 If you have a friend that can occasionally drop a package in the mail for you too, that is good.I received one package and the customs office here was having a debate about whether I needed to import taxes (60% of the product value and shipping cost). Ultimately their decision was that I indeed needed to pay taxes because the return address was a "business" and therefore it was "commercial". Fortunately they were so flustered by the decision making process that they forgot to add the postage cost on. But I think it it had been sent from a person I would have paid no tax. The rules seem to be gifts up to US$50 no tax. US$50-US$100 simple system, flat 60%. Over US$100 go to a customs broker. I have received packages valued over $100 and paid the simple tax. I've also had to go to a customs broker. The value is supposed to be the declared value plus the shipping. They will go over any enclosed invoice closely to match it against the boxes contents. What works best is to receive small, personal looking packages, often they just arrive. I believe books are tax exempt. Not sure about CDs or DVDs. The above relates to receiving packages via the post office. My experience with private carriers, ie: DHL and UPS has been very poor. I try to have stuff sent First Class/Air Mail when possible (there is a fairly low weight limit). There is no insurance or tracking. I've never lost anything. Next is Priority Mail which offers tracking. It is supposed to be fast, but I've found that generally, Air Mail, Priority and Express take the same amount of time. Express Mail is more expensive yet and I've had to go the customs office for 100% of the packages I've received by Express Mail and have them open it. Air Mail or Priority often comes to the house. Sometimes I have to go to the post office to pick it up. Sometimes I have to go for a customs inspection. | 
