What's the most cost-effective & safest way to ship coins to Australia?

DBSTrader2

Can anyone experienced in shipping to Australia from the US tell me the best way to ship to Australia so as to keep costs down, but ensure safe passage/receipt? Any special requirements/restrictions/paperwork?

Similarly, what's the best way to make payments to or receive payments from Australia for the safety, etc of both parties involved?

Thanks!

- - Dave

mrpotatoheadd

What are you shipping?

DBSTrader2

Darkside coins with various silver content - - approx 7 oz net silver (I haven't weighed the total coins yet, unfortunately)...... Do they even have a "flat-rate, unlimited weight" (or below 70 lbs) option to Australia like they do with those small Priority mail boxes here in the U.S.?

- - Dave

mrpotatoheadd

The small flat rate boxes you can get at the post office are good for international shipping too. A first class mail package would probably be a little less expensive. You should probably go to the USPS website and check out the options. Be aware if you want anything like signature confirmation, it's going to cost around $25 or so, depending on the service you choose.

DBSTrader2

Thanks!

I just went to the USPS website & saw similar info. I have to check to see if rates go up on any of this stuff Sunday, but for now I see the following:

Small Flat-Rate Priority Int'l Mail box = $13.95
Insurance (up to $300) = $5.60


But which of the following would I need or you'd recommend, and why? What does each accomplish? And if I have one service (like Registered), do I need any of the 3 others?:

Certificate of Mailing $1.15
Int'l Reply Coupons $2.10
Registered Mail $11.50
Return Receipt $2.30


Finally, how does one get around Australia's restriction/prohibition against coins, banknotes, curency, platinum/gold/silver.......... ? Can the Aussie postal authorities or Customs open & inspect for such?

Thx again for the clarifications!

- - Dave

mrpotatoheadd

<< <i>But which of the following would I need or you'd recommend, and why? What does each accomplish? And if I have one service (like Registered), do I need any of the 3 others?:

Certificate of Mailing $1.15
Int'l Reply Coupons $2.10
Registered Mail $11.50
Return Receipt $2.30 >>

Certificate of Mailing is proof you mailed something. Registered Mail is generally a more secure method of shipping, although I suspect it's not equally secure worldwide. I would be comfortable with the idea Australia takes it seriously. Return Receipt is something the buyer signs, and gets mailed back to you. I have no idea what Int'l Reply Coupons are.

<< <i>Finally, how does one get around Australia's restriction/prohibition against coins, banknotes, curency, platinum/gold/silver.......... ? Can the Aussie postal authorities or Customs open & inspect for such? >>

Not to worry- the USPS doesn't know what they're talking about here. I contacted Australia Customs and asked them- here is the reply I received:

"Thank you for your email.

Currently, Customs does not prohibit the importation of coins. However, the
importation or exportation of Australian or foreign currency amounting to
A$10,000 or more must be reported to Customs."

DBSTrader2

Thanks! I knew I could count on you to have the answers!

- - Dave

mrpotatoheadd

Just to back up the "shipping coins to Australia" thing- I've been sending coins there for nearly 15 years with no customs problems whatsoever.

OzzyAndy

Thank you to all who replied, I'll be the receiver of the package. I've never had problems receiving packages from overseas and they always come reasonably priced with a signature but when I go to send overseas it is ridiculous how much it can cost and the import restriction etc.

DBSTrader2

They should be there inside of a week if all goes well!