Travelling abroad with an electronic cigarette.
It's time to relax for some, or to get out and about for others! You're ready to go! You've worked out your itinerary and packed your bags! If you're a vaper, it's time for a quick check-up on how to adopt good practice when travelling abroad with your electronic cigarette, eliquid, diy and equipment, to avoid any nasty surprises and make the most of your getaway. ☀️
Can I travel by plane with my electronic cigarette?
You can travel by plane with your e-cig. However, there are a few rules to observe, mainly concerning the transport of e-liquids and batteries during the flight. Check out our advice to help you do your research with the airlines you are travelling with.
Where should I put my electronic cigarette when travelling by plane?
For your own safety and that of others, your electronic cig must travel with you on board. Your battery is strictly forbidden in checked baggage. Lithium batteries run the risk of bursting into flames if the aircraft is depressurised. They must therefore be placed in the baggage compartment under your supervision.
Accumulators are treated in the same way as internal batteries. They must therefore be placed in a special case for the duration of the journey to ensure that there is no contact between the batteries that could lead to a short-circuit. For safety reasons, they must be placed in your hand baggage so that you can keep an eye on them throughout your flight. It is also forbidden to recharge your batteries or electronic cigarette kits on board. The regulations authorise a maximum of 2 batteries per passenger.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises caused by leaks due to atmospheric pressure, we strongly recommend that you wrap your clearomiser/atomiser in a tissue and place it in an airtight bag designed for this purpose. As a result of the drop in atmospheric pressure at altitude, the air expands and becomes heavier, pushing the e-liquid towards an outlet such as the resistor or airflow, which is how leakage occurs. It's also advisable to travel with your clearomiser placed vertically, upside down in your luggage, so that the air can escape through the airflow without pushing the e-liquid. Find out more about what can cause your e-cigarette to leak.
Can I travel by plane with my e-liquids? Is there a quantity limit?
The good news is that the law laid down by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) allows nicotine to be carried. So you can travel with your nicotine e-liquids, despite a few restrictions depending on the airline.
In cabin baggage, your liquid products must not exceed 100 ml and must be placed in a small transparent re-sealable plastic bag (often supplied by the airline) with the following dimensions: 20 cm x 20 cm, with a total capacity of no more than 1 litre. Please note that airlines limit one bag per passenger. Make sure that all your products fit into your plastic bag, or risk having your favourite eliquid confiscated at the airport. These rules apply to all your liquids (toothpaste, perfume, shower gel, etc.).
Unlike batteries and rechargeable batteries, e-liquid may be carried in your hold baggage without any quantity limit. All e-liquids exceeding 100 ml (e.g. your bases or DIY creations) should be placed in checked baggage. Be sure to reseal your bottles and put them in an airtight plastic bag to limit damage in the event of a leak. Even though cargo holds are pressurised spaces, in the event of sudden depressurisation or a slight variation in pressure, leaks can occur. Prevention is better than cure!
What about CBD liquids? On paper, it is permitted to travel by plane in Switzerland with CBD liquids. Swiss regulations authorise the possession and use of CBD products with a THC content of less than 1%. You can carry CBD liquids under the same conditions as other liquids, with the same rules in terms of quantity. However, it is advisable to indicate clearly on the packaging that it is a CBD product, to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding during a customs check. As a precautionary measure, we recommend that you do not travel across borders with CBD liquids to minimise the risk of further complications. For more information on CBD, see our guide: "What is CBD? (available soon)
Can you vape on a plane?
For the safety and comfort of other passengers, vaping and cigarette smoking are strictly prohibited on board aircraft. Under current regulations, anyone caught doing so is liable to be penalised by the airline authorities. So you'll need to be extra patient throughout your flight and, if necessary, take nicotine patches to help you relax and think about your holiday.
What should I do with my electronic cigarette accessories on a plane?
Many sharp or pointed objects are prohibited in cabin baggage. So make sure you put them in your hold baggage, or refrain from travelling with cutting pliers designed to cut Kanthal resistive wires, syringes with fine needles, or even DIY pipettes with fine needles, which can be confiscated at boarding gates. If you're travelling with your kit of rebuildable atomiser tools, place the equipment in the hold.
Which countries ban the use of electronic cigarettes?
Partly due to the desire of certain countries to step up their fight against the tobacco industry, the purchase, sale and even use of electronic cigarettes is banned in the following countries: India is one of the strictest countries, followed by Thailand, Cambodia, Brazil, the Seychelles, Singapore, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Iran, Gambia, Jordan, Kuwait, Nepal, Oman, Uganda, Panama, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, Uruguay and Norway. Vaping is also banned in some US states. Don't take the risk of vaping in any of these countries, or you could face heavy fines or even imprisonment.
What are the risks for electronic cigarette users in a country that bans the use of electronic cigarettes?
It is important to remember the risks involved in breaking the rules on vaping in a country where vaping is prohibited. At the same time, you are strongly advised to have a minimum knowledge of the rules and legislation in force in your destination country. What may seem perfectly legal in Switzerland is not always legal in other countries. We'd much rather be sipping cocktails on a paradise beach than end up behind bars in a Thai prison! No, the mention of prison is no joke - it's the maximum penalty in India, Cambodia and Thailand. At best, you risk a fine of up to CHF 2,800 and/or confiscation of your equipment. To avoid the risk of fines or imprisonment, be careful, follow the rules and find out about the regulations governing electronic cigarettes in the country you are visiting.
Which countries restrict the use of nicotine on their territory?
In countries such as Japan, Mexico, Australia and South Africa, electronic cigarettes without nicotine are permitted, while those with nicotine are considered to be medicines. You will need a doctor's prescription to be allowed to smoke in the country in the event of an inspection by the authorities.
Travel to a country that allows the use of electronic cigarettes.
Your destination allows vaping in public places: Hallelujah!
How can you best prepare for your trip abroad with your electronic cigarette?
Be sure to bring an extra battery (extra accumulator) authorised for air travel. Take an adaptor with you if you are using a foreign plug, as this could save you from battery failure. Take as many eliquids as you like with you in checked baggage, where there is no limit to the quantity.
Take a hermetic case and a tissue to put your clearomiser in for the duration of your journey, to protect your clothes or belongings from any leaks. If buying and selling vape equipment is allowed, you'll probably find shops on site where you can buy supplies. But depending on the length of your visit, it may be simpler to plan everything so that you can get through to the end without going to a specialist vape shop where the language barrier could be a hindrance. Especially as some countries have different eliquid quality standards.
In Switzerland, most e-liquids come from Europe, where AFNOR regulations govern the manufacture of liquid products in complete safety. This is not the case for Malaysian or Chinese e-liquids. It's best to choose a European e-liquid.
You should also find out whether CBD vaping is permitted abroad (link available soon). Countries that allow vaping and nicotine do not necessarily authorise the use of CBD in electronic cigarettes. It's up to you to find out more from a specialist guide or the website of the country concerned.
What should I do if my electronic cigarette breaks down when I'm abroad?
Luckily, you've got an electronic cigarette, battery, clearomiser, liquid or spare resistors with you, and you can rely on them! For example, take with you a rechargeable pod such as the pod refill by Pulp, which is an alertnative to the disposable pen. Discreet, small, practical and easy to use, and which is sure to come in handy! If not, you'll have to go to a specialist shop in the hope of finding a solution.
If I run out of e-liquid for my electronic cigarette when I travel abroad, what should I do?
The best thing is to have enough stock before you leave. But sometimes the stock has been used up faster than expected. In this case, you'll have to go to a local vape shop. Before you leave, find out what shops you can find in your area.
Good practice when travelling 💎
In theory, if you're in a foreign country and you're a vaper, you should behave discreetly in public places. You shouldn't make large clouds of vapour and you shouldn't be noticed when you vapourise. There are various techniques for discreet vaping, also known as stealth vaping. However, we advise against using these methods in places where vaping is prohibited.
- Choice of device: Choose a device that is suitable for stealth vaping. Small, compact devices with low vapour production are best. Pod systems or small e-cigarettes are good options.
- High PG content: use e-liquids with a high propylene glycol (PG) content. PG produces less vapour than vegetable glycerine (VG). Choose e-liquids with a PG/VG ratio of around 50/50 or a higher PG content.
- Low power settings: Set your e-cigarette to a low power setting. Lower wattage produces less vapour. Keep the wattage low to minimise vapour production.
- Short puffs: take short, gentle puffs rather than deep inhalations. By taking short puffs, you reduce the amount of vapour produced. Avoid inhaling vapour deep into the lungs.
- Hide the vapour: keep the vapour in your lungs as long as possible to minimise exhalation. When you exhale, do so in a direction that does not release the vapour directly into the air. For example, breathe into your clothes or a handkerchief.
- Discretion when exhaling: when you exhale, you can release the vapour through your nose to further reduce visibility. A gentle nasal breath can help to conceal the vapour.
- Avoid aromas with a strong smell: choose e-liquids with less intense aromas. Some flavours can have a strong smell that attracts attention. Avoid intense fruity or gourmet flavours, for example.
- Be aware of the environment: make sure you vape in an environment where it is accepted or authorised. Respect other people's rules and privacy.
We hope this guide has been useful in helping you prepare for your future trips! Now all you have to do is enjoy! Happy vaping! 🚀