with a PV?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lab]

i was planning on going there in october.. but i changed my mind and went for st thomas instead.. for the 8 days its a grand cheaper and i dont need a passport..

no idea on the bringing things on the plane though..

 

[dreamweaver3913]

i was planning on going there in october.. but i changed my mind and went for st thomas instead.. for the 8 days its a grand cheaper and i dont need a passport..

no idea on the bringing things on the plane though..

Funny, we were looking at St. Thomas and went the other way. We have a time share though, so that skews the price comparison because we don't pay for the hotel either way, only airfare which was the same between both destinations.

One of the members from TripAdvisor says to put in the checked luggage on the way back just to be safe. I would rather not (safety reasons) but I may have to since the security in punta cana is looking out for their personal interests, not the interests of the general public.

Anyone else have any experiences?

 

[Bella Chic]

My only comment is that I loved the DR when I was there. Granted I was there as a teenager but it was sooooo beautiful! I hope y'all have a great time and nothing happens to your PV gear

 

[Lab]

We are going to to stay at Marriott Frenchman's Reef a bit over 2 grand for 8 days including air fare..

 

[dreamweaver3913]

My only comment is that I loved the DR when I was there. Granted I was there as a teenager but it was sooooo beautiful! I hope y'all have a great time and nothing happens to your PV gear

Glad to hear! First time to the DR for us and I'm sure it will be great... staying at The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real

The pics on their website sure make it look great, can't wait!

 

[dreamweaver3913]

We are going to to stay at Marriott Frenchman's Reef a bit over 2 grand for 8 days including air fare..

looks like a great place, hope you guys have a great time!

I'll be sure to come back and post regarding our trip for all those traveling vapers out there

 

[schaedj]

I've been to the DR several times with PVs. Never had a problem. I always carry it on. I fly in and out of SDQ, so I can't speak to punta cana, but the SDQ folks never gave me an issue. One note: It's helpful to carry your PV equipment in a laptop bag (I use a backpack) and mix it in with all of your computer wires. (Mouse, usb cables, etc.) Even if they spot it on the X-Ray and check your bag, it shouldn't be a problem. batteries aren't on any list that I'm aware of. Also, I always separate my components (attys / carts in a different pocket, Liquids in the plastic bag, batteries separate, tube mod disassembled. ) inside the bag, so there isn't one big, suspicious assembly, just a bunch of assorted pieces in a computer bag. I also throw an assembled M402 in my wallet to keep it on hand in the airport. That way, I don't have to reassemble the parts during the trip (unless I'm bored or showing off)

Don't forget the $10 cash for the landing fee (Tourist card) they collect it immediately on arrival, and you can't get to an ATM outside of the airport. You can, however, pay the Money Changer $15 for your $10 bill.

 

[vaporAdam]

Hopefully they dont take e cig supply's, im going to punta cana also on August 1st for my honey moon ! Ive been to DR several times in the past , but smoked analogs then. I never had any trouble at the airport or anything though.

 

[dreamweaver3913]

I've been to the DR several times with PVs. Never had a problem. I always carry it on. I fly in and out of SDQ, so I can't speak to punta cana, but the SDQ folks never gave me an issue. One note: It's helpful to carry your PV equipment in a laptop bag (I use a backpack) and mix it in with all of your computer wires. (Mouse, usb cables, etc.) Even if they spot it on the X-Ray and check your bag, it shouldn't be a problem. batteries aren't on any list that I'm aware of. Also, I always separate my components (attys / carts in a different pocket, Liquids in the plastic bag, batteries separate, tube mod disassembled. ) inside the bag, so there isn't one big, suspicious assembly, just a bunch of assorted pieces in a computer bag. I also throw an assembled M402 in my wallet to keep it on hand in the airport. That way, I don't have to reassemble the parts during the trip (unless I'm bored or showing off)

Don't forget the $10 cash for the landing fee (Tourist card) they collect it immediately on arrival, and you can't get to an ATM outside of the airport. You can, however, pay the Money Changer $15 for your $10 bill.

That's great news! I would feel better if I didn't have to check it, not necessarily because of a nicotine withdrawal, but because I would feel better about being able to keep my eye on the equipment if something goes wrong, like a battery switch gets stuck or the like.

Thanks for the tip on the tourist card, I read about that on TripAdvisor too and have set aside $30/person just for the tourist card and the departure tax (shouldn't have to pay the departure tax, but don't want to make a scene and end up in DR jail either ).

 

[dreamweaver3913]

Hopefully they dont take e cig supply's, im going to punta cana also on August 1st for my honey moon ! Ive been to DR several times in the past , but smoked analogs then. I never had any trouble at the airport or anything though.

schaedj's info gives great promise for travel to the DR with a PV. I'll be sure to report back upon return. I'm not sure if I'm going to take my laptop since I have a wi-fi enabled cell phone for internet. I'd rather not have to worry about my laptop if I don't have to. I think I'll take schaedj's advice and just intermix my PV equip (disassembled) with my charging cables, ebook reader, etc. Maybe that will be enough to make it look less suspicious.

Anyone know if pre-filled carts should go in the plastic bag too... since they CONTAIN liquid? My guess would be yes... but just asking the question

 

[schaedj]

schaedj's info gives great promise for travel to the DR with a PV. I'll be sure to report back upon return. I'm not sure if I'm going to take my laptop since I have a wi-fi enabled cell phone for internet. I'd rather not have to worry about my laptop if I don't have to. I think I'll take schaedj's advice and just intermix my PV equip (disassembled) with my charging cables, ebook reader, etc. Maybe that will be enough to make it look less suspicious.

Anyone know if pre-filled carts should go in the plastic bag too... since they CONTAIN liquid? My guess would be yes... but just asking the question

Nope. Never done it, never had any questions. They're looking for large quantities of liquids. The X-Ray scatter from a few drops in a cart doesn't even score on the machine.

 

[dreamweaver3913]

Nope. Never done it, never had any questions. They're looking for large quantities of liquids. The X-Ray scatter from a few drops in a cart doesn't even score on the machine.

You came to the rescue again schaedj... thanks!

I'm really starting to feel more comfortable about traveling with a PV

 

[vaporAdam]

i was told to just buy a bottle of hair spray (obviously wash it well) and fill that with juice, and i wont have any issues..

 

[dreamweaver3913]

i was told to just buy a bottle of hair spray (obviously wash it well) and fill that with juice, and i wont have any issues..

Not a bad idea either... I may have to run off to the store to look for a small bottle of hairspray

 

[vaporAdam]

Yeh, just an idea lol

 

[PTJD]

Hey all take a quick look here.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...swers-about-e-cigs-liquid-concerning-tsa.html

I realize your talking about a foreign security point but in general it still applies.

 

[dreamweaver3913]

Hey all take a quick look here.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...swers-about-e-cigs-liquid-concerning-tsa.html

I realize your talking about a foreign security point but in general it still applies.

Thanks PTJD... I think I may have read that one previously, but re-read it for good measure It always helps to have someone that is in the know and you wrote a great guide.

 

[PTJD]

Thanks PTJD... I think I may have read that one previously, but re-read it for good measure It always helps to have someone that is in the know and you wrote a great guide.

No problem, safe travels!

 

[dreamweaver3913]

Just got back from the DR... all of my e-cig supplies went through (in my carry on) without incident.

Thanks for everyone's help!