Sending gifts to Ukraine

[alex330]

Just curious what has worked for everyone in sending gifts to Ukraine for holidays, etc.
Do they arrive safely? Any issues with customs or theft?

[Shadow]

It always depends on what you send and how you send it.
If you wish to hide the contents or avoid custom duties, there is always a chance of things disappearing. If everything is listed and accounted for, much less chances.

[tfcrew]

Be mindful that Christmas in the Orthodox countries falls on Jan 6,7

[mies]

It always depends on what you send and how you send it.
If you wish to hide the contents or avoid custom duties, there is always a chance of things disappearing. If everything is listed and accounted for, much less chances.

I do not list everything, and sometimes intentionally do not list some things. For example, I know there is some weird regulation about sending books and information materials. So whenever I send books - I write something like "calendar".
I sent once few books to my professor to Ukraine, textbooks that she needed for the course. They were kept at customs for almost 4 months!! and in the end - they wanted to collect some customs charge from my professor, even though these particular books did not qualify for that specific custom charge. Both my professor and I were calling customs office and had lengthy conversations with them.
If I send several items of same type - I just list 1-2.

If I send anything that even vaguely reminds jewelry - I hide it in the pocket of some apparel. For any bigger items - I write in general terms "souvenir."

I send with USPS, in the graph "value" - always write "0", and add the phrase "gift, not for resale"
The regulations about sending food are constantly changing, so if I send chocolate - I list it as "souvenir" too.

In all the time - only 2 packages have disappeared. 1 - with rings for piercing that i sent to my friend, and another - with some designer clothes for another friend. Everything else arrived safe and quite fast.

Be mindful that Christmas in the Orthodox countries falls on Jan 6,7

if he sends the package now - most likely it will arrive around the early January to Ukraine. Since he lives at the East Coast. From the West Coast - add another week or so.

[XMan]

There's another thread about shipping out there somewhere. 

I've never tried "0 value," but generally write in a significantly reduced dollar amount.
USPS Global Express worked best for me.  There in 8-10 days, can be tracked all the way through customs and to delivery.  One instance of part of the package not arriving.
Priority is less expensive, slower, somewhat less reliable.  I have had items vanish altogether.
Regular 1st class I do not recommend.  If it makes it to the recipient at all, figure 4-8 weeks, 50/50 chance. 

[mies]

I will not give it as advice, but in my case the statistics is much more pleasant than 50/50 chances.
As mentioned earlier: only 2 packages disappeared when sent with USPS (I personally always pick the cheapest option available in UPSP for international shipping - in some cases it is international priority flat rate).

I've been sending packages for 5 years now, quite often. at least 10 packages each year. So out of 50+ packages only 2 disappeared.
Unless you are sending something really valuable - I do not see the point of paying for more expensive delivery services. You can get small item for under $50, pay less than $15 for flat rate priority international (small box) or if it's an apparel - best to put it in the envelope so it will be the cheapest mailing option.

[johnichka]

We have success with Meest.  My advice would be to find a local Meest shipper.  We used one in Ukrainian Village in Chicago and found another in the suburbs that we now use.  Have not had one problem.  Ship by air on Thursdays, and takes about 12 days to arrive in Chernivtsy (Western Ukraine).  Packages have not been opened or damaged.  Our experience has been good.

It is not in-expensive though.  I think the rate is 2.25 a pound, plus a $15 delivery fee.

johnichka