Mailing to Ukraine

[murphy8074]

Hello Everyone,
I will be sending a package to Ukraine in the next few days. My friend in Ukraine said my best 3 choices are EMS, DHL and FedEx. I would like to know if anyone has had any experiences with one of these mail services. I am mostly concerned about the package getting to it's destination, but I am also want to know the best value/price. I would like for the package to reach Ukraine in no more than one week. Also what are the laws concerning customs?

Thanks in advance for your help

[Optknrv]

... in response to Mailing to Ukraine, posted by murphy8074 on Jul 13, 2002

I just dealt with this recently. It'll vary from city to city, but my experience is that FedEx is a nightmare. My package took nearly three weeks to reach it's destination. Granted it was stuck in customes for nearly a week, but it was a long time none the less. Further I was told by FedEx when sending it that packages valued at less than $30 would not be taxed in any way, which turned out to be untrue. I sent over two postcard books valued at $12 total and the package was refused on several delivery attempts because they tried to charge a duty on it. After another week of haggling I was able to have the duties charged to my FedEx account, but was informed that this was not a regular procedure. They made two more failed deliveries trying to again charge duties before they finally charged me and gave the recipient my package.

In the midst of all this, I resent my package via DHL. It didnt include the books this time, but it was exactly 4 days from the time it was sent to the time I had a delivery confirmation.

Either way, expect to pay well over $100 for sending a small package.

Oh and according to the customs regulation book FedEx uses, any recorded media (Cd's DVD's, tapes, etc), political propaganda, and food items are strictly forbidden along with a slew of medical and chemical items.

[snowwego]

... in response to Mailing to Ukraine, posted by murphy8074 on Jul 13, 2002

if you are sending just documents fed ex and ups are fine the usally take about one week to two weeks, but are costly. If you are sending anything other than documents the package could be subject to high custom taxes and the party on the other end will have to pay. usps is fine but it took 6 weeks one time and three another and four another time and that was because of what was in the package. Sending usps will save on custom taxes and courier fees over there. Rick

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Re: Mailing to Ukraine, posted by snowwego on Jul 14, 2002

I sent a CD to Victoria recently that I made.

It's not commercial music... just a home-made CD.

Anyone know if that will get held up?

[Optknrv]

... in response to Anyone know if CDs are held up in Custom..., posted by MarkInTx on Jul 14, 2002

When I listed CD's on the customs slip at FedEx thay told me to take them out. I asked why and they showed me the regulation handbook which clearly stated that all recorded media wasnt allowed and went on to list CD's, DVD's, Tapes and a few other examples.Since sending it was costing a small fortune i didnt want to take chances so I followed their instructions and took it all out. It did get stuck in customs for almost a weeek regardless.

Let me know if your package goes through cause I've been wanting to send a couple CD's myself.

[snowwego]

... in response to Re: Anyone know if CDs are held up in Cu..., posted by Optknrv on Jul 14, 2002

I sent an 8mm cassette tape and what a cost to have that delivered and what a time to get it through customs but It will go through and it will take awhile.If you can avoid sending them it is not worth the headache unless it is a must. Rick

[Dan]

... in response to Re: Re: Anyone know if CDs are held up i..., posted by snowwego on Jul 14, 2002

I've sent CD's, video tapes (VHS-PAL) and audio tapes - all without incident.

I *did*, in the early days - have huge hassles and problems with UPS, DHL, and FedEx. It was when I finally decided to use the Good 'Ol USPS that things finally started arriving - unopened and without any additional fees assessed.

I guess I must have said it abiut a hundred times now - but if you want to send something with a reasonable assurance of a hassle-free arrival (albeit NOT the most expedient), then use the USPS and their standard overseas parcel service (NOT their Global Express which is, in fact, run by DHL).

- Dan

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Contrary to Other Experiences . . ., posted by Dan on Jul 14, 2002

Actually,

The USPS told me I couldn't use Global Express to Kherson, anyway...

I am sure hoping that you are right about this! I really want her to get this without having any hassles.

I'll let everyone know.

Although... she's at the Black Sea for a week, so I won't know exactly how long it took if it takes less than ten days...

[Charles]

... in response to Global Express, posted by MarkInTx on Jul 14, 2002

I have been sending gifts to the Crimea via USPS for the past two years.  Generally plan on three weeks if sent outside the Christmas season, and maybe five weeks if delivered during the Christmas holiday mail season.  Express Mail only gets the thing to Ukraine quickly.  After that it sits in customs.  Usually they open it up but I have delivered things far more valuable than CD's and they have always been delivered.  I would advise your lady what your are delivering, so if it is missing she can make a claim.

[Oscar]

... in response to Re: I would allow 3 weeks, posted by Charles on Jul 15, 2002

And making a "claim" accomplishes exactly.... nothing.  Sad but true.

[Dan]

... in response to Global Express, posted by MarkInTx on Jul 14, 2002

n/t

[tfcrew]

... in response to Mailing to Ukraine, posted by murphy8074 on Jul 13, 2002

It depends... What it is you're shipping, and who is there handling it. Mark is correct. USPS may suck as much as the others, but they're cheaper at it.
Karl

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Mailing to Ukraine, posted by murphy8074 on Jul 13, 2002

Apparently it makes a difference.

For instance... DHL (seems) to have no office in Kherson.

So, although I have been told it is a good option elsewhere... it is not for me.

The difference between using DHL or the other services is about $100 for me... so I just use good ol' USPS.

It took three weeks to get there last time.

Interestingly, when Victoria sends ME something, I get it in one week...

I just sent something to her two days ago. We'll see how fast it gets to her this time...