Xmas shipping to the UK

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

The problem with Express or Priority Mail (by USPS) is that it's only priority IN THE US, not in the UK. Once it leaves, you are on Royal Mail time.

And in your case, apparently not express even then!

One exception appears to be Global Express Guaranteed -- it's actually handled by FedEx on the international side. It costs about 80 gazillion dollars but it does get there on time. We sent Bruce's PhD dissertation this way on a Wednesday afternoon and it was on his supervisor's desk in Dundee by Friday morning.

On a side note, on New Year's Eve, I posted 25 invoices to various destinations around the world, including the UK. I also posted a cheque to someone in Pasadena. Wouldn't you know, the invoices sent to the UK got there on January 2nd, and the cheque didn't arrive until the 4th?

[Alex & Rachel 78]

I hope this isn't too tangential a question, but seeing as people have been sending large parcels to their family and friends, what have been people's experiences with custom charges?

My fiancé has been sending me presents from the US for a couple of years now. They're usually between the value of $50-150 (he never lied on the customs form) and they'd always arrive safely on this end with no additional charges incurred.

Then last September he sent me a birthday present (value $200) through the same shipping company he usually does, with the usual form filled out (gift box checked). Not only did it take longer than usual to arrive, but I then received a notice saying I couldn't receive it until I'd paid £27.50 in VAT and handling. I queried this but it's apparently correct and certainly on the Royal Mail site it states that all gifts over the value of £35 are subject to those fees.

If that's the case why was I never charged on previous packages? Is it a new rule that they've slipped in somewhere, or was I just lucky the previous times? Is there any way to avoid future unexpected charges (what about when I ship presents back to my family after I move?)

[no name 1]

I hope this isn't too tangential a question, but seeing as people have been sending large parcels to their family and friends, what have been people's experiences with custom charges?

My fiancé has been sending me presents from the US for a couple of years now. They're usually between the value of $50-150 (he never lied on the customs form) and they'd always arrive safely on this end with no additional charges incurred.

Then last September he sent me a birthday present (value $200) through the same shipping company he usually does, with the usual form filled out (gift box checked). Not only did it take longer than usual to arrive, but I then received a notice saying I couldn't receive it until I'd paid £27.50 in VAT and handling. I queried this but it's apparently correct and certainly on the Royal Mail site it states that all gifts over the value of £35 are subject to those fees.

If that's the case why was I never charged on previous packages? Is it a new rule that they've slipped in somewhere, or was I just lucky the previous times? Is there any way to avoid future unexpected charges (what about when I ship presents back to my family after I move?)

I'm pi$$ed cuz that happened on a bday gift I sent to my sis-in-law in the UK. Yet our Xmas package was not taxed. It seesm random. Some packages get it, some don't. By law - I thought it was $200 or less was OK.....but who knows.

[Alex & Rachel 78]

I'm pi$$ed cuz that happened on a bday gift I sent to my sis-in-law in the UK. Yet our Xmas package was not taxed. It seesm random. Some packages get it, some don't. By law - I thought it was $200 or less was OK.....but who knows.

Typical! Ah well, I'll just have to consider myself lucky that I've only been charged once. Just seems unfair - I can understand the restrictions placed on commercial goods and the like, but for personal gifts...

[Amby 490]

she got her package!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAY!! she said it was definately worth the wait!

[JandC 0]

I hope my package never gets there.....my Dad died last night...so it's always going to be too late.

[Amby 490]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep your family in my prayers.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

I'm so sorry to hear your bad news -- I send my deepest sympathies.