Korean Job Discussion Forums

[You]

I just got a call from someone saying they were from UPS customs regarding my Amazon.com package and they said they needed my passport number.

I order from Amazon about every three months because I'm in a Masters program so I use Amazon to order my books. The book being shipped was only shipped out 9 hours ago from the USA, so I don't even think it's possible for it to have arrived in Korea. I also don't know why they need my passport number now, when they never needed it before. It's a standard educational book on teaching.

Do you guys think this was a legit call? If not, how would they know I ordered something off Amazon? Why do they need my passport number? I told the person to call back later because I was at work.

[Missihippi]

I wouldn't give it out. Ask for their name and to speak with their supervisor. If it's legit, it shouldn't be a problem.. and maybe you can get an explanation.. if it's not, the person is sure to hang up.

[Weigookin74]

Don't worry about it. I ordered some things from LL Bean last fall (ie real warm clothing) and UPS did the same thing. I think customs wants to know this, which is why UPS calls and asks. They have to clear it through customs and immigration for you. I had a summer job for them in Canada several years ago, so I can confirm they do this. International shipping can sometimes have this requirement depending on the local government. It's the Kor gov not UPS asking.

[Juregen]

Never heard of anyone needing a passport number to receive packages!

[Weigookin74]

If you're ordering from abroad, the government needs to know it so they can assess duties and taxes. If under a certain amount you won't be charged. But I think UPS needs to clear it through customs and immigration. In case yuo haven't noticed, the K gov is more strict with things and Big Brother watches a little more here than we'd be comfortable with back in Canada.

[You]

Why have they not asked for my passport number before? The cost of the book is even lower than the last time I ordered from Amazon. Maybe I just didn't answer the phone or something last time I ordered? ㅋㅋ

[Hawkeye Pierce]

[bossam]

thats very strange. on a side note last time I ordered something from amazon I got expedited and it was still over 3 weeks so dont know why they called you so suddenly if it really was them

[Gnawbert]

I had this happen when I ordered some video games from Play Asia for $120 but not when my girlfriend ordered $200 worth of clothes off Jinx.com.

On a side note, any idea if I insure some used electronics sent from the U.S. for $600 if customs will ding me for the import fees?

[pkang0202]

Korean customs agents are required, by Korean law, to be in the room/office where UPS, DHL, FedEX, or Korea Post is processing packages.

When I visited DHL, I saw the room where technicians go over xray images of packages on their computers. The person sitting in the back with a clear view of every computer screen was a Korean customs agent.

Those xrays are pretty freaking accurate too.

The technicians probably process an image every 2-3 seconds. The xray image comes up on the computer screen, and the computer software automatically highlights areas of concern (like a blue box for suspicious chemical, red for explosive, green for possible drugs, etc...). The technician can immediately focus on the areas highlighted by the computer and within 2 seconds they press a button to let it continue, or another button to have it taken off the processing line to be inspected visually.

Pretty monotonous job. They probably look at about 30 images a minute. So, in 3 hours they've looked at over 5000 xray images on a computer. I was looking at it for just 5 minutes and I was bored out of my mind. I don't know how those ladies do it for hours at a time.


Anyways, the DHL guys said about 60-70% of packages go through without being opened/visually inspected. Their goal is to increase that number. Taking a package off the line, getting it opened, inspecting it visually takes a lot of time, effort, and decreases efficiency.


Doesn't really answer your question OP, but it is some interesting information about package processing in Korea.

Oh yeah, DHL, FedEx, UPS cooperate fully with authorities. So, they are more than happy to loan delivery uniforms, trucks, and equipment to the Korean Police (sting operations).

[darkjedidave]

I also am completing my Masters online from the States and need to order books from Amazon. I've been asked my passport number 3 times out of the 7 that I've ordered books, they won't deliver them without my number. Not sure why it is random, though.