questions regarding shipping and customs

[zero_kanipan]

ive spotted some nice figures and figured id save money to buy em online (mostly from Good Smile since i like nendoroids and figma). so what should i be aware of regarding shipping and most especially custom fees? ive been limiting my online purchases to games and digital goods because ive heard some bad things about customs. can someone breakdown what fees they usually pay when they buy something online that is shipped to them? many many thanks.

[NiX]

There's a very extensive discussion (and breakdown of fees and experiences) on this very topic over at Philmug.ph

http://www.philmug.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=77765

You'll need an account to view it, though. But it lets you in on one of the least retarded Pinoy online communities.

[zero_kanipan]

it keeps denying my registration for some reason. im guessing it wants a valid referrer.

edit:
went to another site a friend of mine said to check out for a guide (otakai figure society) however my sign-up is also pending there.

anyway, dug up two articles online. linking here for future reference.

http://liveinthephilippines.com/content/...vercharge/

http://magnetic-rose.net/2009/05/tips-on...in-manila/

basically Airmail option is the cheapest, however it cannot be tracked, risky since it can be stolen and slow. package will be picked up at the local post office.
EMS is faster, however the package can be stopped by customs. fees are higher and theres a chance of "additional" fees requried.

below is a sample calculation

[total USD value of parcel * 10% customs dues] + [total USD value of parcel * 12% VAT] + [PhP 750 customs miscellaneous fees] + [PhP 35 Philpost releasing fee]
So if your item is valued at USD 100, and assuming that the conversion rate is PhP 50 to USD 1, you have to pay: [USD 10] + [USD 12] + [PhP 750] + [PhP 35] = PhP1885. Good luck trying to fish that out of your wallet without weeping silently.

still doing some research and found this. Johnny air cargo. basically a middleman sort of service.

http://melvelscloset.blogspot.com/2011/0...cargo.html

[Black Dragon]

EMS is faster, however the package can be stopped by customs. fees are higher and theres a chance of "additional" fees requried.

God, I hate those guys, they even add additional charges for high-value medicine (even for a cancer patient), though isn't there a chance of it slipping? Also, I suggest getting the package as soon as possible there if your order arrives, storage fees can get..."costly".

[J.E_Magog]

Grabe yan. I pay $0.00 for the delivery/ pickup of EMS items.

[Immaterial]

As far as asking items to be shipped here to our country, I really recommend you use registered or unregistered SAL.

EMS and Fedex will net you huge "tax" payments.

Unless you can have them declare the value of the items which some online stores don't allow unfortunately. :|