AIBU to post this here because I need a quick answer? 😬

[Persephone70]

I need to send a parcel to Canada, but have never had to send one there before. It is really important (to me) that I get it there for September 30th….. does anybody know how long it will take, roughly? Have I missed the boat already?!

You will have to print off about 3 pages of duplicate customs information and stick one on the outside of the parcel in a plastic sleeve that customs can check. You keep one and put one inside. It should all be explained on site. You need to put on the cost of the item/items and that way they can charge you an extortionate amount of tax.

Canadian customs ALWAYS think any parcel coming from the UK is loaded with drugs

I used to send loads of seeds to Canada for my family but i stopped as lots went missing. Now i put them in my suitcases and always declare them. My last visit was just before lockdown, i took 52 pkts and the customs guy started looking them up online but stopped at the sixth pkt and told me to put them bag in my case and clear off

@BuntyCarmichael looking forward to seeing you I one of those Customs TV shows where seeds get pulled from cases and interrogated. 🤣

Probably oversharing now, but hey ho. I was trying to surprise my newly-found biological Father on his birthday. It’s taken me 46 years to know who he is, and where he is, so this was really important to me…… and would have been nice for him. I am kicking myself that I didn’t look into it postal times earlier now, I just didn’t realise it would take so long. He is coming here mid-October, I think I will just have to give him the gift then. Bit gutted now 😢

Aw the thought will mean more than the timing, receiving in person might make it more special, would love an update on how it goes ❤️

Fed Ex will get it there tomorrow or Saturday if you are willing to pay

FAQs i also had 10 x6 pk bags of monster munch and marmite

I used FedEx and they said it was next day delivery but it still took 5 days. The problems start once it gets to Canada.

Could you send a different gift from a local supplier that can deliver? That's what I've had to resort to when a gift is needed but I've run out of time. Search for shops local to his address and see if they can help.

Postal service to the US has been terrible recently, taking a lot longer to get there so I wouldn't be surprised if it was similar in Canada.

I frequently send parcels to Canada (small business) via Royal Mail and I find that they tend to travel more slowly than advertised so I’d be surprised if one made it by the 30th. Might be worth looking at something like Parcel Monkey - they list alternative couriers and timings. 3-5 working days tends to be standard for the express services so still tight.

Can you send him a small gift from somewhere in Canada to arrive on his actual birthday, then give him what you've bought when he comes on October?

@BuntyCarmichael

FAQs i also had 10 x6 pk bags of monster munch and marmite

Oh dear, that’s probably pushed them too far, they’ll be a special flag status on your passenger file now

I like the idea of sending something that is already local to him, I hadn’t thought of that. I am getting on it now, thanks for the idea!