HELP... Ukraine Customs Problem

[R_L_Mann]

Help I sent my friend a gift via UPS from the U.S. To Melitopol UK. The package was only 5 kilos and cost me $192.00 for shipping. The Ukraine customs dept wants a $120.00us to let it in. Ups tells me I'm on my own. I do not want my friend to pay the duty. I also feel a 50% duty is out of line for books ,photo's, CD's. Can any one know how to help! Many Thanks Bob E-mail naohbob@inreach.com

[marina_555]

Dear Bob,
your situation is not a surprise,you should have expected this or at least your friend in Melitopol was supposed to find out the details... My advice is to pay the duty, or your friend will never see the parcel... otherwise look for someone in the customs who will be "sweet" enough to let the parcel go, but better pay, and next time do not send these parcels with the couriers co-s., they will just eat your money...
regards,


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Marina

[R_L_Mann]

Marina Thank you for your reply. It just seems strange that my friend must bring 120.00 US dollars in Cash to Kiev. Julia will have to spend an whole day ( 10hrs each way) on a train. It looks to me the underground econony is a live and well in the Ukraine

[marina_555]

BOB,
nothing strange!!! believe me.
there is a tremendous duty on everything imported from abroad. especially when you go for vacation and come back customs will make you pay the last money that you have. and they say it is even worse in Russia!!!
when my parents came to visit me here from Ukraine they were not carrying anything with them back to Ukraine, nevertheless at the customs they checked their luggage so thoroughly, mom said it felt like they were terrorists with the guns entering the country illegally.
so do not be surprised!!!!
and don't send anything else!!!
better send her a visit visa to go and buy herself (while going back she will be paying less at the customs).
ok?
best regards, marina