Mailing stuff to Bogota???

[David W]

If I want to mail something to Bogota using USPS International Mail, how do I go about leaving a check or money order for the taxes they charge so that it isn't held up customs or is it just easier and better to use something like Avianca Express or is there a better way?  What I want to send right now is not expensive but has a lot of sentimental meaning and I want to make sure she gets it.

Thanks in advance to all that help.
David W.

PS.  To JunFan and everyone else....I may not have won the state lotery here, but I am awaiting to validate my ticket with the lady I have been corresponding with.  I thought she had given up on me, but she emailed me back recently saying had problems with email she was using...I repsonded..then to my surprise she responded again within one day.  

[David W]

... in response to Mailing stuff to Bogota???, posted by David W on Apr 30, 2001

Well thanks everyone for your imput.  I guess FedEx is the winner with the only vote (jaja).  What about the taxes and all, do you still have to do/pay that with FedEx??

As for lenght in time from durring delay was very long, but on same token...letter I sent before delay was not encouragin at all...but I think we are clearing things up.

David

[David W]

... in response to Thanks, but........, posted by David W on May 1, 2001

Thanks a lot guys...that really did help.. I am just going to send a stuffed animal and some CD's and pictures for now.

David W

[Michael B]

... in response to Thanks, but........, posted by David W on May 1, 2001

I've sent stuff to Colombia via USPS and no problem and it gets there soon, BUT they offer 3 or 4 classes of service and only the most expensive one (I think it's called "Global Priority") is any good. Even though it is the USPS most expensive, it is about 1/2 of Fed Ex and those others. Gets there in about 4 days, but doesn't go to her house, stays at the Customs House and she has to go there and pick it up. She's never had to pay any import duty on the stuff I've sent. Note that for this service the package has a tracking number and $500 of insurance included. However, if you use one of the cheaper USPS services, you've simply sent a gift to a dishonest Colombian postal worker's wife/girlfriend/daughter and your lady will never see it.

[Houndog]

... in response to Re: Thanks, but........, posted by Michael B on May 2, 2001

I've never payed taxes either. Of course I would never send Very Expensive items either. But I think there is a value limit of $500.00 or $1000.00 duty free for MOST items...there is a list of exceptions though. A prohibited or taxable list.

HD

[JunFan68]

... in response to Mailing stuff to Bogota???, posted by David W on Apr 30, 2001

Dave,
I know this is your first foray into the Colombian scene so I'm just trying to help you avoid some landmines. How long was she 'experiencing email problems'? Dont take this the wrong way but if it was more than 2 weeks I would have some questions about her. I mean, I can set up an email account up in 5 minutes, and so can they at any of the MANY Colombian internet cafes. If not, then congratulations and full speed ahead at 20 knots...lol.

As far as mailing stuff....I forgot how I did it but I sent a Dallas Cowboys hat and shirt down there. My guy never got it so I suppose the Colombian Customs agent (thieves...every one of them!) is now the proud owner....I will never send anything down there again, except for documents or letters. But then again, I haven't needed to.

Later,
Mike

www.sparhard.com/colombia.htm

[JunFan68]

... in response to Re: Mailing stuff to Bogota???, posted by JunFan68 on Apr 30, 2001

the perfect way to say what I mean, and I do say this from my experiences with Beatriz, is:

If a Colombian woman has her mind set on doing something, it will get done!

Mike

[Hoda]

... in response to Follow On, posted by JunFan68 on Apr 30, 2001

n/t

[Houndog]

... in response to Follow On, posted by JunFan68 on Apr 30, 2001

n/t

[Houndog]

... in response to Mailing stuff to Bogota???, posted by David W on Apr 30, 2001

Best way is to ask her who has an office close to her or easy for her to get to. I reccomend you DON'T use USPS. Slower than mollasses running uphill.

I just sent a package to Cartagena using FedX, it was in her hands in 4 days..but it wasn't cheap, $85.00.

Houndog

[buzzy]

... in response to Re: Mailing stuff to Bogota???, posted by Houndog on Apr 30, 2001

"Make use of time, let not advantage slip;  Beauty within itself should not be wasted.  Fair flowers that are gathered in their prime...Rot and consume themselves in little time."(Venus and Adonis, Shakespeare; advantage equals opportunity; a common plea of lovers)

[Houndog]

... in response to Re: Re: Mailing stuff to Bogota???, posted by buzzy on Apr 30, 2001

n/t