Find out how a thorny mistake cost this travel blogger $1800 during a trip to Australia
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There's no denying that travelling is a magnificent, eye-opening experience. Seeing new places, immersing ourselves in different cultures, and tasting exciting and unfamiliar cuisines–here at the Seniors Discount Club, we applaud and encourage the spirit of wanderlust.
But, as many seasoned travellers will also know, it's crucial to be mindful of each country's unique rules and regulations–it might save you from a costly blunder.
Unfortunately, Lays Laraya, a travel blogger from Dubai, learnt this lesson the hard way.
Imagine this: You're on your dream trip, and then boom! You're hit with a $1878 fine for something you weren't aware was a monumental mistake: bringing a rose from a plane into Australia.
Australia is well-known for its incredibly rigid biosecurity rules, considered among the strictest in the world.
Due to its unique biodiversity, everything from seeds to soil must be declared to prevent the introduction of exotic pests and diseases, which could devastate its delicate ecosystem.
Laraya, unfamiliar with Australia's strict biosecurity measures, carried the lovely rose visibly as she disembarked in Perth.
She was under the impression that there was nothing amiss with her keepsake and that there was no intention of smuggling it into the country.
Upon landing, she was stopped by plainclothes officials who asked to inspect her incoming passenger card–a requirement for all visitors. Unfortunately, she hadn't declared the flower under the 'plant' section since she was unaware of the ramifications.
'If I knew I was doing something wrong willingly, I would have thrown it away before. I had the opportunity,' she passionately expressed.
To further lament her situation, a photo of Laraya disembarking from the plane with the rose in hand was shared on her social media account, which has since been set to private.
Laraya has decided to fight the fine and is currently appealing.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry shed some light on the matter.
She stated that penalty units, which are worth $313 each, determine an infringement's fine. The maximum penalty one can incur is six penalty units or $1878.
'Travellers and goods arriving in Australia can introduce exotic pests and diseases,' she explained earnestly.
'This could harm our health, environment and commercial industry. As such, the department takes all steps needed to minimise and negate these impacts.'
So, dear members, let this unexpected tale serve as a cautionary reminder that rules differ from country to country. Always research a destination's specific laws, no matter how seemingly inconsequential, to save yourself from undesirable surprises.
Do you or anyone you know have a similar experience while travelling overseas? Let us know in the comments below!
But, as many seasoned travellers will also know, it's crucial to be mindful of each country's unique rules and regulations–it might save you from a costly blunder.
Unfortunately, Lays Laraya, a travel blogger from Dubai, learnt this lesson the hard way.
Imagine this: You're on your dream trip, and then boom! You're hit with a $1878 fine for something you weren't aware was a monumental mistake: bringing a rose from a plane into Australia.
Lays Laraya was fined over $1800 for carrying a rose into the country. Credit: ADIDET CHAIWATTANAKUL/Shutterstock
Australia is well-known for its incredibly rigid biosecurity rules, considered among the strictest in the world.
Due to its unique biodiversity, everything from seeds to soil must be declared to prevent the introduction of exotic pests and diseases, which could devastate its delicate ecosystem.
Laraya, unfamiliar with Australia's strict biosecurity measures, carried the lovely rose visibly as she disembarked in Perth.
She was under the impression that there was nothing amiss with her keepsake and that there was no intention of smuggling it into the country.
Upon landing, she was stopped by plainclothes officials who asked to inspect her incoming passenger card–a requirement for all visitors. Unfortunately, she hadn't declared the flower under the 'plant' section since she was unaware of the ramifications.
'If I knew I was doing something wrong willingly, I would have thrown it away before. I had the opportunity,' she passionately expressed.
Laraya, a frequent traveller, didn’t declare her rose in her passenger card. Credit: Skywardsfreak/Youtube
To further lament her situation, a photo of Laraya disembarking from the plane with the rose in hand was shared on her social media account, which has since been set to private.
Laraya has decided to fight the fine and is currently appealing.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry shed some light on the matter.
She stated that penalty units, which are worth $313 each, determine an infringement's fine. The maximum penalty one can incur is six penalty units or $1878.
'Travellers and goods arriving in Australia can introduce exotic pests and diseases,' she explained earnestly.
'This could harm our health, environment and commercial industry. As such, the department takes all steps needed to minimise and negate these impacts.'
So, dear members, let this unexpected tale serve as a cautionary reminder that rules differ from country to country. Always research a destination's specific laws, no matter how seemingly inconsequential, to save yourself from undesirable surprises.
Do you or anyone you know have a similar experience while travelling overseas? Let us know in the comments below!
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doesn’t matter what country you’re in , from, or going to .
