I found a ceramics shop in Florence last week while there which will ship back a few items for me but I'm not sure about a duty (customs tax) from their shipper DHL when it arrives here. Anyone have experience with this? Items are about €500. Thanks! Jenny
Posted by
752 posts
Can you email that shop and find out how they plan to fill out the Customs Form? Customs fee depends on the amount of money the shop lists on the form. Then ask if shop can query DHL for fee on that amount.
Also find out how DHL ships. I know that UPS ships COD from Florence. FedEx just ships and mails bill for Customs fee later, which can be paid online.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
You can mail back items for personal use (not commercial use) with no duty/tax up to a value of $200 per shipment. Gifts for others have a limit of $100 per person. See also http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/gifts. I'd assume tax of about 10%, similar to our WA state sales tax.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23291 posts
We have shipped back items approaching a thousand dollars and never paid any customs. Just as long as the paper work is filled out accurately, I don't think US customs is interested in collecting a couple of dollars from individual tourists.
Posted by
OP
Coronado
6 posts
Thanks Laura! I can live with 10%! It seems fair.
Posted by
Grass Valley, California
506 posts
I have done this a few times from Florence and Orvieto. The shipping is always been included in the price of the ceramics and no problem with delivery. Usually shows up on the door step the week after we get home. I have never had to pay the shipper when it was delivered.