Shipping to the Middle East
Always use Priority Mail to ship to an FPO or APO zip code. It’s only a little more money, but well worth it! Here’s the key – FPO / APO zip codes begin either with a 0 or a 9. If it begins with a 0, the package goes through New York City; if it’s a 9, it goes through San Francisco. Priority Mail rates are determined by weight AND distance, so be prepared! From Vermont, a recent shipment through New York cost $6.00, but the same box, if shipped through SFO was over $12.00. It’s tricky!
There is a new Flat Rate Priority Mail shipping box, since November, that you can stuff full, for less than $8.00. Save it for the heavy things- not gators!
Regarding the Customs Forms — everything shipped out of the country must have a customs form filled out. These are not available online, you must fill it out by hand. Press hard - it’s 5 layers thick! Your name and address, the recipient’s name and address, contents and value, are the most important things. Check “gift”, and “priority”.
In Section 16 of the form, add “any pastor”, in case your recipient can’t receive the package for any reason. If you have it returned to you, you may have to pay additional postage. Sign and date the form, and bring it with the addressed package (taped securely closed) to the counter.
If you have other suggestions to include here, let me know!
