Custom Clearance

[spartan 2]

Just an update: I called Fedex today and they said that the package was released by the Custom. BUT I have to pay P1200 for Custom Duties and Taxes. That's ridiculous! It's simply not tolerable. The value of the package is only $15 which is approximately Php750 only. I've never heard of duties and taxes reaching 167% of the value of the item, just now.

Anyways, I just told them to return it to sender. I wonder if my fiance can get his shipping payment back...I hope he can. I'll ask him to call Fedex and ask for his money back.

Thanks to everyone who have shared their knowledge and experiences on this matter. Much appreciated.

You can use your Philippines cellphone when you get here in US. Just set your phone to roaming one day before your flight or when you get to the airport. You can use Globe of Smart. Just ask customer service on how to set it to roaming if you don't know how. When you get here your fiance can call on your PI phone. Bon voyage!

[Richard90027 1]

My fiance sent me a prepaid phone plus $40 load with total cost of $55 ($30 prepaid phone set + $25 load). It should arrive tomorrow so I can bring it with me during my trip on Nov. 4. Today, my fiance and I both just received an e-mail from Fedex saying that the package was held up at Customs because the importer needs to pay the taxes and duties. Anyone experience this?

My fiance said that he put in the package that it's for personal use. Also, I thought that there's a minimum value for the Custom to require payment of duties and taxes and if it's for personal use, it's free of duties and taxes.

I've been looking online for the minimum amount and rules and regulations about paying duties and taxes at Customs but I can't find any. Is there anyone here familiar with it? I would really appreciate it.

Honestly if the Custom will require me to go to Manila, I'd rather let it there. It would be so much hassle to go to Manila to claim it with the heavy traffic nowadays. But if someone can suggest any idea on how to resolve it, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!!!

If he bought the phone here for $30.00 it is more than likely 850/1900 mhz and wont work in the Philippines anyway...

[loveaboo 0]

You can use your Philippines cellphone when you get here in US. Just set your phone to roaming one day before your flight or when you get to the airport. You can use Globe of Smart. Just ask customer service on how to set it to roaming if you don't know how. When you get here your fiance can call on your PI phone. Bon voyage!

If he bought the phone here for $30.00 it is more than likely 850/1900 mhz and wont work in the Philippines anyway...

Thanks!

We're more concern about me being able to contact him once I'm in US already. My phone has a frequency of 900/1800 mhz and we found out that US is operating at 850/1900 mhz, that's why I doubt if it's gonna work in US. That's the reason why we resorted to him sending me a phone.

Anyways, an update: My fiance really wanted me to have that phone so we can easily communicate during the trip. But instead of me paying the ridiculous amount, he insisted on FedEx that it will be charged to him so the money will not go to a corrupt pocket, but to a corrupt government. He knows I'm kinda disappointed that he gave in to that but he promised that he will do his best to get me the name of the Custom agent who did the assessment. I still want to get back to that person. I'm thinking maybe I can report him or something. He might get a warning or something or even to just at least let the Bureau know that not all people will just give in to what they are doing and sit down and relax.

[hellINTIM 9]

Just an update: I called Fedex today and they said that the package was released by the Custom. BUT I have to pay P1200 for Custom Duties and Taxes. That's ridiculous! It's simply not tolerable. The value of the package is only $15 which is approximately Php750 only. I've never heard of duties and taxes reaching 167% of the value of the item, just now.

Anyways, I just told them to return it to sender. I wonder if my fiance can get his shipping payment back...I hope he can. I'll ask him to call Fedex and ask for his money back.

Thanks to everyone who have shared their knowledge and experiences on this matter. Much appreciated.

lol u cant get back ur money.... that is fed ex... fed ex -- always want money and tax ----- well ur lucky u just paid 1200 pesos.. i paid them 5100 pesos for tax.

[loveaboo 0]

lol u cant get back ur money.... that is fed ex... fed ex -- always want money and tax ----- well ur lucky u just paid 1200 pesos.. i paid them 5100 pesos for tax.

Yes, it's only Php1200, BUT 167% of the amount of the package .I won't mind paying P5100 if it's 10-25% of the amount of the package. It's just kinda ridiculous that the cost of the duties and taxes is more than the value of the package.

Edited November 3, 2009 by loveaboo

[adiiann 163]

My fiance sent me a prepaid phone plus $40 load with total cost of $55 ($30 prepaid phone set + $25 load). It should arrive tomorrow so I can bring it with me during my trip on Nov. 4. Today, my fiance and I both just received an e-mail from Fedex saying that the package was held up at Customs because the importer needs to pay the taxes and duties. Anyone experience this?

My fiance said that he put in the package that it's for personal use. Also, I thought that there's a minimum value for the Custom to require payment of duties and taxes and if it's for personal use, it's free of duties and taxes.

I've been looking online for the minimum amount and rules and regulations about paying duties and taxes at Customs but I can't find any. Is there anyone here familiar with it? I would really appreciate it.

Honestly if the Custom will require me to go to Manila, I'd rather let it there. It would be so much hassle to go to Manila to claim it with the heavy traffic nowadays. But if someone can suggest any idea on how to resolve it, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!!!

Usually when it is electronics stuff, they really do that things. When, my husband send me DS before, I have to pay tax and other fee for those things.

You pay more if it is still in manufacturing package.

[loveaboo 0]

Just to give an update...

After 1 month from delivery date and FedEX delivery payment, their so called Custom Duties and Taxes are still not yet being deducted from my fiance's account. We're becoming more and more positive that me "harassing" the Air 21 people, questioning all the details on how they came up with the amount, worked.

Edited December 7, 2009 by loveaboo