FedEx Shipment

[acuratlsd 11]

I am sending the binder full of papers which runs about 6lbs.

I understand if you are just sending papers then it won't be too hard to send it.

but, I am also sending a very very cheap 10 dollar pre paid phone so that when she enters into the POE, then she can call me and let me know everything is okay.

Also, sending 2 Batteries for her HTC evo 4G.

Am I going to have a very big shipping delay just because of the little cell phone and batteries?

[NoneYa 73]

If you must, send it in a separate package even though you think it will cost you more, it may not. My experiences with Philippines/customs/Fed ex.

FIRST PACKAGE

I sent some sandals to my fiance valued at $ 85.00 for a birthday present. It got pulled into customs and they charged her $ 65.00 to receive it (customs tax) and it took two weeks after over a week in customs. A phone of any sort would be a flag to tax the package. You can't lie on the contents because they will scan it. It's just a corrupt system over there.

SECOND PACKAGE

I sent a couple pounds of paper documents to support her in the interview. I listed it as paper fiancee documents and valued it at

$ 1.00. The documents arrived in 3-4 days, no taxes what ever. Sailed right through.

I believe that phone is going to hang everything up for you. They have pay phones in the airports. She probably doesn't even need any coins to pick up the phone, dial zero and get an operator assisted collect call to you.

[acuratlsd 11]

If you must, send it in a separate package even though you think it will cost you more, it may not. My experiences with Philippines/customs/Fed ex.

FIRST PACKAGE

I sent some sandals to my fiance valued at $ 85.00 for a birthday present. It got pulled into customs and they charged her $ 65.00 to receive it (customs tax) and it took two weeks after over a week in customs. A phone of any sort would be a flag to tax the package. You can't lie on the contents because they will scan it. It's just a corrupt system over there.

SECOND PACKAGE

I sent a couple pounds of paper documents to support her in the interview. I listed it as paper fiancee documents and valued it at

$ 1.00. The documents arrived in 3-4 days, no taxes what ever. Sailed right through.

I believe that phone is going to hang everything up for you. They have pay phones in the airports. She probably doesn't even need any coins to pick up the phone, dial zero and get an operator assisted collect call to you.

Sounds like a good idea. Maybe I will just send the phone through USPS... its a cheap phone. I will make sure that i write CMDA Phone because they can't use those over in the Philippines. Joke on them!

Then I will send the paperwork through FedEx... FedEx has no mercy when it comes to their prices.

[calibob 73]

Might want to see if you can find a DHL. They have competitive prices and will work with you if you haggle with them. I found this out with our local as he's an independent contractor for them and would take less margin the higher the price. Just a thought. In the papers just place her a $10 calling card so she can use the pay phone.

Bob

Edited February 5, 2012 by calibob

[NoneYa 73]

Just an added thought as to the Custom's charges. I couldn't understand how they could tax a $ 85.00 valued item a $ 65.00 tax.

I went and researched it and from skimming the information I think the tax should be based on the value of the items plus the shipping charges at a rate of 12%. With the item valued at $ 85 plus shipping charges of $ 120 times 12% that would equate to a tax of roughly $ 25.00. Since they guy who collected the money at delivery charged her $ 65.00, I guess the other $ 40 was a collection fee.

We must remember this is the Philippines.

[skidivawannabe 2]

I don't understand why you have to send her a phone. Can't you just ask her to buy a mobile phone in the Philippines??? You can easily buy phones there that you can use anywhere ("open line" as we call it). She can even use her prepaid sim to call you once she gets here, she just has to make sure it's loaded with more than 3000 PHP (roughly 25 USD) credits before she leaves the Philippines and roaming feature is set. Sending that phone is going to cause issues.

As for documents,get a quote from LBC or DHL as well.

[acuratlsd 11]

I don't understand why you have to send her a phone. Can't you just ask her to buy a mobile phone in the Philippines??? You can easily buy phones there that you can use anywhere ("open line" as we call it). She can even use her prepaid sim to call you once she gets here, she just has to make sure it's loaded with more than 3000 PHP (roughly 25 USD) credits before she leaves the Philippines and roaming feature is set. Sending that phone is going to cause issues.

As for documents,get a quote from LBC or DHL as well.

Well she does have a Sprint HTC Evo Phone that I left there prior to coming back to America. The only problem is that the phone isn't activated.

I think what I am going to do is activate her phone just prior of her leave the Philippines that way it will be programmed into the phone once she turns it on here in the states.

I wanted to send her a prepaid to think ahead but after thinking about it. It will just cause problems. I know how they are in the Philippines about electronics. Do anything to make a few pesos in the pocket even hold your valuable possessions at ransom.

The binder alone sending her everything and much much more just in cause is going to hurt the pockets by itself. Don't need to add insult to injury.

I know that we have a DHL here but not sure if we have an LBC, aren't they for the bigger cities. Closest big city to me is Wilmington, NC or even Raleigh which can be 1 to 2 hours one way.

[skidivawannabe 2]

If Fedex is the most convenient courier for you, then go for Fedex. If Fedex charges like DHL, remove the whole document from the binder and just send it as it is and have her buy the supplies in the PHilippines (hella cheap!!!) I had to remove the fabric ribbon from a wedding invite because they were charging it something other than a document (higher, of course!)

[acuratlsd 11]

If Fedex is the most convenient courier for you, then go for Fedex. If Fedex charges like DHL, remove the whole document from the binder and just send it as it is and have her buy the supplies in the PHilippines (hella cheap!!!) I had to remove the fabric ribbon from a wedding invite because they were charging it something other than a document (higher, of course!)

A fabric ribbon, you got to be kidding.

That is like sneezing and being accused of starting the plague

[acuratlsd 11]

I sent the package out today... It came out to be 4.20lbs. of paperwork. The total bill was 142 dollars to send it to Philippines from Eastern North Carolina DHL

Fedex wanted $155 and UPS wanted around $170 to $175. Forgot what the lady quoted me exactly.

There goes the money for the paint job for my hood. Sad

Edited February 6, 2012 by acuratlsd