Expat Community > Philippines

Asawa
Joined 2018
Posts: 758

Safest way to send 30lb Graduate Gift from Abroad to Nephew in Davao Area?

4 years ago

Can any one recommend a reliable way to send about 30lbs of Muscial Hardware from US to my Nephew in Davao other than Balikbayan and Postal Mail?

I have a Nephew who graduated with a music degree, and I am currently back in the USA. He's been doing music production work for local bands, and I used to do the same.

I want to send him a care package (Laptop loaded with music production software, USB midi Controller, USB Sound mixer, and USB mini Musial keyboard).

Normally, I'd just carry it with me when I travel back and forth. However, I'm not likely to make another trip until Mid-2021 (for fear of not being able to return).

I'm nervous about putting anything serious in a Balikbayan box -- especially now that they inspect the contents (sometimes) and you have to disclose what's in. I fear folks can cherry pick theft the ones that have anything other than clothes.

I'm equally nervous about normal postal mail. That's largely because of the vague house numbers with directions like "House with the Red Door -- two blocks from Gaisano Center.

Am I overlooking any obvious mechanisms? I don't really care about cost or customs fees. I'll eat those. I only care about assurance it will make into his hands. Candidly, this will be about a $1500-2000 gift... to set him up with a part-time hobby he loves (and I used to do when I was his age).

Thoughts?

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
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.