Shipping parts to Nepal

[crazymanneil]

Hey,

Did a search and could not find an answer so here goes. Anyone ever shipped parts to Nepal before? We are headed to Kathmandu at the moment and would like some stuff to meet us there. Not sure if there is any pitfalls or what the best way with import duty etc is. The bikes are under carnet, can I do something with that to cover any taxes?

Sorry for the ton of questions, never imported stuff in a foreign country before!

Thanks

Neil

[MountainMan]

Hey Neil,

I haven't shipped anything into Nepal before (just out) but the general rule of thumb worldwide is to use a courier such as DHL and in theory since you have a carnet it should allow you to avoid having to pay import taxes as you will be leaving with the goods after you have attached them to your bike. In most countries though, an importer having a carnet is unusual so they will usually try to charge you anyway and you have to explain why you are exempt. Usually works out.

In regards to methods of sending packages, it's country dependent but DHL is usually the most expensive and reliable. Other courier services can be cheaper, but sometimes less reliable. And in some cases the good old postal service has worked fine if you have the time to wait, the value of the goods isn't too high and the parts aren't crticial if they don't show up on time.

Safe travels.

[TurboCharger]

I often used Post Restante, which is a service of all post offices worldwide (if you're unfamiliar with it, then is for when you don't have an address, the post office keeps the mail for upto 1 month and you can pick up the parcel/letter at your convenience.) I used it several times in Thailand, Nepal and India for smaller bike parts and even a new credit card (that expired during my travels). I always got my package even in smaller towns.

I think the trick is to choose a small but well connected town and the always ensure you have the right postcode or it will cause you problems. If you can get the town and postcode then it a great service as you can exploit it by sending parts (ie. internet ordered) to a town in advance so that the part is there when you arrive. If you have to wait then drink some Everest or Sherpa

Use the following format:

Post Restante
<Your name>
<Suburb/Town/City>
<Country> <Post Code>

In the long run it'll cost you a lot less than DHL but of course with postage there is always the risk it will get lost or damaged. We were lucky and we never hand to pay any taxes, but the parts were'nt more than small parts, ie. spark plugs, oil filter, air filter, tools, brake pads etc.

[Lisa Thomas]

if I remember correctly the import tax is 25% on the total..this includes the charge for the postage and tax....its the TOTAL.@25%.

so...if you can get the company who is sending you the stuff to 'lower' the charges shown on the invoice (and the customs will want one in the parcel and a description of what 'it' all is) then this will help...or even if a friend sends you stuff, the amounts will need to be placed on the forms of the costs of the items inside. be careful just how much yu 'lower' the price as the customs in Nepal are not stupid and if they consider the items should be more and you are trying to defraud them....they may keep the items/return them to sender or....charge you $$ over the odds.

the package will arrive at the offices of whoever you use -say 'FedEx' office- in Kathmandu and you will be notified by post (so have an address where you can readily go and check if anything has arrived, or someone to do it for you) the online notification will state that your parcel has arrived and all is done and dusted once it has arrived in Kat...but you will only have got the first notification....you will still have to contact the offices and arrange for payment of the charges. they usually insist that you make a payment at 'their' bank and once that has been done you will have to get confirmation of this payment posted to them. (special delivery - unless you can take it into them). after all of this they will then 'release' the item(s) to you.

its much better to get things sent to you in Nepal however than India whose import tax is way higher.

think I've remembered it as it happend!

[crazymanneil]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I think the answer for us is to ship some urgent stuff (waterpump yet again!) via DHL and then a few other bits via this post restante thingy. I'd never heard about that one before! Will try to do everything possible to avoid the import duty since the bits will be back out of the country again in a matter of days (on the bike) hopefully.

Loving it here in Pokhara at the moment. Fantastic roads and good food even if it is a bit touristy. Nice for a break

Thanks again

Neil

[bikeburns]

Hi Neil
I've just joined HUBB-sounds like you're enjoying your time in Nepal. I've done alot of biking in Nepal and India. If you want to know some great places to go, let me know or if you need any other help, give me a shout.
Happy travels
Mike