Due to all the airline hassles with baggage these days - if we are to purchase any thing of any size in Italy - are we simply better off having it shipped directly home to the US versus trying to bring it back with us on the plane...I am not familiar with international shipping from Italy to the US. thanks
Posted by
Sacramento, California, United States
253 posts
We ship items from Italy frequently, using the shop where we purchased the item to do the shipping. They take care of everything. Last time (this year) in Orvieto, it was early in a four week trip. The shop agreed to ship our pottery so we would receive it after we arrived home and it worked out. Sometimes they give you a break on the postal charges as well. They did for us.
Posted by
Orlando
166 posts
Shipping is much easier for larger items. I always arrange for the items to arrive after I have returned home. Most shops are willing to work with you.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
I travel the RS way, with a carry-on bag only. So I have anything sizeable shipped back. I'd recommend buying insurance. Another benefit of shipping purchases is that if they exceed the VAT minimum, about 155E, then many merchants will take the 20% VAT off right when they ring it up. VAT is built into the price of things in Europe, unlike a sales tax we have in the USA where you pay the price plus the tax. So the savings can be a pleasant bonus to shipping (note you can get the VAT back when you leave the EU for hand-carried items; google for more info).
Posted by
Austin, TX, USA
492 posts
We try to carry back with us usually, the Italian post can be horrible at best. There are times when we have the store ship instead (copper pot I bought in Montepulciano, and it arrived two days after we arrived home) so for us it depends on the size and weight of the item. Small things we definitely try to pack, heavier things we are more likely to consider shipping. We did get a large plate we bought in Amalfi home with us in checked bag a few years ago before the weight restrictions kicked in.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4412 posts
Terri, we are definitely carry-on on the way TO Europe; on the way back home, we MAY check a bag. We prepare for that possibility by each packing a 12"x24" sturdy duffle bag; it lays flat at the bottom of our bag. If we need/want to check a bag, we just make sure that we pack things we can replace/wouldn't be sick at losing/HAVE to check due to security (knives, liquids, etc.). Our airline allows a free checked bag to/within/from Europe. Now, if it's something very heavy, delicate, etc., then I'd have it shipped. Using the Italian postal service can be dicey...some people report receiving their package soon after arriving home; others are still waiting years later...:-( Using a shipping company (UPS, FedEx) will cost many $$$...but it may be worth it to you. Buy magnets; they're tiny ;-)