cheapest way to send package to Guatemala

I sent a package through Fed Ex and it cost me 200.00. The package was about 10 pounds. Watch out for the duties and taxes that come a few weeks later-325.00!!! Yikes! We will never send a package that way again. Fed Ex never told us about this or that it would cost that much. Make sure you look into it before you send.

Did you pay the taxes based on what the value of the items was or were there some fixed rate fees? Thanks for the info.

Has anyone ever used Kings Express, Are you able to take care of all the fees up front with them? Thanks!!!

I havent sent a package overseas this past holiday season, but my memory agrees with what the other posters mentioned. For some reason, it's reasonable to do DHL, FEDEX, etc, domestically, but once you start shipping internationally the prices go through the roof! The best bet unfortunately is the United States Postal Service( I know slower receipt times.) Good luck, Amy K, NJ

Last year we sent a huge package USPS, BUT it DIDN'T ever arrive. It was lost when it hit customs. I've heard sending packages through the postal system is a roll of the dice. The prices were nice, but if it never gets there whats the point. Now we use DHL. It is very expensive but your package WILL get there. Yes, there are duties. Just mark your package indicating that sender pays duties and they will bill you. Duties on our packages have been based on the value of the content. DHL picked up a package from my house Tuesday around 2pm and it was in Guatemala the next day at noon (delivered the day after that).

If FedEx tries to deliver a package in Guatemala but no one is there, do they attempt a redelivery the next day like they would do here? Or do they leave a note for the person to go and pick up the package? Just wondering since a friend of mine who is currently adopting was worried last night because she sent a package for her son in Guatemala via FedEx and no one was home to collect it. The tracking said it could not be delivered because no one was there. She was so worried what would happen to the package. Is FedEx as reliable in Guatemala as it is here? I am hoping for her it is?! :) Anyone? Thanks :)

I am sorry to ask a silly question but what does DHL stand for? I am interested in alternative mailing options vs USPS. TIA!

We sent our dossier Fed Ex a year ago October and the attorney didn't recognize our name so he sent it back. The poor young man at the mailbox store was on the phone for about 4 hours trying to get fed Ex to redeliver. They tried again and no one was there... long story short.... Our package sat in customs for awhile then headed back to the US then finally made it there over a week later. VERY fusrating. Also, there is custom fees... we were required to leave a credit card # so they could charge us. That was also part of the problem b/c Fed Ex wouldn't charge us and kept telling the attorney he had to pay it.

We sent a package via King Express. When we talked to them to ask for more information, they said the money order you send them with the package includes the taxes, etc. So the package then goes on to the foster family without additional fees. I heard only good things about them when I asked around. They charge $12 per pound with a minimum of 3 pounds and a max of 15. It sure seemed like the best deal when we were looking. Hope that helps.

we did USPS and it got there just fine.. lots cheaper.. coachmom

depending where you live try king express or merdiano shipping or lorenzana shipping let me know if you need numbers or anything

I have always sent a package that way and never had a problem, it is cheaper than FEDEX, Good luck, Michelle

Don't forget that you can also contact Vilma a.k.a "The Basket Lady" vilmajpaz@hotmail.com or notfogotinguat.blogspot.com for gifts, food, pictures and translated letters. I have used BOTH services and always been very happy with them. Notforgotinguat delivers the packages and takes a picture with your foster family to prove that they delivered the package! Very reasonable prices.

Remember that not all carriers will deliver to all places in Guatemala. This includes some parts of Guatemala City. The person behind the counter won't probably know anything about this -- they'll tell you they deliver to Guatemala and they assume that means they go everywhere. They don't. (I learned this the hard way with FedEx.) To be safe, talk with someone at the headquarters' international shipping department before you ship.As for the question about whether carriers are as reliable in Guatemala as they are in the US, my experience with Fed Ex indicates that the answer is NO.Also, note that DHL is scheduled to close down US operations at some point, I don't remember when.

Look for a Medrano Express near you!! They only charge by the size of the box and not by weight. I sent a 36x38x28 box FULL infact so heavy it took three men to cary it out my house for a little less than $400!! This was for Project Santa last year and they deliver it right to the door step of the person and they don't have any surprise fees for the recipient to worry about!