I'm getting ready to send something overseas, specifically Afghanistan.
Can anybody tell me how best to do this? Does the package have to remain unsealed until it gets to the post office? Do I need to fill out customs paperwork?
Anything else I need to know?
When I did this (old GRM & Cycle world mags) I just used a Priority mail flat rate box and filled out the paperwork that the USPS website prompted me to and attached it to the box in a clear stick on envelope (all materials available free from the post office or the USPS website). The mail carrier picked it up as usual and no questions asked. It was easy.
mtn
SuperDork
10/26/09 1:45 p.m.
Step one: get purple Listerine Mouthwash
Step two: drain mouthwash
Step three: fill with vodka (or gin, or other clear alcohol)
Step four: purple food coloring
Worked for my roommate
I just donate to the boy scouts when they are seling popcorn. I can't eat popcorn(allergic to corn).. so I give them the money to send it overseas to the troops. Hopefully they're not ripping me off.
cwh
SuperDork
10/26/09 3:28 p.m.
I use Priority Mail to ship to the Virgin Islands. Cheap and totally painless. Mailman will even deliver the boxes and labels to your house.
Another vote for priority mail. Look at the display in your local post office, theres a large box thats specifically for APO / military addresses only.
mtn wrote:
Step one: get purple Listerine Mouthwash
Step two: drain mouthwash
Step three: fill with vodka (or gin, or other clear alcohol)
Step four: purple food coloring
Worked for my roommate
cool idea I heard they like flea collars to attach to clothing
ddavidv
SuperDork
10/26/09 6:27 p.m.
AnySoldier
I've used this site myself several times. It's helpful in that there are requested items for specific units, so you aren't guessing what to send. We got a very nice letter from a female soldier last year. It's nice when you hear back, but it's pretty unusual that you do. I haven't done one for quite some time (mental note...send package) but IIRC you do need to fill out a simple customs form with the contents. Easy to do.
mtn wrote:
Step one: get purple Listerine Mouthwash
Step two: drain mouthwash
Step three: fill with vodka (or gin, or other clear alcohol)
Step four: purple food coloring
Worked for my roommate
Also, iPods filled with porn. Seriously. If you know somebody overseas, and you send them an iPod full of porn, they might start crying tears of joy.
Operation Christmas HAMB.
http://www.chromeczars.com/board/showthread.php?t=3477
Started by a good hot rod buddy.
Maybe not for a specific package like yours, but if you want to donate here's a link.
Last year's operation meant so much to one guy, once he rotated back to the world, he first stopped in Kansas, then drove directly to car show hosted by said buddy. It meant that much.
mtn wrote:
Step one: get purple Listerine Mouthwash
Step two: drain mouthwash
Step three: fill with vodka (or gin, or other clear alcohol)
Step four: purple food coloring
Worked for my roommate
I have seen those arrive many times while I was deployed over there. That is some good tasting Listerine :)
JoeyM
Reader
10/27/09 8:54 p.m.
mtn wrote:
Step one: get purple Listerine Mouthwash
Send Skol chewing tobacco. Do this even if they don't chew.....it is VERY valuable as a bartering item.
Just make sure that you only put the APO AE number on there, don't put "Afghanistan" or "Iraq" or the name of the city they are in anywhere on the outside of the package. A family member of mine sent me a package with "Iraq" just written in the address lines about a month ago and it got placed in with the local national mail and I got it about 3 weeks late and stuff was missing...
Also, +1 for anything that can be bartered with: cigarettes, dip, porn, any kind of yummy snacks, etc.