Could anyone give me advice on sending a 12 x 12 x 6 inch package to Hungary? It weighs 12 pounds. As long as it arrives before I do, on May 17, 2009, it doesn't matter which service I use. Of course, I'd like the cheapest service possible. Most important, how can I find out how much the fees (duty, etc.)will be on the other end? I don't want my family in Hungary to have to pay, so I'd like to send the amount in a separate letter. I've searched the internet, but can't find specific info. The package contains genealogy documents, photos, and inexpensive gifts for my famiy. Total value is about $125.00.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23290 posts
First, go to any and all of the package web sites -- Fed Ex, UPS, etc. plug in the info and get a rate quote. Why would you not carry a package that small? Second, doubt if anyone on this board can tell you what the Hungarian tariff/duty fees are. If that package was coming to the US, the would be no fees. Generally docs and photos have no value. The gifts would be under the exemption. But for Hungary -- who knows?
Posted by
OP
Franklinton, Louisiana, USA
43 posts
Thanks Frank. It will be 10 days before we get to my relatives in Hungary. I don't want to lug 12 lbs from Italy to Switzerland to Austria getting on/off trains. Same reason we're only taking 1 carry-on (packing light :0) and I don't have room for gifts. Any idea of a website I could try or what I should google to get info on Hungary's duty etc.? I tried the obvious like Hungarian Duty Regulations, etc.
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
The cheapest way is to use USPS. They only ship priority mail now outside of US. Use one of the flat fee boxes, they have 2 sizes for different prices.
Try also have a flat fee envelope you can put documents , up to 4 lbs, which is much cheaper then a box.I paid $12.50 to UK.
Just go on usps.com and compare all the options.
I don't know about the customs fees. Why don't you ask your family in Hungary? They would know better than us here.
Posted by
OP
Franklinton, Louisiana, USA
43 posts
Thanks Bea. I'd love to use USPS! The only reason I haven't done that is the customs duty question. I haven't asked my family b/c that would probably be like them asking me :0) They could probably search for an answer, but I don't want to impose on them since we have never met and they are being very gracious to have us in their homes and taking off from their jobs to take us to see their country. I just thought someone on the helpline might have had some experience with Hungarian Customs fees. Thanks again! I have found a company, International Parcel Services, that will ship my package for half the price of UPS, FedEx, etc. and they will reverse the customs duty fee to me. I have a call into them, and hopefully they can give me an idea of how much the customs fee will be before I ship. It's still a lot ($175) to ship, but others were $350. And I could avoid my family having to pay the customs, so that's probably what I'll do.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5533 posts
Jennifer, you might want to look at what it will cost if you separate the documents from the gifts.
You should not have to pay duty on documents.
Posted by
OP
Franklinton, Louisiana, USA
43 posts
Thanks Laura! Maybe I can ship documents and photos by USPS and that would decrease my shipping cost for the package of gifts thru the shipping company. Thanks a lot! Even tho that is just good "common sense", I hadn't thought of doing it that way. At this point, I don't have much of any kind of sense left!! :0)