Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Caffeinated]

So I have a package with old (used leather bag, headphones), new (shoes, RAM and drive for my laptop) and food (2 boxes of Reese's peanut butter cups, almond-based baking supplies) that's been stuck in Korean customs for a week now. Fedex staff asked me to email them a detailed list of what's inside and their value but not a peep since. I've had packages delayed for a couple of days before, all import tax-related, but not as long as a week. I wonder what caught their attention in the xray, and why the long delay. Anyone know how to contact customs?

[mmstyle]

Tel: 1588-1300

Good luck getting your stuff.

[nathanrutledge]

[Ramen]

Baking stuff probably caught their attention. Powdery stuff would be considered cocaine.

[Xuanzang]

Always use USPS. Courier sent packages always get stopped, taxed and/or charged brokerage fees. You can call Incheon airport mail customs and just say all the items are for personal use, used and total value under $150.

[deizio]

I just went thru all this with a delivery from China. There were 2 discrepancies on the ticket, the seller plucked $21 out of the air to write as the value and only listed the contents as one piece. purchase value was $170 (I didnt ask anyone to lie about anything) which I guess customs could have guessed was low, but only if they opened it. there were also several pieces inside the package, which again would only be obvious if it was opened up. In either case, I don't know If I was randomly screened or they had reason to be suspicious.

Anyway, getting it cleared was easy enough - after screwing about with the contact numbers (1588-1300 is just the post office, they will redirect you to 032-720-7401 for Incheon Customs) I was asked to send an email to [email protected] and explain what, how much etc with relevant tracking numbers and indentifying info. They assess taxes and a 2500w courier fee.

The limit is 150,000 won, rather than $150 US so if you're shooting just under I'm not sure if e.g. $149 puts you over. There are different taxes on specific categories but the "general" category is 20%. be aware you pay that on the whole amount, not just any portion over 150,000

I filled my info out like a good citizen and got stung 41000, payable to the delivery guy. Will be making slightly smaller purchases in future.

[GoldMember]

The tax rate is around 20%. It is made up of two amounts. Import tax and sales tax. For example on $200 if import tax is 13%. $26. Then they hit you with 10% (tax on a tax!) $22.60, Total now $48.60.
Never never use UPS, Fed ex, DHL etc. Use the postal service.
I've had items sent to me costing $400 and $600, and never paid any tax!
Why? Product samples or product returns/repairs!

[loubird]

I agree-- only use USPS-- never had a problem

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

I'd rather use Fedex and pay the tax. I've had 2 packages that were opened and stolen from--things that were perfectly legal. With Fedex or courier, you pay, but you get your stuff intact.

[Caffeinated]

Thanks for the contact info. I sent an email today.

The box was shipped Fedex because I was really itching for peanut butter cups. I suspect customs held it back because of the computer parts. I wish they'd hurry up and slap a tax if needed.

[Caffeinated]

Update: it's in limbo because customs opened up the package and found something they suspected was medication. I'm trying to figure out if this was the tubes of Neutrogena moisturizer or almond paste. They might ask for a prescription unless they grow brains all of a sudden. Looks like another few days between me and my peanut butter cups.

[carleverson]

I ordered some bike parts from the UK. Total value is about $165 USD. The online bike retailer claims it should take Royal Airmail 8 business days to deliver the package to any country in the world. So far, it's been 14 business days and it still hasn't arrived. And there's been no notice or contact from Korean customs or anybody else.

What's going on?!

[Xuanzang]