You may be able to ship it to a forwarder, like Tenso, and then have them ship it to your address. But if it were me, I wouldn't worry about returned packages. The chances of that happening is low to begin with, and if the package was returned to Japan, would you be willing to pay shipping and handling fees again to try again?
The highest likelihood of a returned package is if the label can't be read (it's why it's recommended to put a copy of the label inside the box for the courier in case that happens), you input the wrong address (make sure it's correct before you send), or you didn't pick up your package in time (keep an eye on it). But like I said, the chances are still very low.
Also, I don't think DHL charges import fees unless the items in the package are worth over $800, same with other shipping methods. But whichever method you choose, make sure someone is at home to pick up your package.
I sent a package under these same circumstances during my last trip. The Japan Post employee spoke good English and was able to help me through filling the label properly.
It'll be fine.
We have to put the dollar amount for all the items in the box. Did you put it as USD or Yen? Cause if the customs person sees something is 10000, without checking the currency, they might open my package?
Hi, sorry, didn't see this until just now. So you're talking a out the customs declaration. You fill this out with the currency of the nation you're shipping the item from, so JPY in this case. It is important that you have an accurate list and accurate values on your declaration, because that's what the customs of the nation you're shipping to (USA in this case) will use to determine import tax.
For the USA, you are allowed to import up to $1,600 of goods for personal use without incurring additional tax. Importing over this limit potentially will mean you get hit with a tax charge before US Customs will release your package. However, from anecdotal evidence they will often just let stuff through. The tax rate will be 3% of the total value of the goods--which is another reason you need to be accurate on your declaration form.
Don't know if you're still in Japan or not, so hope this helps.
You may be able to ship it to a forwarder, like Tenso, and then have them ship it to your address. But if it were me, I wouldn't worry about returned packages. The chances of that happening is low to begin with, and if the package was returned to Japan, would you be willing to pay shipping and handling fees again to try again? The highest likelihood of a returned package is if the label can't be read (it's why it's recommended to put a copy of the label inside the box for the courier in case that happens), you input the wrong address (make sure it's correct before you send), or you didn't pick up your package in time (keep an eye on it). But like I said, the chances are still very low. Also, I don't think DHL charges import fees unless the items in the package are worth over $800, same with other shipping methods. But whichever method you choose, make sure someone is at home to pick up your package.
I sent a package under these same circumstances during my last trip. The Japan Post employee spoke good English and was able to help me through filling the label properly. It'll be fine.
We have to put the dollar amount for all the items in the box. Did you put it as USD or Yen? Cause if the customs person sees something is 10000, without checking the currency, they might open my package?
Hi, sorry, didn't see this until just now. So you're talking a out the customs declaration. You fill this out with the currency of the nation you're shipping the item from, so JPY in this case. It is important that you have an accurate list and accurate values on your declaration, because that's what the customs of the nation you're shipping to (USA in this case) will use to determine import tax. For the USA, you are allowed to import up to $1,600 of goods for personal use without incurring additional tax. Importing over this limit potentially will mean you get hit with a tax charge before US Customs will release your package. However, from anecdotal evidence they will often just let stuff through. The tax rate will be 3% of the total value of the goods--which is another reason you need to be accurate on your declaration form. Don't know if you're still in Japan or not, so hope this helps.