Korean Job Discussion Forums

rodneyc863 · Joined: 01 Jun 2006

Was just curious, I wanted to mail something into Korea (ipod mini probably) to a friend as a gift but i couldnt much regarding customs levied on the reciever if any?

Can anyone comment on the postal system in Korea? Would it be safe to mail a ipod mini? Would there be a lot of customs for the person that recieves it?

I know in Canada the system is generally reliable but with its blips as well as the customs kills a lot of stuff i get mailed to me.

Thanks!!

Octavius Hite · Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 3:58 pm Post subject:

I ordered 100$ from LL Bean 2 years ago and cutoms stopped it and made me pay 30,000won to get the stuff, so there is the man and he will stop your parcels. Why don't you just buy your iPod in korea?

LarrytheGiraffee · Joined: 12 Feb 2006

The best way to avoid the customs fee would be to buy the ipod in Canada then rebox it and send it in as a gift or personal items. Just be sure to write a smaller amount when you fill in the line that asks for the value of the gift. Mail is very reliable here, so there shouldnt be a problem with the package getting lost.

Cheers!

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

I had a large package sent by UPS here. The package was declared to be worth 500 USD. I had to pay 50,000 won to receive it. I'm surprised Octivus Hite had to pay 30,000 won for a $100 package. Did the delivery guy give you a receipt, or did he skim some money off the top?

Octavius Hite · Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 6:52 pm Post subject:

Not sure, but je could have, the trick like the previous poster said is to not declare a high value and take all packaging and wrapping and labels and tags off. From now on I just say its 10$ and gifts. That usually gets things through.

rodneyc863 · Joined: 01 Jun 2006

Well im actually in Canada right now, i would love to be able to actually get it in korea but due to circumstances wont be back for a while. Its meant to be a big surprise.

Would i be able to like, seal it and package it up really really well but still declare it a low customs fee and mark it as a gift and have it make it through ok? Or would they open it?

Thanks for the advice so far!

Novernae · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

I can't remember what the limit is, but it includes both the value of the product and the shipping charges for some strange reason, so maybe that's what put Octavius over the limit?

Octavius Hite · Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 8:08 pm Post subject:

Their beef seemed to eb about me importing clothes made outside and purchesed outside of korea.

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

My dad has a foolproof method. He puts clear packing tape around the whole box, not a single piece of cardboard exposed. Of course you should still take it out of the apple box, take off all tags, put it in a generic box. Right gift on the customs reciept and say its costs 10 bucks.

re:cursive · Joined: 04 Jan 2006

This is a question I have been pondering myself recently.

I'm curious as to whether the customs is dependent on the product? I've made book orders on amazon that have come in at over 100,000 Won and have not had to pay any customs. I am aware that electronic goods are a different matter all together however.

I'm going to be making some significant purchases on vinyl records from different overseas stores this week and am curious as to whether it will be the same story as the books ie. no customs?

I'm also wondering whether it matters what country the product is shipped from (is it better to order form the US or UK) and whether the quantity of the order makes a difference ie. is it more advantageous to make one big order or lots of smaller ones?

I intend to make some phone calls in the next couple of days to the appropriate parties to find out what the deal is with customs here in Korea. I'll post up what I find out.

Novernae · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

There definitely are differences as the goods go, but I'm not sure how much that really affect consumer goods. Green coffee is exempt, as is (supposedly) unprocessed silver, though I'm a bit wary of believing that one.

Reflections · Joined: 04 Jan 2005

Actually, I plan to get a vintage Leica shipped from a US dealer next month. The camera with lens will be $750US.

I have three questions: is the tax rate 10% or 20%?

and if I have to pay taxes, will the camera be held in the regional customs office or the local post office for collection? It will be arriving by EMS.

Also, will they leave a notice or call if I am not in at the time?

Any help or experience with this kind of thing appreciated!

cheers>

Octavius Hite · Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 8:28 pm Post subject:

Unprocessed silver???????? Is the vampire problem that serious in Korea that 1, you are importing unprocessed silver 2. there is no tariffs on it?

Hmmmmm I wonder?

Novernae · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

Octavius Hite · Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:18 pm Post subject:

i was making a vague Blade refrence, lol, i gues. Anyway, its kool that you do that kind of thing. I always wanted a real hobby like that.