Hi
I need some help from the Swiss experts. I am staying in Switzerland and someone from the states sent me a small package (probably weighgs about 400 gr or so. I have not yet accepted the package although I do know that a friend sent it to me. The postage due is 75 CHF? My german is not to good and I tried to get an explanation at the post office to no avail. My question..I know they probably paid a large sum to mail the package so how come I have to pay on this end too? The value is listed as $75 US dollars. It would not leave the states without the proper postage?Any explanations?
Thanks
Pat

possibly a customs charge? Plus, the Swiss customs have a unique way of valuing things, plus probably some administration charges thrown on top for good measure.

I'd say a custom's charge too. They charge the value written on the package. If the sender writes a high value, the receiver may have to pay the extra custom's charge.

Moral:
Never put a high amount for value of goods.
Swiss postage is outrageously expensive.

It is outrageously expensive for postage but that sounds like a customs charge, not a postage due charge. Your friend should have indicated it was a gift. My sister-in-law for years kept ticking off the box in the customs form that said her Christmas boxes contained "merchandise" and we kept having to pay these high fees for our gifts until finally we told her to send no gifts at all if she couldn't get the right box ticked!

Thanks to all for your replies. It is quite outrageous and yes - it is a gift. I am sure they paid a fortune on their end too. Live and learn....
Pat

Based on being burned in the past, I have more or less resorted to telling everyone I know not to send me anything.

continuation - as the customs charge can exceed the price for what was paid for the gift in the US.

I've experienced similar outrageous charges in France and Germany.