Package sent to Ghana

[Sankofa 0]

Okay, I sent my finance a small box for his birthday containing a couple of CD's and few other small items. He FINALLY received it today after I sent it over a month ago. (That's a whole 'nother story in and of itself!!) Anyhow, to our surprise when he went to pick up the box he was told to open the box and was charged a supposed %20 tax on the items in the box. The tax equated to approximately $20. I don't understand pidgin very well and I don't understand twi at all, but even I could tell the conversation wasn't pretty (I listened to the whole conversation over the phone). He was upset because obviously there was no sign or written policy anywhere in the post office. When I think about it kind of makes sense to have to pay taxes for items received "from foreign". I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this when sending packages overseas or to Ghana specifically?? Thanks

[payxibka 10,045]

Okay, I sent my finance a small box for his birthday containing a couple of CD's and few other small items. He FINALLY received it today after I sent it over a month ago. (That's a whole 'nother story in and of itself!!) Anyhow, to our surprise when he went to pick up the box he was told to open the box and was charged a supposed %20 tax on the items in the box. The tax equated to approximately $20. I don't understand pidgin very well and I don't understand twi at all, but even I could tell the conversation wasn't pretty (I listened to the whole conversation over the phone). He was upset because obviously there was no sign or written policy anywhere in the post office. When I think about it kind of makes sense to have to pay taxes for items received "from foreign". I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this when sending packages overseas or to Ghana specifically?? Thanks

While I cannot speak specifically for Ghana... What you described is not an untypical scenario for packages going into Ukraine, as many times the receiver gets hit with an import duty or some other sort of "tax".

[cokebbeh 0]

Okay, I sent my finance a small box for his birthday containing a couple of CD's and few other small items. He FINALLY received it today after I sent it over a month ago. (That's a whole 'nother story in and of itself!!) Anyhow, to our surprise when he went to pick up the box he was told to open the box and was charged a supposed %20 tax on the items in the box. The tax equated to approximately $20. I don't understand pidgin very well and I don't understand twi at all, but even I could tell the conversation wasn't pretty (I listened to the whole conversation over the phone). He was upset because obviously there was no sign or written policy anywhere in the post office. When I think about it kind of makes sense to have to pay taxes for items received "from foreign". I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this when sending packages overseas or to Ghana specifically?? Thanks

While I cannot speak specifically for Ghana... What you described is not an untypical scenario for packages going into Ukraine, as many times the receiver gets hit with an import duty or some other sort of "tax".

I agree samething for the Gambia. The argument is that if your finace should buy the same items in Ghana, the govt will collect taxes on them. Therefore he or she still should pay for tax, even if it is gift. Although, 20% is a little high.

[zetku 0]

greetings All:

indeed my fiance, in Accra, paid a similiar tax when receiving a package i sent him several months ago. he did manage to bargain with the postal officers but only because they knew his family. i too was surprised about it, but he wasn't b/c that's the deal in Ghana.

peace.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

Last medium sized box i sent to Ahmed in Morocco, he also had to pay, something I couldnt understand either

[a&o 4]

Just be glad he got it! Yes, they come up with "fees" at the post office when you collect packages. It's better to send things to a business address if possible. Better still to send via DHL.

I have had more than a couple of packages that just never arrived (I'm sure they arrived in Ghana, but didn't get to me). I also had things that had been opened and things taken out before I arrived to collect a package.

Surprised your fiance didn't see that coming....

Cheers!

[Kanyiri 0]

The package fees that I had to pay were based on the size of the package. Usually it was between 5000 cedis and 25000 cedis. When you send a package make sure you don't put the value as extremely high on the customs slip or the package will very likely not arrive or he will get a "tax." Also if you send the package in a bubble envelope that will fit inside a PO Box instead of sending the package as a box then he can usually dodge the fee altogether. It's some rule they have about the size of packages. Usually if the cost of the goods on the customs slip is less than $20 the max they will have to pay is 10000 cedis (unless it is bulky or in a box). I've gotten massive boxes in Ghana and the max amount I ever had to pay was 20000 cedis. However, I gave them small peices of candy that were inside the package and I was a stubborn white woman in the Upper West Region where they still just want the international appeal. The southern region systems are more money centered and don't care what they have to do or who they have to scam to get the money. If your fiance looked like someone easy to take advantage of, they would.

Anyway, unless the laws have changed, the general rule is that packages with smaller worth (i.e., below $20) shouldn't have a charge over 25000 cedis based on size. Once you get into packages with a greater worth, then I'm sure there are taxes that apply - legitimately. I sent my husband my old camera and I think he had to pay 160,000. Where they came up with that amount, I have no idea. He actually told them that he didn't have the original amount they asked for - as he didn't - and they lowered it consistently until it got to a point where he could pay.

I think I got scammed less b/c they thought I would turn them in. They assume all foriegners follow the rules and aren't bullied around as easily.

Anyway, just be wise as to how you send packages. And be happy when he gets them. The postal system is extremely frustrating.

[Sankofa 0]

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate the insight and input.

[akatagirl 0]

I just sent package to my brother in law in ghana and sent it via fed-ex, sent it at international economy rate and i even included some money in there. He got the package safe and sound. I thought about sending it regular postal mail, but I am glad I didnt based on reading all these posts!