Insulin supplies for Insulin pump

@Wayneboylan80

https://diabetes.org/tools-support/know … %20begins.

https://www.sydneyendocrinology.com.au/ … sulin-pump

I searched and called Vietnam Airlines customer service center. There are some notes:

-    Getting insulin supplies in carry-on bag is better than checked-in luggage

-    People with diabetes may take their insulin on plane even if they are in containers greater than 3.4 ounces

-    Requesting hand inspection instead of X-ray machine

-    Return ticket

-    Prescription for 6 months, a health summary letter (to check prove insulin supplies are not for trading)

-    Insulin supplies MSDS

I hope these notes can be useful. To make sure you can call Consulate.

P/s: You can read “Medical Medium” book series of Anthony William. I think this book series can help diabetes (and another diseases).

Hope you get better soon. Stay strong!

    Currently on an Insulin pump and will be relocating to Vietnam. I will be bringing 6 months supplies. What is the procedure to bring into country.
   

    -@Wayneboylan80

IF you are entering the country on a 90-Day tourist visa, you could very well be limited to a 3 months supply, IF that much.

Vietnam likes local businesses to have a chance to service the needs of foreigners, so most medications are TECHNICALLY limited to the import of a ten-day supply, but anecdotal stories (including mine) say that it's possible to get through customs with much more than that.

No guarantee, but it's possible you won't have a problem.

Here's a couple of things that I believe have helped me when entering Vietnam with prescription meds (including insulin):

1. Find a carry on bag that's just big enough to hold ALL of your medications (waterproof and RED, if possible) but not bigger than a normal carry on.

Airlines allow one medical bag plus any medical device (such as a CPAP machine) in addition to your baggage allowance, without any additional fee. I always include my vitamins without any problem from security or customs.

Don't pack ANY medications or syringes or needles in your checked baggage. Keep it all in that one medication bag and make sure you open it for inspection when departing through airport security.

Don't worry about opening it when you pass through customs on arrival UNLESS an officer specifically tells you to do so.

If your insulin requires refrigeration (not all types do) the flight attendants MIGHT find room for you in one of their refrigerators BUT don't make the mistake of demanding that service. Be humble and ask them very kindly, almost apologetically.

Bring along a few zip-lock sandwich bags if ice is needed.

2. Consider flying business or first class.

Maybe I imagine it, but I've always flown business class (except in 1972) and between going through the quicker security line and going through customs with fellow first/business passengers, it's my sense that we aren't hassled as much as economy passengers.

Having said all that, it would probably be a good idea to search for your pump refills in Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese language) before departure to find out if it's going to hard to buy more here.

Good luck!

O.B.