Shipping to Russia?

worldcoinguy

Hi all,

I seem to recall this topic just recently but I am having trouble finding it, so let me rehash my main questions.

1). What is my most secure method of sending to Russia? Is it the USPS registered mail or fedex? The problem I understand with registered mail is that it only guarantees the package to the time it leaves the US, and it receives no special handling once it hits Russia.

2). It is technically legal to import coins INTO Russia? I see on the fedex website that it explicitly prohibits the import of coins into Russia. If this is true, how are all the Russia collectors receiving their coins from US, Germany, etc? Here is the link in question:
fedex site - Russia general restrictions

3). Any advice on what I should write on the customs forms that I have to fill out when I send it from the US?

4). Do Russia customs people actually physically open the packages?

Many thanks for any thoughts.
Brent

1960NYGiants

Hi Brent

I recently sent a modern silver crown sized coin to Russia with no problems. Sent it via 1st class air mail in a 2x2 in a safety mailer. Marked the outside as "do not bend". No green customs form to fill out. Value was about $30.

worldcoinguy

I was notified today via phone that have a fedex package being returned to me because it was rejected at customs. I had put "numismatic article" as the description. I am really questioning what is fact and what is fiction here. I feel like it is luck of the draw getting through customs.

Grrrrr.

coinpictures

Registered Mail if you don't need insurance, and Global Express Mail if you do.

worldcoinguy

Coinpictures - So how do you get around the Global Express Mail limitations that I see on the website? Call the coin a "token"?

Notes:
Addressees are required to obtain import licenses/permits to receive most goods.
Coins; banknotes; currency notes, including paper money; securities of any kind payable to bearer; traveler’s checks; platinum, gold, and silver; precious stones; jewelry; watches; and other valuable articles are prohibited in Express Mail International shipments to Russia.

coinpictures

I always use "token" for any international customs declaration. Then again, I've never had to file an insurance claim on a parcel to Russia; presumably once USPS found out what it was I actually shipped, I'd probably be SOL.

International shipping is a quagmire, depending on the destination.

If you follow USPS guidelines to the letter, that means only sending coins to Russia via Registered Mail, which means you cannot insure the parcel beyond the nominal $43 (approximate) indemnity. Third party insurers will not insure to Russia (at least DSI does not).

Bottom line: you are at the mercy of the whims of fate as to whether the parcel is ever received (and the recipient is honest about receiving it). This presents a quandry if the buyer is paying via PayPal, as you are left utterly without recourse.

I've been lucky in that the one major sale I had to Russia, the buyer was willing to pay by Western Union Money Transfer.

Good luck.

TwoKopeiki

<< <i>Bottom line: you are at the mercy of the whims of fate as to whether the parcel is ever received... >>

ColinCMR

to Prussia??