How to Mail Packages Back to the United States

Decipher your host country's confusing set of shipping regulations,
then factor in U.S. duty, taxes and customs fees. If you can't cram that
sucker into your luggage, follow these steps and hope for the best.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wrap your purchase as carefully as possible to avoid breakage. Write the mailing address on it (include U.S.A.), its contents, the fair retail value and whether the package is for personal use or a gift (which determines the exemption limit).

2. Ship the package via the nearest postal exchange. You'll pay a steep premium if you ship through Federal Express (gofedex.com) and UPS (ups.com). Insure valuable items.

3. Be prepared to pay a duty fee for your package when you return home. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS.gov) sends all foreign mail shipments to the U.S. Customs Service for examination.

4. Keep your receipts. You might need them to solve potential problems with customs. If you feel you've been charged too much duty on a package mailed from abroad, file a protest with the U.S. Customs Service.

Tips & Warnings

• American embassies and consulates cannot forward, accept or hold mail for U.S. citizens abroad.
• Some European countries waive the value added tax on items that you ship home.
• Shipping wildlife souvenirs can be illegal, and antiques may be considered national treasures. At best you could be detained and fined; at worst, arrested.
• Beware: No matter what a foreign postal employee or store owner may tell you, you cannot prepay duty fees.