I am new to Numista and was wondering if someone can give me some guidance on how to ship coins from the USA to other countries. I searched the forum, but all the information is a bit dated.
From what I realized you can ship the coins via USPS in these ways and I have several questions about them:
1. Regular envelope. The price starts at $1.20. Up to 3 oz. No tracking number.
Do you need to fill out Customs form if you send them like that? Can you add a tracking number and how much will it cost?
2. Large flat envelope. The price starts at $1.20. Up to 15 oz. No tracking number.
Do you need to fill out Customs form if you send them like that? Can you add a tracking number and how much will it cost?
3. International Firs-class package. It is more expensive, and they give you a tracking number if I am not mistaken. And needs a custom form.
When you fill out the custom, what do you put?
I understand that you cannot legally ship coins, but people label them as "hobby supplies, etc."
I understand that hight value coins should better be sent by registered mail, a few coins that are inexpensive ok to be sent in a regular envelope. But for the coins that are $30-$40, with a weight of 200-350 g (8-12 oz), what should I do. I don't really want to pay $15-$20 for the shipping.
Please advise. I would appreciate any helpful feedback. I want the coins to reach addressee, with the cheapest cost, and with no headache for them (paying custom fees).
Whatever you do be very careful to avoid the receiver of the coins has to pay huge custom fees
recently I received an envelope from USA where the sender declared a value of 25 dollars. As a result I hade to pay 17 Euro to the custom to get the mail
in another case the sender mailed various normal mails each one with a few coins, all of them arrived without problems
1. &2.
Correct, you don't need a customs dec. for letters. However postal services throughout the world have started to really tighten up on what can be mailed. It's supposed to be documents only but for many years it was possible to mail a modest total of coins if they were carefully laid out and didn't exceed the maximum permitted width.
3.
Partially correct. You will get a tracking number on all outgoing parcel post. If the destination country has a barcode system which is compatible with that used by USPS it ought to be possible to track the parcel right into the mailbox. You will have to switch the carrier from USPS to whatever the receiving PO is once it leaves the borders of the US. At the very worst you will be able to track the parcel until it departs the US so you can at least prove to your partner that the package was indeed mailed.
The cost of parcel post is quite prohibitive, starting at $14 and rising quickly to $24.50, the latter being most typical for the average trade. For low value trades it's just not worthwhile. Higher value trades will absorb the shipping costs but as a new member with limited feedback you're going to be expected to assume all the risks by mailing first. There isn't really a good solution. If you really want to trade overseas then choose your partners wisely. Those with plenty of feedback, preferably recent, and no "lost mail" sob stories. You might also want to avoid entirely certain countries with a better than even chance of mail being stolen en route.
By all means use a nominal declared value, but be aware that you can't put the value as $10 then subsequently try to claim $200 from the insurance if the parcel goes astray.
Good luck to you.
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
Make Numismatics Great Again!
Verweis : "pnightingale"1. &2.
Correct, you don't need a customs dec. for letters. However postal services throughout the world have started to really tighten up on what can be mailed. It's supposed to be documents only but for many years it was possible to mail a modest total of coins if they were carefully laid out and didn't exceed the maximum permitted width.
3.
Partially correct. You will get a tracking number on all outgoing parcel post. If the destination country has a barcode system which is compatible with that used by USPS it ought to be possible to track the parcel right into the mailbox. You will have to switch the carrier from USPS to whatever the receiving PO is once it leaves the borders of the US. At the very worst you will be able to track the parcel until it departs the US so you can at least prove to your partner that the package was indeed mailed.
The cost of parcel post is quite prohibitive, starting at $14 and rising quickly to $24.50, the latter being most typical for the average trade. For low value trades it's just not worthwhile. Higher value trades will absorb the shipping costs but as a new member with limited feedback you're going to be expected to assume all the risks by mailing first. There isn't really a good solution. If you really want to trade overseas then choose your partners wisely. Those with plenty of feedback, preferably recent, and no "lost mail" sob stories. You might also want to avoid entirely certain countries with a better than even chance of mail being stolen en route.
By all means use a nominal declared value, but be aware that you can't put the value as $10 then subsequently try to claim $200 from the insurance if the parcel goes astray.
Good luck to you.
1) I put each coin in a 1x1 ziplock bag (check your local art supply or hobby store).
2) I buy a cheap cheap greeting card - doesn't matter what is says, it's just for packaging.
3) I tape each little baggy flat inside the card. Make sure the coins and bags dont' overlap.
4) Tape the card closed on each of the three sides. Card goes in the envelope.
5) Tape the envelope closed then add more tape on all 4 sides. This keeps the coins from sliding out.
5) Address the envelope and take it to a larger post office. You need one with a self-service kiosk.
6) Enter the country etc etc. But choose "not fragile" "not valuable" etc etc.
7) Pay for the postage and drop it in the box.
I've sent 20+ swaps this way. No taxes. No questions. No customs forms. No trouble.
I can fit up to 20 or so coins in one card for about $5 or $6.
Sure, theres' no tracking, no insurance etc but i've saved hundreds of dollars over parcel rates.
For larger swaps I've used the small, flat-rate box (about US$36 up to 4 pounds) but that's a lot of money for average coins, plus customs forms etc. Not worth the trouble to me.
Verweis : "TCon"For international swaps, here's what I do:
1) I put each coin in a 1x1 ziplock bag (check your local art supply or hobby store).
2) I buy a cheap cheap greeting card - doesn't matter what is says, it's just for packaging.
3) I tape each little baggy flat inside the card. Make sure the coins and bags dont' overlap.
4) Tape the card closed on each of the three sides. Card goes in the envelope.
5) Tape the envelope closed then add more tape on all 4 sides. This keeps the coins from sliding out.
5) Address the envelope and take it to a larger post office. You need one with a self-service kiosk.
6) Enter the country etc etc. But choose "not fragile" "not valuable" etc etc.
7) Pay for the postage and drop it in the box.
I've sent 20+ swaps this way. No taxes. No questions. No customs forms. No trouble.
I can fit up to 20 or so coins in one card for about $5 or $6.
Sure, theres' no tracking, no insurance etc but i've saved hundreds of dollars over parcel rates.
For larger swaps I've used the small, flat-rate box (about US$36 up to 4 pounds) but that's a lot of money for average coins, plus customs forms etc. Not worth the trouble to me.
Thank you so much for such a detailed instruction.
Do you use the greeting card for distraction, in case the envelope will be opened, or just to give it a hard rectangular shape?
If you put 20 coins, the weight will be more than 3.5 oz, right? Do you use large flat envelope for that? Because regular size envelopes are limited at 3.5 oz, correct?
Verweis : "TCon"For international swaps, here's what I do:
1) I put each coin in a 1x1 ziplock bag (check your local art supply or hobby store).
2) I buy a cheap cheap greeting card - doesn't matter what is says, it's just for packaging.
3) I tape each little baggy flat inside the card. Make sure the coins and bags dont' overlap.
4) Tape the card closed on each of the three sides. Card goes in the envelope.
5) Tape the envelope closed then add more tape on all 4 sides. This keeps the coins from sliding out.
5) Address the envelope and take it to a larger post office. You need one with a self-service kiosk.
6) Enter the country etc etc. But choose "not fragile" "not valuable" etc etc.
7) Pay for the postage and drop it in the box.
I've sent 20+ swaps this way. No taxes. No questions. No customs forms. No trouble.
I can fit up to 20 or so coins in one card for about $5 or $6.
Sure, theres' no tracking, no insurance etc but i've saved hundreds of dollars over parcel rates.
For larger swaps I've used the small, flat-rate box (about US$36 up to 4 pounds) but that's a lot of money for average coins, plus customs forms etc. Not worth the trouble to me.
your giving him all my secrets now lol... No but for real this is the best way by far.
Verweis : "TCon"The greeting card supports the weight of the coins and holds everything still.
If you just tape the ziplock bags to a piece of paper the coins will flop around and rip the envelope and spill.
The self-service kiosk will weigh the envelope and automatically charge the "large envelope" rate.
It costs about US$5 or $6 to send a greeting card full of coins - I've done this about 20 times.
Most of my swaps are 4 or 5 ounces and the greeting cards hold up to 20 coins (10 taped to each side of the card).
If you have a lot of coins to swap, just use 2 greeting cards, put half the swap in each card.
PS: you're new here and your first few swaps should be small - not more than 10 or so coins anyway.
Save the bigger swaps for when you have more experience and trust your swap partners more.
Verweis : "Cerulean"I have never been able to use the kiosk for international mail, even letters.
This is very strange - I *only* use the kiosk for international post - the clerks were robbing me blind for awhile charging me parcel rate on every letter I sent!
Once I switched to the kiosk I've never paid parcel rate again, and I used the same machine for 20+ international letters. I just sent two heavy letters to the UK last week...
Maybe ask a clerk to help you with the kiosk? Maybe it's interface is wonky? Take another look - might be missing a button?
Cerulean and TCon,
The kiosk at my post office works sporadically at best. I still use it as much as possible, but have found that it is not very user friendly. I have assisted at least two people in using the machine.
I prefer using it for the reasons TCon said. I just wish it was more user friendly.
Verweis : "Cerulean"Kiosk: Please enter the five-digit ZIP code of the destination.
(I select the option for "international".)
Kiosk: Sorry, I cannot process international destinations. Please see a customer service associate at the counter.
Sounds like your office did some sketchy backdoor modifications to you kiosk because like the others I only use it. I have never had it give me that message when I select international. I would recommend seeing if another local office has one that you might be able to use. I actually drive to another city just to use theirs since my local Post Office refuses to get one even though they always have a line out the door. Even with hopping on the interstate and running a few towns south its still cheaper.
Responding to the entire thread - I love the greeting card approach and I use a variation of it. I use old cereal boxes that I cut to the size of the envelope. I then take 2 coins and wrap them with aluminum foil and tape them to the cereal box. I fold the cereal box over and tape all four sides. The total thickness cannot exceed 1/4 inch so you can't do 3 coins this way. I can get about 70 coins in a 6 by 9 large envelope. I too use the kiosk at the post office in Leesburg VA and have had no problems. Time to find a new post office Ed-lol. Only for expensive international swaps do I use registered mail because of the great cost.
Verweis : "pdekeyse"Responding to the entire thread - I love the greeting card approach and I use a variation of it. I use old cereal boxes that I cut to the size of the envelope. I then take 2 coins and wrap them with aluminum foil and tape them to the cereal box. I fold the cereal box over and tape all four sides. The total thickness cannot exceed 1/4 inch so you can't do 3 coins this way. I can get about 70 coins in a 6 by 9 large envelope. I too use the kiosk at the post office in Leesburg VA and have had no problems. Time to find a new post office Ed-lol. Only for expensive international swaps do I use registered mail because of the great cost.
Cheers
Paul
What is the reason for choosing foil to wrap coins instead of a piece of paper for instance?
In most cases, I use the site shipgooder.com where you can enter all the information, pay and print the label with the address. Type writing: Gift, in the description: coins for the collection, the cost should not exceed $25. The site issues a trucking number. After only take to the post office and get a receipt.
Verweis : "asimash"In most cases, I use the site shipgooder.com where you can enter all the information, pay and print the label with the address. Type writing: Gift, in the description: coins for the collection, the cost should not exceed $25. The site issues a trucking number. After only take to the post office and get a receipt.
This site can offer you USPS, DHL and other companies in my opinion a little cheaper, for example: 2.8oz $4.81, 12.5 oz $12.39, 14 oz $14.55, 3.9lb $26.40. These are all examples with USPS. By the way here also includes the cost of insurance until not sure, but up to $50.
Can you guys give me list of "safe" countries where regular mail (not tracking/registered mail) is most certainly be received by receiver with the coins. Because i know in most of the south asian counties if the mail is not registered they will never receive the coins or will get a empty envelop.
