Hello, I’m in the very early stages of planning my first trip for next year. I was thinking that instead of filling my limited luggage space with souvenirs and whatnot to bring home, I could mail a box to my Canadian address from Japan while I’m visiting. Is this realistic? Has anyone else done this with success? I am working on learning some Japanese to make communication easier, but I am a little nervous about the language barrier.
Thank you in advance for any advice 🙂
2 comments
Some things to note:
– Japan Post does not ship any parcels to Canada since some time in 2020. Hopefully this will resume prior to your trip but it’s very concerning how long it’s been closed. See [here](https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/overview_en.html) for updates.
– Check tariff rates for the goods you are trying to ship, as many goods have high tariff rates entering Canada. When you re-enter Canada, if the goods you shipped fall within your $750 exemption, declare it; you’ll be sent to secondary inspection and get a voucher that you show off at the post office and be exempted from the tariff. If you ship via EMS/DHL, they use customs brokers and I don’t know if you can use the exemption, plus they charge for brokerage.
Canadian duty fees in particular are such a hassle, that if it’s at all possible to bring stuff with you physically, I’d recommend it, especially if the only alternative is courier.
Cost wise, it could make more sense to buy an extra luggage and carry everything yourself in the plane. It make more sense to fill your luggage than to pay to get stuff shipped.