Does it cost an orphanage in China money to receive a package from the US?

Question

I have 17 lbs of hats for a donation to an orphanage in China. Someone told me not to use the USPS due to the fact that they may charge the orphanage in China to receive the package! Do you know if this is true or how much it would cost the orphanage in Chengdu China?
thank you

Answer 1

I would inquire with the agency and/or perhaps check out Red Thread Adoptions (she lives in China and parents can purchase packages through her to be delivered to the children they have been matched with between the match and the time they travel). Either of them should know.



You could also send it via another courier besides the USPS, such as UPS. I could see the potential for such a large package incurring additional costs if sent via USPS, because USPS will not be involved once it leaves this country). That should not be the case with a global carrier.

Answer 2

They may charge import taxes as such a shipment cannot be for personal use for an individual (yes we can argue semantics that this is for many people's personal use but hey ho). So yes, they would probably be charged, and no matter how minimal the cost, your well-intentioned donation will not arrive at destination. Plus be wary that most orphanages do not distribute the gifts received but that they magically disappear (after photos of smiling kids have been sent to the donor). If you are 100% certain that the hats will indeed be used (never an easy thing to ascertain) then have a Chinese-speaking friend order them from Taobao directly in China and delivered on site. Perhaps your hats could be used by an organisation within your own country? Morning Tears or Half the Sky are both well-known and well run within China, so that might be your best bet.

Answer 3

If you plan on sending something to an orphanage, then that means that you should already have a relationship with the orphanage. You should ask your contact there . . . that person will have the "inside" information.



Do these children need hats?



Orphanages are just as concerned about "face" as others here in China. To receive large shipments from abroad is a face-losing experience . . . it makes them appear as if they are unable to meet the needs of the orphans.



Work through your relationships. That's what makes things happen here.

Answer 4

If you send it prepaid they won't charge the orphanage. Prepaid means you pay the freight before arriving to destination. Depending on the value of the goods, they might be charged customs duty.