No time to look through the entire thread but if your item is valued at US$900, are they gonna expect you to pay 5%/10%/25% tax in US dollars too? And if the item is shipped via FedEx, etc, do you still have to collect it yourself at customs or will FedEx appoint an agent to deal with them?

This post has been edited by misa: Nov 28 2009, 03:59 AM

To avoid items getting "lost" in the mail, I suggest you pay the additional fees for tracking. Always opt for international priority/international express mail with registered tracking when purchasing from the US - that way you can track the item every step of the way. Items bought without tracking tend to go missing without a trace. It's not worth purchasing stuff if you're not willing to put in the additional for tracking. But even then, I've had a couple of items go missing after customs opened my package for inspection and released it for delivery once before. But at least, the store I bought from was willing to resend the item without any issue. Forget about going to customs to try to pitch a fit there about your missing item. You have no proof.

As for what makes them hold a package, it depends on your luck, I suppose. Sometimes, huge boxes get released from customs without a hitch (no sign of it being opened even). Sometimes, tiny packages get taxed or packages get ripped open for a look see. There's really no trick to avoid customs. You just have to cross your fingers and toes.

And oh. Shipment from the UK always, always get taxed. Especially if it's from UPS. At least, that's been my experience. They charge exorbitant amounts too. Try to avoid purchasing from the UK if you're not willing to pay the fees. Even items marked as gift get taxed as some sort of value HAS to be written on the invoice by the seller.

This post has been edited by misa: Aug 19 2010, 11:34 PM

If 30GBP should be no problem la. It's usually stuff that's above 50-100 pounds that get taxed. But again, it depends on your luck. Hope for the best then!

Anyone know how much I'll be taxed for art supplies? Just getting hold of some paints and brushes from the US. Thanks!

You can appoint an agent to deal with customs for you via Pos Malaysia. They'll send a form for you to fill up if your item is detained. Fax the form back together with an invoice (which you can get from the seller). You'll need to pay the custom fees (sales tax etc) + the extra charges for appointing an agent (around RM40) and if you prefer, you can have Pos Malaysia deliver the item to your address for an additional fee or collect it at the nearest post office. If they're shipping it to your adress, you can pay them by cash or by bank draft. They'll call to let you know the amount owed once you've submitted your form and invoice. It's pretty simple.

This post has been edited by misa: May 1 2013, 05:26 PM

How much will they charge for jewelry (solid sterling rings)?