What is the best way to get my treasures home?
Most major shops that work with international visitors are experienced in arranging international shipments. Just make sure you feel confident that they can do the job.
Some merchants may tell you that they can ship - "no problem" - but once you start probing the details, you discover they are engaging in wishful thinking.
Start by asking questions about the whole shipping process:
- who they use
- what paperwork you will need for receiving your shipment
- how long it will take
- who does the packing
- the total costs for packing and shipping from the store to your door
You may be surprised by the answers to your questions!
Make sure you pay particular attention to the quality of packing. Some merchants don't have a clue as to how best to pack delicate items - they wrap to disguise the identity of the item rather than secure it!
There's nothing worse than finding a unique treasure and then receiving it damaged, because someone did not know how to pack properly. This is when that recommended suitcase full of bubble wrap, along with packing tape, comes in real handy as you re-pack items to your own standards.
Keep in mind that you will need to clear Customs at your end and pay additional fees for handling your shipment at the airport or shipping terminal, and then arranging for it to be delivered to your home or office.
You may find the cost of receiving a shipment at your end is as expensive as the international transportation! Indeed, a US$500 shipping quote may turn out to cost you US$1,000 because of all the additional add-on fees and transportation charges at your end.
International shipments by sea from Syria should cost no more than US$250 per cubic meter.
You may find that shipping many items by air freight is more convenient and not much more expensive than shipping by sea. Be sure to check on the comparative costs of sea versus air shipments.
If you are considering air shipments, make sure you get a quote for air freight shipments, which can be arranged through a shipping broker. Shipping by FedEx, UPS, or DHL can be extremely expensive for large items - two to three times more than air freight.
TIP: Whenever possible, take your treasures with you. If you travel with one suitcase, you can use your additional baggage allowance to transport your purchases in another suitcase or a special well-packed box.
Many shops will pack your items to airline specifications.
Alternatively, many hotels can help you pack boxes or will direct you to good packers. Just ask the concierge or front desk for packing and shipping assistance.
Using your baggage allowance in this manner may save you a few hundred dollars in international shipping costs. But be sure to check with the airlines on specifications for such a box. Security regulations on some airlines may prohibit such packing.
What should I do about money?
Many places take credit cards. However, small shops and restaurants take cash only. You'll find ATM machines in the major cities, but not all are connected to international networks.
It's a good idea to take traveler's checks, just in case you need to make large purchases.
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