It is often cheaper to send small packages by courier (DHL, UPS,
etc.) than by standard post.  Many of the scientific journals and
small packages we receive here in Ecuador are sent from the US or
Europe by courier, arriving in a couple of days instead of weeks.
Courier packages _generally_ do not have a rigorous inspection in
Customs.  If we receive a package by standard mail, we have to go to
a central P.O. customs office, fill out many forms, make
declarations to  various officials, and pay a small charge, whereas
courier packages are simply delivered to us.
 
Compare the costs before sending a package, and (if possible) ask
what the recipient would prefer.  Of course, courier services require
an actual address and telephone number, not simply a P.O. box number.
 
Regards,
Howard & Kate Clark
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Howard L. Clark or Kate Clark /
[log in to unmask]
tel. (593-2) 224897 or 541215(&=fax) /
tel. (593-9) 496593  /
P.O. Box 17-12-379, Quito, Ecuador
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