Job Discussion Forums

[Spinoza]

(1) I want to buy several books, including Buddha by Karen Armstrong. There are two competing theories regarding this:

the book will not be allowed in

vs

the book will be allowed in

However, if Amazon uses FedEx, it's a moot point, since FedEx's parcels are never opened - only X-rayed. Discuss, please.

(2) I live in a remote location. At best, it'll take a while, they say. In other countries I've lived in (UK/Korea), Amazon's most expensive delivery service (using UPS) takes 48 hours to deliver my books - excellent service, well worth it. I was counting on the same availability in KSA.

(3) Amazon don't deliver to PO Boxes.

(4) Given the insurmountable obstacles above, it has even been suggested that I wait until I'm on holiday in Jordan later in the year and get the books delivered there.

[johnslat]

Dear Spinoza,

The chances of your books NOT getting through Customs (should you carry hem in ) are miniscule.
Customs really isn't interested in text; it's pictures/photos that they might be after (which is still absurd, given the Internet these days.)

Regards,
John

[Stephen Jones]

They do deliver to PO Boxes.

They do open the parcel and look at the books.

I would send it by post. A courier service will cost more and may well insist you sign for it in person, which means they will arrive somewhere near your work if you are very lucky and phone you in the middle of a class and demand you leave. Or they will phone you, get no reply, and then insist you get a taxi to their office.

[scot47]

I use Amazon regularly

They deliver to my PO Box - not sure if this is universal in KSA, or specific to my employer. Parcels are ALWAYS opened for customs inspection. I have never lost a book to customs.

I also have friends post me books through the regular mail system.

As johnslat says, illustrations seem to agitate vthe censors more than text.