Letter and Package PSA

Hi everyone! This is Ari's sister-in-law, Brandy. If you didn't already know, I am the one who updates her blog so we can all follow along with her awesome experience! I consider it a great blessing to have this opportunity. Ari is amazing, as i'm sure you all already know! Okay, back to the point of this post. Ari is now in transit to New Caledonia, where she will spend the duration of her mission, and I know you all are probably anxious to send her letters/care packages (or is that just me?! lol). So, that brings me to the point of this post.  There are A LOT of rules for sending packages to New Caledonia (as I'm sure there are for all other countries). I'm going to do my best to give you all the information you need, so bear with me.

• send small boxes only with the total value of contents and postage not exceeding $100.
• Write "No commercial value-for church use only" on the customs declaration.
• Each package is evaluated based on the value of the contents. Custom fees range from 20% to 100%. Some items may be confiscated. You may need to send your missionary extra funds to pay for these fees, otherwise they will have to use their food money to claim the packages.
• If you purchased items put the receipt on the top of the package to show the value. To avoid fees make sure the packages are small and very low value.
• Do not send beef jerky, meat products, liquids, fruits or homemade snacks. All treats should be factory sealed.
• USPS international flat rate boxes are the most economical and reliable way to ship.
• Shipping is very, very slow. All packages should be sent to the mission office and the mission office with get it to the missionary.

And now for the best part! The address to send letters and packages:

Bureau de la Mission

BP 15154

98 804 Noumea Cedex

Nouvelle Caledonie

Hopefully I have covered all bases. :) We should, fingers crosses, hear from Ari very soon!