If you know at least one overseas Filipino worker, you probably know that sending a balikbayan box back to the Philippines is part of the culture. In fact, relatives back in the country look forward to receiving these boxes during special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas. It is not a duty to be complied with by the worker. Instead, it is a way to show his family that he is thinking of them.
Contrary to what people may think that sending this is expensive, a smart shopper and someone who knows how to look for the best deals does not have to spend a lot to prepare this box. Here are some other things that you need to know about these gift boxes.
Expect to find a whole variety of things inside it. While it is common to send chocolates, processed canned foods and makeups that are common at the worker's country, furniture and electronics are also being sent to the Philippines. Clothes, whether brand new or used, are also sent for relatives and friends.
Filipinos shop during markdown sales. They also look for bulk deals so that they can buy several items at a discounted price. This ensures them that they have something to send for each aunt, uncle or cousin. Functional second hand appliances are also shipped to the Philippines. So when there are garage sales or when a Filipino resident upgrades his items, he looks for things that can be used in the Philippines.
There is no minimum limit for a box. Although it is very common to see bulging boxes packed and sealed to contain as much items as it can. For people who send items once or twice every year, the one cubic meter box is common. This is enough to contain food items, clothes and small gadgets. These items are usually sent in time for Christmas.
Filipinos have several options when sending gifts to the Philippines. For smaller items, they may use the usual international delivery companies or the US post office. However for larger boxes, they obtain the services for forwarding companies that cater mainly to overseas workers who send items back to their home countries. Because these companies ship in bulk, they usually cost less than having to use international couriers. Sometimes, people also ask a a trusted fellow worker to take a few items for them when they go the Philippines. This will save them money if the traveler can still accommodate the additional baggage weight.
This depends on how the box was sent to the country. If a friend took the items as part of his baggage allowance, it shouldn't take more than a week for the items to reach the intended recipients. For forwarding companies, it may take several weeks or months for the items to be shipped. This is because they ship in bulk to reduce costs. It is also likely that the items travel by sea due to certain airline restrictions. And then when the items reach the Philippines, it is usually brought to one of the ports in mainland Luzon. If the recipients live miles away, it may take an additional week for the items to get to them.
When choosing ways on sending a gift box, consider when the item should reach the family in the Philippines. Also check if there is an insurance to protect high value items against loss or damage.
Contrary to what people may think that sending this is expensive, a smart shopper and someone who knows how to look for the best deals does not have to spend a lot to prepare this box. Here are some other things that you need to know about these gift boxes.
Expect to find a whole variety of things inside it. While it is common to send chocolates, processed canned foods and makeups that are common at the worker's country, furniture and electronics are also being sent to the Philippines. Clothes, whether brand new or used, are also sent for relatives and friends.
Filipinos shop during markdown sales. They also look for bulk deals so that they can buy several items at a discounted price. This ensures them that they have something to send for each aunt, uncle or cousin. Functional second hand appliances are also shipped to the Philippines. So when there are garage sales or when a Filipino resident upgrades his items, he looks for things that can be used in the Philippines.
There is no minimum limit for a box. Although it is very common to see bulging boxes packed and sealed to contain as much items as it can. For people who send items once or twice every year, the one cubic meter box is common. This is enough to contain food items, clothes and small gadgets. These items are usually sent in time for Christmas.
Filipinos have several options when sending gifts to the Philippines. For smaller items, they may use the usual international delivery companies or the US post office. However for larger boxes, they obtain the services for forwarding companies that cater mainly to overseas workers who send items back to their home countries. Because these companies ship in bulk, they usually cost less than having to use international couriers. Sometimes, people also ask a a trusted fellow worker to take a few items for them when they go the Philippines. This will save them money if the traveler can still accommodate the additional baggage weight.
This depends on how the box was sent to the country. If a friend took the items as part of his baggage allowance, it shouldn't take more than a week for the items to reach the intended recipients. For forwarding companies, it may take several weeks or months for the items to be shipped. This is because they ship in bulk to reduce costs. It is also likely that the items travel by sea due to certain airline restrictions. And then when the items reach the Philippines, it is usually brought to one of the ports in mainland Luzon. If the recipients live miles away, it may take an additional week for the items to get to them.
When choosing ways on sending a gift box, consider when the item should reach the family in the Philippines. Also check if there is an insurance to protect high value items against loss or damage.
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You can get an overview of the things to keep in mind when picking a provider of balikbayan box shipping services at http://www.solomonexpresscargo.com/about now.
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