Expat Community > Philippines

regularkano
Joined 2015
Posts: 3

Balikbayan Boxes - Much To Do About Nothing

9 years ago

The top dog for the Bureau of Custom recently announced his intent to be more vigilant concerning the contents of Balikbayan boxes (BB). Legislators, OFWs and assorted pundits are up in arms about violating the sacrosanct privilege to send boxes full of stuff to the Philippines without scrutiny

Those that complain are way behind the times. Spam, chocolate, toys,U.S. and European canned goods and Chinese made athletic shoes can be had in the Philippines at prices that make it silly to pay for the price of shipping a BB. In the past year or so, I've noticed online companies that will take orders, buy stuff from Amazon, EBAY and shippers in Hong Kong, Singapore, etc., handle customs levies at a set fee and deliver in the Philippines. No matter what's in the BB. It would be hard to find a price advantage over buying it in the Philippines. Nor is it likely the BB will contain items not available in the Philippines.

BB shipping rules say computer or electronic euuipment is prohibited and few BB are free of such items. Strange that people in the hallowed chambers of government where those rules are devised denigrate the guy the administration hired to enforce the rules that fall by the wayside with the arrival of every BB.

Maybe there's nothing to replace the thrill of receiving a BB shipped 4 months ago. Who, however, wouldn't eventually move away from that train of thought to be able to avoid the hassle of putting together BB when Lozada.com and more and more competitors make the transaction clean and efficient for about the same price.

Over this past week, I've read at least a dozen newspaper articles concerning the opinions of (obviously) out of touch public personalities who don't know they're battling against technology.

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Philippines Guide

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Philippines Forum
Join our Philippines forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Philippines.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Best Places to Live in Philippines

If you're thinking about living in Philippines, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Philippines in 2023.

Healthcare in Philippines

Expats in the Philippines have a lot to say about the quality of medical care, hospitals, prescription medicine availability and health insurance in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in Philippines

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Philippines.

Moving to Philippines Guide

Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.

Real Estate in Philippines

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Philippines.

Pros & Cons of Living in Philippines

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Philippines.

Retiring in Philippines

Advice for people retiring in Philippines.

10 Tips for Living in Philippines

If you've recently arrived in Philippines, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Philippines.

Additional Information:

Visit our Philippines Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Philippines

Balikbayan Boxes - Much To Do About Nothing

Login