Yesterday I received a shipment from the US containing a $200 pair of size 14 motorcycle boots that are now a $348 pair of size 14 motorcycle boots.
I knew when I ordered them that shipping was $59 (Priority Mail Express). What I did not know is that when the delivery guy showed up at my door, I'd have to give him 1,648,000 VND in exchange for the package. He was not impressed when I showed him that the boots were MADE IN VIETNAM and, through my local friend who happened to be visiting, tried to convince him that there should not be a duty on a product that is NOT sold in Vietnam and that they already collected taxes on. He's just a drone, so it was a waste of energy.
The reason for my post is that I am ordering more motorcycle gear from the US--stuff that is unavailable in SE Asia, even in Thailand... and I'm hoping to find a way to avoid the 40+% added charge.
Does anyone have any experience with this and/or suggestions? Shipping it to a friend who then repacks it without the tags is not an option.
Thanks!