Finance & Legal Best Posts in Thread: Receiving packages in Dumaguete

I get stuff shipped using registered mail via the Philippine Post Office. Lately it has been much better than experiences of yesteryear. I give a street address but the post office just drops off a notification that there is a parcel to pick up and I have to get it at the post office. There is always a minimum charge for customs/VAT of 112 pesos and it goes up depending on the value of the package.

Today I got a package that they added on 2,900 pesos. I told them to shove it. My little fixer (wife) went to ask them why and what we could do to fix it. They told her that the customs inspector opened the package and decided, arbitrarily and unilaterally, that the contents were worth US$500. The charges included 12% VAT on US$500 and other inconsequential charges. If I want to claim the package I have to go to the customs office in Dumaguete and prove the value of the contents. Quite a hassle but the contents are only worth US$30 so its a huge difference.

Good luck.