Thread: UPS and FedX

Hi again Wayno!

Yes I received several packages through Fedex and never had any problems. For larger packages you could use a service like Mail Boxes Etc. or Aerocasillas. They have an address in Miami, and deliver your packages to Panama with their own courier service. They also take care of customs.

Mailboxes Etc is the way to go, they can forward the mail from any US location (I think). It is also my understanding they have been purchased by UPS. I am pretty sure there are Mailboxes Etc/UPS outlets in different parts of Panama.

Is Mailboxes Etc cheaper than Fed Ex?

Not really sure if the cost of package shipment differs or by how much. The key here is that you get your mail transferred to you without having to rely on relatives or friends to forward your mail.

Oh I see, it is for if you do not have address in Panama. That makes sense.

Well, it's not only to have an address, but in the case of Mail Boxes Etc. or Aerocasillas, also to order things from the US or Europe (appliances, books, food, magazines, etc.) and receive your packages in 3 - 5 days (instead of much longer if you would order it to your own address in Panama and if it's not sent by courier). Plus, you don't need to deal with customs, which can be a hassle (they do it for you). If you want to receive magazines, newspapers, etc. from your country, it costs almost nothing as you pay Mail Boxes Etc. a monthly fee and a little more for each piece of mail.

Hi GringoBob, I believe that they have outlets in different parts of the country but I am not sure. I am in Panama City right now and I will try to find out.

Who has outlets in different part of the country? Mailboxes Etc?

How do they get the boxes through customs? Doesn't each package have to be searched?

MailBoxes Etc. has 14 offices in Panama City and 1 office in Boquete.

Aerocasillas has 3 offices in Panama City, and 1 office each in David, Boquete, Changuinola.

On the Aerocasillas website they have details on customs, bringing pets, vehicles, or household goods to Panama. Airbox Express Aerocasillas

I would probably go with whichever company has the closest office where you can pick up your package.

do they open your packages for verification? i mean.. if you're sending a bag of clothes from one office to the other... they open it and check what's inside?

They might, but to be honest I've never noticed anything and I've been receiving many packages over the last 3+ years and there was never anything missing.

I would be afraid if I was sending something valuable that could be easily stolen, like jewelry or cash. Otherwise, I'm not worried.