#sendingletters sendingpackages howtosendpackages

[kattalesofthesouthpacific-blog]

How to send things to me in the Peace Corps! :)

Lenakel Post Office

Kat Nowak

Peace Corps Volunteer, Ikiti Health Clinic

PO Box 53

Lenakel, Tanna

Vanuatu

South Pacific

Here is my ongoing Amazon wish list link (Vanuatu Package Ideas):

http://a.co/7S1ZE4r

(hit control and click on abaove and it should take you to the page, or you can copy/paste the link)

BUT : I bought SO MANY THINGS I was unable to take with me that I have sitting at my parents.  If you are generously sending me things, please feel free to “shop” at my parents’ house and surprise me with some of the things I already purchased!  I would be grateful!  

Not on Amazon list:  Trader Joe’s cookie butter, TJ’s smoked paprika spice, TJ’s apricot cashew fruit and nut “patties,” Spark fruit punch flavor

GUIDELINES FOR SENDING PACKAGES

I will get charged if these rules are not followed, and since this is a volunteer position my funds are limited.  

Do not declare more than $100.  Best bet is to never declare over $25.  I will have to pay customs to get my package if the value is high.

All packages need a customs form.  When declaring contents, it has been suggested by other volunteers to write “feminine products,” “religious materials,” or “school supplies.”  You may also write candy, letters, gum and stickers.  DO NOT put clothes or books on customs forms.  If you do, please write that they are “new.”  Please never write “used,” apparently that gets me taxed as well.

Food.  When packaging food, remember that these things might end up sitting where vermin (rats and bugs) smell them and might tamper with them.  Customs officers may also “dip into” items if easy to access.  Package or duct-taping, saran-wrapping, double bagging items is helpful.  This also prevents moisture and humidity from damaging iitems.  Ziplock containers, Ball jars and ziplock bags are all reusable and wonderful!

Removing useless packaging around items will save you money in weight and wasted space.  It will also prevent me from having to burn wrapping (no recycle in remote villages!).  Consider repackaging in packaging I may reuse as mentioned above.  Also, consider waterproofing anything that might leak on something else or get wet.  Duct-taping the lids of items like lotion, oils and Dr. Bronner’s is helpful and then bagging.

This will sound over the top...BUT, draw a cross, write a religious or bible verse, or write something related to the U.S. government on the package.  Examples “Jesus love you,” “God is watching,” “Jon 3:16 God i lavem tumas ol man long wol, nao hem i givim mi, mi stret Pikinini blong hem.”  You may also write “property of the U.S. government, violators will be prosecuted.”  This phrases deter curious minds and hands.  I have included pictures of boxes as examples.

PACKING MATERIALS AND PRICES

You may order FREE packaging materials on the USPS website

Letters 2-6 weeks

Packages 2-16 weeks

(padded envelopes are always good if you don’t want to send a box)

Pricing (select Vanuatu from the drop down menu):

Postcards and Letters $1.15 each

Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope $23.50 online, up to 4# ($24.74 at post office)

Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box $23.50 online ($24.75 at post office)

Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box $58.65 online ($61.75 at the post office)

Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box $76.50 online ($80.50 at the post office)

Thank you for thinking of me! : )