Sending packages to Kenya

[muttix2]

I can't figure out how to get a quote about sending packages to Kenya. I've tried FedEx and nothing. I want to send some small toys and some books but I need to know if it would be worth it when it comes to cost. Does anyone know where I can find an estimate for the cost of sending a package (box and/or shipping envelope) to Kenya from the US (Texas)? TIA

[DarkHorseMama]

Shipping to Africa can be prohibitively expensive. I just depends on how badly you wish to get items there. I frequently send items to South Africa, and even air mail (expensive) postal delivery can take upwards of 3-4 weeks to arrive. Still waiting on the latest parcel I sent, nearly two weeks ago, to arrive in Johannesburg. Theoretically the quickest, easiest place to get to in SA. :shrug

I know the shipping services, i.e. FedEx and UPS, have exorbitant rates...but that is largely based upon getting things there in 2-5 days. The US Postal service is moderately reasonable, presuming one trusts the postal service on the other side. :)

[muttix2]

Thanks! I'm going to check out the USPS website and see how much my package would cost. I don't know how comfortable I'd feel sending the package through the mail service there, I'll have to find out if it is reliable. I'd hate to spend a whole bunch of money only to have it stolen. I may end up just sending money. :)

[missybb]

Hmmm..I never even thought of a package getting stolen. Is this really a possibility?? I just sponsored a child from Kenya and am exicted about sending stuff but I want to make sure it gets there.

[DarkHorseMama]

The package I referenced above never did arrive at its destination (to my nephews). I also sent a Halloween card to them as well as another nephew in South Africa...one was received, one was not. In the past year or so, we have about a 50% success rate in getting items to my family. :(

For a sponsored child, I would think it would depend upon whether the items were going through an international organization, or just "an" address.