VJ,
Mail Service to Luyang Carmen,Cebu is very slow. I want fast service,..Any suggests? Courier companies?
Thanks,
Full Version: Mail Service to the Philippines
have you tried fedex, DHL? I think LBC is a courier in the PI, but i dont think you can send directly to them. I dont think there is much to speed it up when the delivery is in remote places.
QUOTE (Scott and Mhay @ Nov 7 2009, 04:33 AM) 
have you tried fedex, DHL? I think LBC is a courier in the PI, but i dont think you can send directly to them. I dont think there is much to speed it up when the delivery is in remote places.
Mail service from the US to anywhere in the PI is slow - even to Quezon City (Greater Manila). If I needed to get something to my fiancee right away I always used Fed Ex. It worked perfectly.
I used Fedex to a remote province twice with no problems in speed of delivery.
The only down side is it's expensive.
The cheap way is US postal but then as it arrives it goes to Phil Post which isn't that reliable for packages. I've heard to not send any money or anything valuable that way because it can sometimes get "lost" by normal mail route. Others might have used normal mail with good success I don't know. I had no problems with letters that way.
Most people here are willing to pay for Fedex or similar because of secure delivery. I've only sent small boxes by Fedex so far.
that's my experience for whatever it's worth..
The only down side is it's expensive.
The cheap way is US postal but then as it arrives it goes to Phil Post which isn't that reliable for packages. I've heard to not send any money or anything valuable that way because it can sometimes get "lost" by normal mail route. Others might have used normal mail with good success I don't know. I had no problems with letters that way.
Most people here are willing to pay for Fedex or similar because of secure delivery. I've only sent small boxes by Fedex so far.
that's my experience for whatever it's worth..
how much does fedex usually cost?
QUOTE (Michey and Odessa @ Nov 8 2009, 07:13 AM)
how much does fedex usually cost?
About 2lbs box cost $80, about 4lbs $107 (sent International Priority).
From california to Mindanao delivery time to a remote province for me is about 10 days.
Delivery and tracking updates are available online of course.
I include my girl's cell on the Fedex label and they usually text her right before delivery.
I have used Fed Ex Express a few times. They guaranteed delivery within three days to both Manila and Bacolod. They came through every time. The cost ranged from $40 to $150.
~ Tahoma
FedEx is the way. 
Check for Air21 - that is the FedEx contractor. It is reliable service. Portland Oregon to Davao City took 4 days door to door, 6.3lbs $150. FedEx Malaybalay Bukidnon to Portland took 5 days, about 1 lb $60. Have used USPS for a package to Davao City (16 lbs $110 3 weeks) without problem but another package (3 lbs $30 Never) Philippine Post Office Maramag Bukidnon to Portland, never made it to USA. Any possible savings was offset by this loss tenfold! 
Check for Air21 - that is the FedEx contractor. It is reliable service. Portland Oregon to Davao City took 4 days door to door, 6.3lbs $150. FedEx Malaybalay Bukidnon to Portland took 5 days, about 1 lb $60. Have used USPS for a package to Davao City (16 lbs $110 3 weeks) without problem but another package (3 lbs $30 Never) Philippine Post Office Maramag Bukidnon to Portland, never made it to USA. Any possible savings was offset by this loss tenfold!
I use regular postal, because if I use fedex , my package arrives in the phil, and then they use extortion for customs fees and taxes, often charging 200 to 300x the cost of the item.
Many times I have sent items and put the value at $0.00 only for them to scratch it out and write $500.00 or something.
So I've learned to send it as cheap as possible, no registered mail (because then the philippines will think its important and over charge as always) Also I lie about whats in the package , I usually put dirty socks in the box, and write "socks" for the item, I will hide things in the socks or between pages of a book.
Never send money that way though, you are better off with moneygram.
example of the fedex scam, I send a small padded evolope with a few tshirts to my wife, costs me $80.00, it arrives in the phil quickly, they try to charge her $60.00 in tax and customs fees, even though the items inside only cost me $40.00
She eventually paid someone under the table and got it, I sent registered mail once and she was able to pay $7.00 under the table, without signing for the package to get it.
So I've just learned the more unvalueable you can make the item and box look, the better
Many times I have sent items and put the value at $0.00 only for them to scratch it out and write $500.00 or something.
So I've learned to send it as cheap as possible, no registered mail (because then the philippines will think its important and over charge as always) Also I lie about whats in the package , I usually put dirty socks in the box, and write "socks" for the item, I will hide things in the socks or between pages of a book.
Never send money that way though, you are better off with moneygram.
example of the fedex scam, I send a small padded evolope with a few tshirts to my wife, costs me $80.00, it arrives in the phil quickly, they try to charge her $60.00 in tax and customs fees, even though the items inside only cost me $40.00
She eventually paid someone under the table and got it, I sent registered mail once and she was able to pay $7.00 under the table, without signing for the package to get it.
So I've just learned the more unvalueable you can make the item and box look, the better
Use DHL...
FedEx & UPS use Air21 and they are nothing more than organized criminals.
I sent a laptop computer DHL and they helped the wife & I fight PH Customs on the import tariff. Got it down to 600Php from 12,000Php.
I sent an iPhone (actually returned a repaired iPhone) using UPS and was forced to pay 4,000Php tariff, UPS & Air21 didn't care about us as customers. I even filled out all of the documentation to declare it was her repaired iPhone being returned to her (showed the shipping info from when she sent it to me in the first place) they just wanted their extortion money.
Other than that if time isn't important I'll send a lot in a BalakBayan Box (BB Box as we call them). I've sent $1,000 underwater camera & $5,000 Scuba Regulator in the same BB Box with not problems. Of course I line the box with an oversize plastic bag, then pad it with towels, sheets or clothing and tightly pack everything else in side. Then I use several rols of packing tape on the outside of the box to discourage tapering.
FedEx & UPS use Air21 and they are nothing more than organized criminals.
I sent a laptop computer DHL and they helped the wife & I fight PH Customs on the import tariff. Got it down to 600Php from 12,000Php.
I sent an iPhone (actually returned a repaired iPhone) using UPS and was forced to pay 4,000Php tariff, UPS & Air21 didn't care about us as customers. I even filled out all of the documentation to declare it was her repaired iPhone being returned to her (showed the shipping info from when she sent it to me in the first place) they just wanted their extortion money.
Other than that if time isn't important I'll send a lot in a BalakBayan Box (BB Box as we call them). I've sent $1,000 underwater camera & $5,000 Scuba Regulator in the same BB Box with not problems. Of course I line the box with an oversize plastic bag, then pad it with towels, sheets or clothing and tightly pack everything else in side. Then I use several rols of packing tape on the outside of the box to discourage tapering.
We sent a package thru post office 2 months ago and it was a little expensive because we want it delivered in a week but until now, my family did not receive it. I tried contacting Postal Office in the Philippines but their website wasn't so helpful, they don't even have it their how to contact them incase we have questions. I found website of Malacanang and part of it was you can write to our President, so I typed my complain there. Last week I received a letter from the office of the President and a copy of the letter they sent to Post Office's Head in Philippines. Unfortunately, that letter has no effect because until now, its not delivered yet.
It is sad that we can never really trust Post Office.
So my advice, send it thru FedEx, UPS or DHL.
It is sad that we can never really trust Post Office.
So my advice, send it thru FedEx, UPS or DHL.
...if you are shipping cell phones and laptops watchout! 
FedEx/Air21 has been fast and flawless for documents: letter from USEM to her, package to her, envelope from her.... And hopefully within a week or so a passport with a shiny new K1 Visa!
FedEx/Air21 has been fast and flawless for documents: letter from USEM to her, package to her, envelope from her.... And hopefully within a week or so a passport with a shiny new K1 Visa!
QUOTE (nonversation @ Nov 9 2009, 01:09 PM)
I use regular postal, because if I use fedex , my package arrives in the phil, and then they use extortion for customs fees and taxes, often charging 200 to 300x the cost of the item.
Many times I have sent items and put the value at $0.00 only for them to scratch it out and write $500.00 or something.
So I've learned to send it as cheap as possible, no registered mail (because then the philippines will think its important and over charge as always) Also I lie about whats in the package , I usually put dirty socks in the box, and write "socks" for the item, I will hide things in the socks or between pages of a book.
Never send money that way though, you are better off with moneygram.
example of the fedex scam, I send a small padded evolope with a few tshirts to my wife, costs me $80.00, it arrives in the phil quickly, they try to charge her $60.00 in tax and customs fees, even though the items inside only cost me $40.00
She eventually paid someone under the table and got it, I sent registered mail once and she was able to pay $7.00 under the table, without signing for the package to get it.
So I've just learned the more unvalueable you can make the item and box look, the better
Many times I have sent items and put the value at $0.00 only for them to scratch it out and write $500.00 or something.
So I've learned to send it as cheap as possible, no registered mail (because then the philippines will think its important and over charge as always) Also I lie about whats in the package , I usually put dirty socks in the box, and write "socks" for the item, I will hide things in the socks or between pages of a book.
Never send money that way though, you are better off with moneygram.
example of the fedex scam, I send a small padded evolope with a few tshirts to my wife, costs me $80.00, it arrives in the phil quickly, they try to charge her $60.00 in tax and customs fees, even though the items inside only cost me $40.00
She eventually paid someone under the table and got it, I sent registered mail once and she was able to pay $7.00 under the table, without signing for the package to get it.
So I've just learned the more unvalueable you can make the item and box look, the better
I send 80LB Balikbayan Boxes full of goodies all the time to Luzon, and never there is a problem with customs, duties, taxes. Only costs $55 bucks, but goes by ship and takes 6 weeks. I already got the Christmas box on the way!
Speaking of carrier, what is wrong with the US POstal Service? Its been 2 weeks now since I sent my DS-230 packet from Saudi Arabia but still it does not reach in San Francisco. We are so delay at NVC because of that.
USPS from Saudi? Well - that taint the US... Hey hope it arrives safe and good luck to you!
hope it arrives safe and good luck to you!
QUOTE (Iris&Norman @ Nov 10 2009, 08:24 AM)
USPS from Saudi? Well - that taint the US... Hey hope it arrives safe and good luck to you!
hope it arrives safe and good luck to you!Thanks!! I hope they did not lost it.
I used the USPS service. They had an international service that was delivered within 7 days. I used it to send a new I-134 to Claudeth before her interview. She was in Cagayan on Mindanao so would assume Cebu should be just as fast or faster.
http://www.usps.com/international/sendmail.htm
http://www.usps.com/international/sendmail.htm
I mailed a large padded envelope to northern Mindanao containing Birthday Card, shirt, 2 yo-yo's and a Debit Card. I mailed it on Oct. 26th USPS, Int'l Priorty 6-10 days. It still has not arrived! it only cost me $11.00. Whats funny, my fiance mails me a letter from mindanao and its here in 7 days maximum. Go figure!
Also, There is big time extortion by their customs, postal and fedex contractors there. There are alot of stories about this on VJ. I'm getting ready to ship a laptop and I'm scared to death as to the final cost.
Might as well check the postal office to check if you have package or letters pending for delivery, When I was in PI, I always have to go to POSTAL OFFICE to ask for my package.. It might have been sitting there for a long time waiting for somebody to pick it up.
QUOTE (Hopp @ Nov 9 2009, 09:11 PM)
QUOTE (nonversation @ Nov 9 2009, 01:09 PM)
I use regular postal, because if I use fedex , my package arrives in the phil, and then they use extortion for customs fees and taxes, often charging 200 to 300x the cost of the item.
Many times I have sent items and put the value at $0.00 only for them to scratch it out and write $500.00 or something.
So I've learned to send it as cheap as possible, no registered mail (because then the philippines will think its important and over charge as always) Also I lie about whats in the package , I usually put dirty socks in the box, and write "socks" for the item, I will hide things in the socks or between pages of a book.
Never send money that way though, you are better off with moneygram.
example of the fedex scam, I send a small padded evolope with a few tshirts to my wife, costs me $80.00, it arrives in the phil quickly, they try to charge her $60.00 in tax and customs fees, even though the items inside only cost me $40.00
She eventually paid someone under the table and got it, I sent registered mail once and she was able to pay $7.00 under the table, without signing for the package to get it.
So I've just learned the more unvalueable you can make the item and box look, the better
Many times I have sent items and put the value at $0.00 only for them to scratch it out and write $500.00 or something.
So I've learned to send it as cheap as possible, no registered mail (because then the philippines will think its important and over charge as always) Also I lie about whats in the package , I usually put dirty socks in the box, and write "socks" for the item, I will hide things in the socks or between pages of a book.
Never send money that way though, you are better off with moneygram.
example of the fedex scam, I send a small padded evolope with a few tshirts to my wife, costs me $80.00, it arrives in the phil quickly, they try to charge her $60.00 in tax and customs fees, even though the items inside only cost me $40.00
She eventually paid someone under the table and got it, I sent registered mail once and she was able to pay $7.00 under the table, without signing for the package to get it.
So I've just learned the more unvalueable you can make the item and box look, the better
I send 80LB Balikbayan Boxes full of goodies all the time to Luzon, and never there is a problem with customs, duties, taxes. Only costs $55 bucks, but goes by ship and takes 6 weeks. I already got the Christmas box on the way!
My Balikbayan Boxes full of goodies to Northern Samar only take 30 days and is jumbo box 24x26x27 about 100lbs but is $80.00
QUOTE (Mr.&Mrs.A @ Nov 10 2009, 03:29 PM)
Also, There is big time extortion by their customs, postal and fedex contractors there. There are alot of stories about this on VJ. I'm getting ready to ship a laptop and I'm scared to death as to the final cost.
To ship a laptop to the PH I would suggest using DHL.
Mark it as being used personal property with a declared value of $400.00
If the customs guys try to jack you on tariffs DHL will go to bat for you. They are the only courier that has their own employees in the PH, seems like everyone else uses Air21 and they are crooks.
I'm speaking from personal experience. Customs wanted 12,00Php tariffs on the laptop I sent my wife. With DHL's help it was adjusted down to less than 600Php!
When I sent a repaired iPhone (complete with documents to prove she already owned it and sent it for repair) via UPS Air21 didn't do anything except collect the 4,000Php tariff!
QUOTE (Mr.&Mrs.A @ Nov 10 2009, 01:29 PM)
Also, There is big time extortion by their customs, postal and fedex contractors there. There are alot of stories about this on VJ. I'm getting ready to ship a laptop and I'm scared to death as to the final cost.
Do yourself and your girl a big favor: Have her buy the laptop there!
We experimented with mail, and good thing too. I sent letters, and my brother sent some. Letters and post cards. One post card arrived out of I think six things sent by mail to Mindanao. Iligan City. We did the letters, which never arrived, and then did an experiment with sending a letter and post card at the same time. My brother did that. The post card made it. So I sent a post card and letter at the same time and neither went through.
Nothing I sent by mail got there. One thing my brother sent got there.
Fed Ex worked fine and usually cost me around $75, got there in a few days. Under a week.
Nothing I sent by mail got there. One thing my brother sent got there.
Fed Ex worked fine and usually cost me around $75, got there in a few days. Under a week.
Wow! Can't believe it, my mom called last night to inform me that she received the package. I'm so glad. I guess that letter from the President worked.
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