IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON MAILING PACKAGES TO YOUR MISSIONARY

Dear Family and Friends of South Africa Durban Missionaries,

Some parents have recently inquired about mailing packages to their missionary, particularly for Christmas. Here is some helpful information.

While it is your decision, we do not encourage you to send packages to your missionary. Here are several reasons why:

1.    It costs a lot to mail a package to South Africa, PLUS when it arrives, your missionary is taxed and must also pay a fee on top of what you pay

2.    If the package is over a declared value, a certain weight (or dimensions), items must be declared, and the package will be opened for inspection to clear customs – some items could, and do, get stolen)

3.    Many missionaries do not ever receive packages and it creates some discouragement for those who never receive anything

4.    Some items are a distraction for missionary work

5.    Missionaries could potentially move every six weeks, and the less they have to carry around, the easier, and the better

6.    It can sometimes create a longing for home

7.    Often packages get lost, or they don’t arrive in time

8.    It typically takes a long time for packages to arrive and if sending food, it has the potential of being spoiled, melting, or bugs and rodents find their way into the boxes

IF you still feel a need to send a package here are some common questions answered, mailing information, plus some gift tips:

WHEN DO I NEED TO MAIL A PACKAGE TO ARRIVE BY CHRISTMAS?

If you want to mail a package for Christmas and your missionary lives outside of the continent of Africa, the best time to mail something is in the month of September if you want it here in time for the holiday.

WHICH MAILING SERVICE DO I USE?

If you choose to use a courier such as DHL, UPS, Fed EX, or Post Net, please be aware that not only will you pay more to send it, but your son will ALSO be charged    2-3 times the declared value of the package to get it released from customs in South Africa.

Sending packages through your local Post Office generally takes several weeks longer than the above couriers, but they are less expensive, and additional custom fees are not as expensive. If you decide to go this route for Christmas, mail packages the first part of September to arrive by the holiday (PLEASE NOTE THAT EVEN MAILING BY THIS DATE, IT IS NOT GUARANTEED TO ARRIVE BY THEN).

SENDING GIFT CARDS?

If you want to send a debit/credit/gift card to your missionary, DO NOT send it in a greeting card; it will most likely get stolen.  It would be best to send it in a padded envelope, perhaps marked with a religious sticker. Better yet, add it to his home card and let him know.

PLEASE BE AWARE

The South African Revenue Service will levy a customs duty charge and a VAT charge, which is: 100% of the declared value of the package, plus all fees it incurs while it is stuck in Customs. This is for any package whose declared value is over R400.  (Right now, that is about $29.00 U.S. currency)

They will also sometimes levy charges if the contents of the package are items that can be bought in this country, such as: candy, food items, shoes, clothing, etc. 

The idea behind this is that if the items can be bought in South Africa - they want you to spend your money here. 

If you keep the declared value of your package under $29, there usually is no charge for extra customs fees here, but your package will most likely be opened to make sure it contains what the declaration states. The package is then subject to theft. 

Religious stickers (such as of the Savior...DO NOT PUT CHRISTMAS STICKERS on the outside, or write the word Christmas) are helpful if they are put on the outside of the package to help us identify it for Christmas.

ALTERNATIVE IDEAS TO SENDING PACKAGES

Put a little extra money on your missionary’s home card, and let your missionary know, so that he can decide what he needs.

You can order something online from www.Takealot.com (this is the equivalent to Amazon in the U.S.), or stores here in Durban like Woolworths, and The Gift Lady that accept online orders. You pay with your home credit card, and they deliver the package to the mission office, without going through the post office, or customs. Allow up to 2-3 weeks for some items.

Please also remember that several of our Elders come from very diverse backgrounds. A companion may never receive anything from home, even on holidays or birthdays. You may want to include a little something for your son’s companion (addressed simply to companion, not by name since companion’s change), but only IF you want (this is not a suggestion, just a tip).

Please note: sending Christmas Stockings, Christmas Trees, and decorations, are usually left behind or gets tossed out when the Elder is transferred because it is too difficult to haul from place to place.

GIFTS THAT MISSIONARIES APPRECIATE

Candy, treats, socks, ties, toiletries such as: razors, deodorant, hair products, shaving cream, fingernail clippers, soap, Tabernacle Choir CD’s or other inspirational music that would be considered “soft” and inspirational music that would bring them closer to Christ. Uplifting and spiritual stories, and testimonies are always appreciated.

Be aware that too many photos of home, and stories of fun that they are missing out on, are also difficult for missionaries.

Toiletries, candy, and food items can be purchased in South Africa for a lot less money on the websites suggested above.

NOT ALLOWED

Any games, movies (even church movies), books (the only books they should have are scriptures, Preach My Gospel, and the Missionary Handbook), and CD’s that are not church approved, are not appropriate because they interfere with missionary work.

Please copy this letter for friends, neighbors, and relatives.

All letters and packages should be sent to the mission office at:

[Missionary’s Name]
South Africa Durban Mission
PO Box 1741
Wandsbeck 3631
South Africa

And/or, if you need a physical address, you may send it to the mission office:

[Missionary’s Name]
South Africa Durban Mission
2 Derby Place, Suite #4
Derby Downs Office Park
Westville 3630
South Africa

We sincerely hope this helps and answers your questions. If you have further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.

With love and appreciation,

President and Sister Thompson