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Authentic Shopping Guide—Tips
Bargaining Tips
Marilyn Downing, CEO of Asia Transpacific Journeys, offers tips for bargaining success. "Approach the process with good humor and a light touch," she says. "If you can act indifferent or like you have all the time in the world to negotiate, the price will generally be lower." She adds that melodramatic sales pitches should be taken with a grain of salt: "Sometimes bargaining attains a sublime theatricality, with vendors feigning loss and financial ruin. There is no need to worry for the vendor. They won't make a sale that they lose money on." Bargaining is expected in some cultures, but taboo in others; consult with your guide before challenging price tags. And remember, if a vendor meets your price, you're obligated to buy.
Suggestions for Packing
Most tour operators recommend packing your belongings in one suitcase and taking an extra empty suitcase to bring home purchases. Liza Fourré of Art Workshops in Guatemala suggests that visitors to developing countries fill a bag with items to give away: "Clothes, linens, kitchen utensils, school supplies: Bring it on down—somebody can use it." Check with your tour company about how to donate the articles. After passing them on, you'll have empty luggage to fill.
Shipping
Fodor's books publisher Tim Jarrell's advice on shipping vacation purchases back home is this: don't. "You're better off shipping your personal belongings and carrying your purchases," he says. Frequent overseas shoppers use this (legal) trick, called swapping, to avoid shipping, handling, and insurance fees, as well as the risk of lost or damaged purchases. Label packages, "used personal goods returned."
When shipping is necessary, travelers have two options. "For convenience, have a reputable dealer ship your purchases home for you," says Jarrell, "But tell them how you want it shipped, get an itemized receipt detailing shipping and insurance, and pay with credit card," he adds.
To avoid extra fees and potential snafus, ship your own purchases. First, skim through U.S. Customs and Border Protection's list of prohibited and restricted items (pay special attention to "Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property"). Start by wrapping each purchase separately in a rigid box lined with cushioning. In addition to writing your address (don't forget to include 'USA' below the ZIP code), Erlinda Byrd, a representative at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, recommends labeling the box with three things: 1) the contents of the package, 2) the retail value, and 3) whether the contents are "personal use purchase," or "unsolicited gift." Although there are exceptions, duty exemptions are as follows: $100 duty exemption for mailed unsolicited gifts; $200 duty exemption for mailed personal use purchases; and $400 duty exemption for goods that accompany the traveler to the U.S. in his or her luggage. After labeling your package, visit the FedEx, DHL, or UPS counter of the nearest postal exchange, purchase insurance if necessary (depending on the value of your purchase and the terms of insurance), and get a receipt and tracking number for your shipment. U.S. Customs and Border Protection examines all foreign mail shipments entering the U.S. If your package requires duty, it will be charged upon delivery.
For more information on prohibited and restricted items, and duty exemptions, contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Public Affairs Office at +1 202 344 1770.
