Were are going to be in an apartment in Paris for a month and then want to lighten our load for the last part of our trip to Italy. Is there a way to send a suitcase back to the states? Or ..... has anyone ever mailed a box from france to usa? whats the cheapest way to do this? Maybe 50lbs at the most.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
It will be fairly expensive. Go to any of the delivery sites -- FedEx, UPS, -- that will give you an estimate.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
American Express offices used to offer this service when I was a student in Europe years ago. Not sure if they still do this or not. At the time, it was cheaper than mailing (and yes, you could mail/ship a suitcase without putting it in a box).
Posted by
OP
Ashland
10 posts
What about french international postal service? Any experience with this?
Posted by
Cayuga, Canada
124 posts
This past July when I was in Nice, I sent some heavier items back to Canada instead of putting them in my carry-on bag. Just go to the "Poste" and buy a box - about 35Euro for about 17 lb weight, box is about 12X12X12 inches. I bought the box, took it back to my hotel to fill, then carried it back to the post office to have the attendant wrap with tape and help me to complete the forms.
I had to complete a customs form when I entered Canada in Montreal just stating that I had shipped some goods purchased, probably not needed if I had been shipping used goods. I received the box three weeks later in fairly good condition - it had been opened by customs and re-taped - maybe they could smell my lavendar-filled pillow or the lavendar honey :)
I did see another couple pay to ship their carry-on size suitcase when I was at the post office, not sure of the cost though, sorry. You could go the Fodors Talk Europe Forum and ask on there - there are lots of Europeans who might be able to help.
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Hi - I mailed home from Germany and Norway - both expensive. You have to declare on the customes note - I just put extra travel clothes, camping clothes, souvenieers etc if thats whats in it. I think you can have up to 200$ value. US.
It was around 30$ for 5-6kg and 40-50 for 10kg. It was even more (closer to $80!) in Norway! I just bought a box at the post office (some are fixed price/weight). Eaiser than sending a "suit case".