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Exchange abroad: find out what are the prohibited items in hand luggage

written by
Natasha Machado
25/7/2025
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5 min
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Planning an exchange is always an exciting experience, filled with expectations and anxieties. Among all the preparations, since choose the ideal destination to study and work abroad Until organizing the documentation, there is one detail that can cause a headache if it is not well planned: hand luggage.

Just imagine: you're at the airport, about to embark on your international adventure, when suddenly... “sorry, this item cannot fit in hand luggage”. It is precisely to avoid this embarrassing (and potentially expensive) situation that we have prepared this complete guide to what can and cannot go with you in the airplane cabin.

Why do these rules exist?

Before we enter the list of what is prohibited, it is worth understanding the reason for these restrictions. Airport security regulations are in place to protect all passengers and crew members. In Brazil, ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency) works together with airlines to ensure that everything goes well. While abroad, each country has its own peculiarities, but they generally follow similar international standards.

The good news is that, knowing these rules in advance, you can prepare yourself properly and avoid any hassles on the day of the trip.

What definitely can't go in hand luggage

Weapons and objects that can become weapons

It may seem obvious, but it's amazing how many people try to take “innocent” things that are actually forbidden:

  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Replicas of weapons - even that cute keychain in the shape of a revolver
  • Sharp objects: knives, knives, scissors with a blade larger than 6 cm
  • tools: screwdriver, hammer, drill, pliers
  • Personal defense sprays - including the chili pepper you thought of taking “just in case”

The famous rule of liquids

Oh, the 100ml rule... This one has already caught a lot of people off guard! On international flights, you can only take liquids in bottles of up to 100ml each, and everything must fit in a transparent plastic bag of up to 1 liter.

This includes:

  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Creams and lotions
  • Toothpaste
  • Drinks (yes, even that water you bought before going through security)
  • Perfumes
  • Liquid makeup

Expert tip: How prepare for an exchange in Ireland or any other destination? Purchase these items in travel size or bring small empty jars to transfer your products.

Electronics and batteries

With our increasingly digital lives, this category deserves special attention:

  • Spare lithium batteries above the allowed capacity
  • Power banks very powerful (generally above 100Wh)
  • Smart bags with batteries that cannot be removed
  • Lighters with liquid fuel

Dangerous substances

  • Fireworks (those bomb souvenirs you thought of bringing)
  • Fuels
  • Chemical products
  • Non-medical aerosols
  • Anything that is toxic, radioactive, or corrosive

Exceptions that could save your life

medicaments

If you take liquid medication, you can take it! You just need to:

  • Present at the security inspection
  • Bring a prescription (preferably in English)
  • Amount sufficient for the travel period only

Baby food

Traveling with a small child? Infant food and formula are allowed in the quantity required for the flight.

Special items

Some things that may seem prohibited but are allowed under certain conditions:

  • Insulin and syringes (with a doctor's prescription)
  • Essential medical equipment
  • Solid food (Grandma's special snack can go easy)

Differences around the world

When are you planning Study in Spain or any other European destination, the rules follow European Union standards. But some countries have their peculiarities:

United States: They are very strict with electronics. They may ask to connect devices at the inspection.

Australia: Super strict with food. Don't even think about taking that fruit from home.

Singapura: Chewing gum is prohibited! Seriously.

United Arab Emirates: Very strict with medications - always carry a doctor's prescription.

Tips for not having a headache

Before leaving home

  1. Make a list Of everything you are going to take and find out if it's allowed
  2. Buy small jars for your hygiene products
  3. Leave space in the checked bag for items that cannot go in the cabin

At the airport

  1. Arrive early - if there is a problem, you have time to solve
  2. Be polite with security officers - they're just doing their job
  3. Have a plan B - where you can buy essentials at the destination

What to do if something is blocked

Don't panic! You have a few options:

  • Dispatch the item (if there's still time)
  • Leaving with someone Who came to accompany you
  • Play it away (last case, but better than missing a flight)

Preparing for specific airports

Different airports have their peculiarities. For instance, What is the most connected airport in 2024 may have more advanced technologies that speed up inspection, while others may be more bureaucratic.

If you're getting ready for Study in New Zealand, know that the country has very specific rules on agricultural products - even those seasoning sachets can be a problem.

How technology is changing the rules

The world of aviation is evolving rapidly. Some airports already have more modern scanners that allow you to leave electronics and liquids in your luggage during inspection. O Future of digital airports promises to make this process much simpler.

Financial planning also matters

Remember that having barred items can generate extra costs. Therefore, it is essential to have good financial planning for your trip, including these possible unforeseen events.

Be Easy

Planning an interchange is complex enough without having to worry about every detail of the airport rules. Na Be Easy, our experienced team not only helps you choose the ideal program, but also advises you on all those practical details that make the difference on the day of the trip. Contact us and ensure that your international journey starts off on the right foot, without unpleasant surprises at the airport.

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy