What's the best way to send a laptop to the Phils?

[yailukmuu 26]

I have a 2010 Acer Laptop that I bought at Staples for $299. I'd like to ship it to Cebu. Can anyone suggest the best way. Two or three weeks is fine. I imagine it will incur a 12%VAT fee, but on what value? I'd estimate that it's worth perhaps $150, but it wouldn't surprise me if Customs decided it was worth $500. Any idea what happens in this case and any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[icebryker 21]

From where are you sending?

[SennaBrigante 92]

My husband sent me a laptop about 2 years ago via USPS. He had it insured and didn't mention "laptop" on the declaration card. It was stressful because PhilPost is incredibly unreliable but it arrived here about 2 weeks after it was sent. I didn't pay any fees for customs, the package was sent to my house and I only had to pay for a delivery fee or something like that.

The best way is still FedEx or other reputable couriers. You can also check out shipping companies that ship specifically to the Philippines like forex.

[yailukmuu 26]

From where are you sending?

From Vermont, does that make a difference?

I was hoping that someone knew about VAT fees on a used laptop. I haven't a clue how the other poster sent it, if it was USPS they demand to know what's in it.

[SennaBrigante 92]

I think my husband already packed it before taking it to USPS and when they asked him what he's sending he just said a couple of pair of jeans. From what he told me all he paid for was the postage and insurance.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

My experience with USPS and PhilPost has much to desire. USPS is good up to the border of the Philippines then you are pretty much up to the mercy of "LUCK". I have some packages that made it through and I have had others that never showed up. I used LBC and they seem to be reasonable but not many locations in your area. The closes one is Albany NY but you would be assured that it arrived. Otherwise DHL or UPS ships to PI.

Good luck.

[apple21 953]

Never use USPS when sending stuff to the Philippines.

[Laser1 63]

It is generally best to bring the laptop with you as carry-on luggage when you travel to Phils. Then you will not have to pay any fees.

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

According to this site, 12%. http://www.dutycalculator.com/popular-import-items/import-duty-and-taxes-for-laptops/

I would encourage taking it in person, thereby avoiding any tax. And if you must ship, use DHL or FedEx, NOT Philpost (via USPS).

[Alona_Dan 0]

If taking it there in person is not an option...just send her money to buy one here.....in the long run quicker time and less worry.

[teddy k 35]

Last year i sent my wife a computer for her birthday by UPS i put down food idem and she got in like 10 days and all she had to pay was 50 php but with anything yiu ship to phil its the luck of the draw

[yailukmuu 26]

Thank you all.

I'll wait and bring it when I return. Can I bring two laptops...hmm..."Oh, in case one breaks," and return with one or zero?

[Laser1 63]

Yes, you can take two laptops in your carry-on luggage, and bring just one back.

[A and T 82]

If its worth only $150, you can play the risk game. Put it in a box and cover it with old used clothes. Mark the package as used clothes, Gift, value $0 dollars. If they don't open it when it arrives then no fee. But they still might catch it. Thats the risk game! Or also if its not listed on the box they can steal it, but again, its a fairly low value item it might be work the risk. Send it via regular postal snail mail , slowest/cheapest option available so it won't see expensive

[Niblet 22]

Send her money so she can buy one there,,,I used there version of craigslist,,sent the guy the money,,(he was American) and he met her and gave her the laptop,,

he even left all his music in it for her,,she was thrilled