Taking canned/dry food into Kathmandu?
Replies: 10 - Last Post: Feb 1, 2012 8:17 AM Last Post By: Fieldgate
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Taking canned/dry food into Kathmandu?
There will be a child travelling with our group who is a very fussy eater, so we want to take some dry and canned food just in case... things like baked beans, pot noodles, potato chips/crisps, chocolates etc. Not the most healthy but it's only for 3 days! Is this allowed, and if so do we have to declare it at the airport? Are these sort of items available in Kathmandu? Rest assured the rest of us are looking forward to the Nepali cuisine!Thanks.
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Hi SarahAll of those things can be bought in the supermarkets in Thamel (though not sure about pot noodle as a brand) so I don't think you will need to take any of those things into Nepal.
Not sure what the regulations are - you could check customs.gov.np (doesn't seem to be working at the moment.
scoodly
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I'm not sure exactly what pot noodles are - similar to Ramen or Wai-Wai perhaps? If so, everything you mentioned is available in Kathmandu, particularly easy to find in Thamel. Or look for a Bhat-Bhateni supermarket/department store and you'll find all such things. I'm not certain what the official regulations are, but I've never had a problem carrying pre-packaged foods in my luggage. The prices for imported items in Kathmandu will likely be higher than at home, so if you have room in your luggage, throw some in. If not, you'll find what you need in Kathmandu.4
I have never been checked, regardless of any regulations one way or the other, on arrival nor have I seen westerners being checked on arrival...they are passed right thru immigration. Who knows what the regs are concerning food but frankly who cares, just do it and don't worry about it. And has been stated plenty of 'processed' foods avbl the 'fussy eater'....maybe the 'fussy eater' should be given the opportunity to be less fussy.6
Thank you all very much, this is great news that dry goods are available in the supermarkets.Scoodly thanks for that site I'll bookmark it.
Roger_ray we'd be taking it 'just in case'. Obviously we'll try and get him to try the local food first, but you just never know with children! Better safe than sorry.
Alexdavist I can't see your list, could you re-post if possible? Thanks!
Thanks again everyone :)
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Lots of excellent advice already posted and the only thing that I can add is that you might like to browse the restaurant tips in the link in my profile to give you a few ideas of where to eat with reasonable confidence once you arrive in NepalGood Luck and Happy Travels
Rob
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I've taken a fair amount of dried foods into Nepal for various trips and climbs, and it's never been an issue. On one trip, I took around 24 of my favorite "energy bars", several kilos of nuts, dried fruit, beans, soup mixes, etc. I've never taken canned goods, but I don't think it will be an issue. I agree with roger_ray, just bring what you want. Be aware that there are a lot of choices in Kathmandu. I am aware of the choices, and yet I also bring my favorites, because I can't find an exact replacement.
