re: Looking for help with shipping from States...

[Dave Conner <conner@cfm.ohio-state.edu>]

Gerard asks about shipping from the States to S. Africa


Gerard,
You are right that international shipping is a bum deal.
There is an international rate calculator on the Web at
http://ircalc.usps.gov/default.asp

It says a ten pound package shipped to S Africa via US Postal Service would
cost $24.36 shipped surface and would take 4 - 6 weeks.
Parcel Post Air would cost $60 and take 4-7 days

You can run the calculator yourself for other size packages, etc.

Keep in mind the length of time they state is probably just to get it to
your country.  Then the S African system takes over, including any
regulations re: customs, taxes, etc.
So there may be additional fees on your end and added time delay.

One thing I discovered when working overseas was that a DHL Express package
would be delivered directly to me...appearing magically on the bed in a
hotel room.  
Another package sent Express but not DHL (don't remember the company) came
thru the local post office and required mucho hassle to retrieve, with
potential for import duty charges.

Good luck
Dave Conner