In many countries with high tarriffs, there are literally open "luggages" advertised in FB and IG, to bring stuff from the US into X.
Buyer gives a heads up and asks if there is enough space for X goods. If yes, buyer routes amazon orders to travaler's residence, and presto.
The charge is usually 7-9 USD per pound, although there are flat rates for lightweight items like SD cards and phones.
It has gotten so bad that there are people boarding planes just to do this.
Somehow custom authorities are not making a fuss. Although quantities are low enough and varied enough (no one is foolish enough to load 3 luggages full of prada handbags) that anyone caught at airport can make a legitimate argument they are bringing presents for extended family.
The importers in south america have therefore more or less gone out of business.
In many countries with high tarriffs, there are literally open "luggages" advertised in FB and IG, to bring stuff from the US into X.
Buyer gives a heads up and asks if there is enough space for X goods. If yes, buyer routes amazon orders to travaler's residence, and presto.
The charge is usually 7-9 USD per pound, although there are flat rates for lightweight items like SD cards and phones.
It has gotten so bad that there are people boarding planes just to do this.
Somehow custom authorities are not making a fuss. Although quantities are low enough and varied enough (no one is foolish enough to load 3 luggages full of prada handbags) that anyone caught at airport can make a legitimate argument they are bringing presents for extended family.
The importers in south america have therefore more or less gone out of business.