Preparing for May Day

Remember, the 5th of May is this year’s May Day bank holiday. On this day many shops will be closed as well as most banks and postal offices, so if you are planning to send any gifts or items abroad to a friend, relative or if you work from home and send merchandise out, it is best to send it ahead of time so that your recipient receives it in good time! Make sure to choose RAND logistics for any parcels internationally, as we provide first class service for any parcel or package; locally or internationally.

 

Although many people see May Day as simply another bank holiday which adds an extra day to the weekend, May Day is actually a significant day across many cultures and traditions, and many different countries celebrate May Day in their own individual way. In Britain May Day normally involves Morris dancing and the crowning of a May Queen, whereas in rural regions of Germany on the eve preceding May Day, villagers and townsfolk normally build bonfires and wrap the new maypole.

In Bulgaria, May Day is believed to be the day when snakes and lizards leave their burrows to terrorise the people, so they light fires and jump over them, making loud noises to scare the snakes. In some parts of the USA, May baskets are made which are small baskets filled with flowers or treats and left on someone’s doorstep.

 

Shipping Restrictions – Greece

Whether you are a small time shop seller or you are a growing business with regular exports into Greece and other countries, or if you just want to send a personal package to a friend or relative living abroad, it is important to take note of those countries shipping restrictions and prohibitions. Although in most cases the item you want to ship should have no problem passing customs, it is good to check just to avoid complications upon sending.

In Greece for example, all animal products and furs are prohibited and forbidden for import into Greece. In to this, any gifts of cash or cash equivalents, including gold, silver, precious stones and jewellery, and non-commercial wireless phones are also prohibited, so take care if you are planning on sending a gift or present for a friend’s birthday.

RAND Logistics are a first class courier service with years of experience providing excellent postal services to customers across the world. If you are thinking of sending a parcel abroad to Greece, why not check with RAND Logistics to see our fantastic postage rates?

Shipping Restrictions – Singapore

Singapore is a country of many cultures, and with a rich history and traditions, it can be quite spell bounding to visit or even live in Singapore for a while. Should you choose to send a parcel to a friend or relative living abroad in Singapore, make sure to choose RAND Logistics, as we have the very best service for international and worldwide parcel delivery at the most competitive rates. However it is also recommended that you take a look at the list of restricted and prohibited items when sending a parcel to Singapore.

In particular, if you were thinking of sending a baked gift to a friend or relative in Singapore, it is essential to check Singapore’s restricted items for import, as several types of food including fish, processed egg, and all perishable foods are prohibited for import. It may be better to send a present, but take care as furs, jewellery, precious metals and stones and antiques are also prohibited.

Visual Media that is banned in Singapore by the MDA, including reproduction video tapes, compact discs and DVDS of copyright publications are prohibited for import into Singapore. Chewing gum is even prohibited, so call RAND today or check online for a full list of prohibited and restricted items when sending a parcel to Singapore.

Shipping Restrictions in Austria

It is important to check with the local customs officers to make sure that any parcels you intend to send to friends or relatives living in Austria meet the specific shipping restrictions, so that you don’t try to import anything illegal.

All meat and animal products, plants and parts of plants, fruit, onions and flower bulbs must be accompanied by a certificate of origin and where necessary a plant-health certificate, if the shipment weight exceeds 3 kg or 6 pounds. Austrian coins and articles made of precious metals must be in keeping with Austrian regulations and permission from the Austrian National Bank must be obtained prior to the sending of any parcels containing these items.

[rand]present blogGift shipments must be clearly marked as GESCHENKSENDUNG on the customs declaration, and are exempt from charges and fees when the value of the parcel is under €29. The gift in question cannot contain more than 40 cigarettes, 10 cigars or 50 grams of tobacco, or 50 grams of a selection of these products. Live plants and animals and human remains are strictly prohibited under the country’s mailing conditions.

For all international parcel deliveries, choose RAND Logistics. As one of the top rated worldwide delivery services, we can guarantee you the best prices for your parcels, and with free tracking options, you can see where your parcel is at each step of its journey. For a secure service at competitive rates, choose RAND Logistics.

International Students in the UK

Are you an international student coming to the UK to study for the year? If so, read on, because we might have the solution to one of the common frustrations of international student life. When you come to the UK, you will no doubt be laden with luggage, and might already be wondering how you’re going to get it all home on your own.

This is without even thinking about all the little extras you’ll buy while you’re here. You might need to buy extra course books or go on a shopping spree or pick up souvenirs for the family, which makes the daunting task even more alarming. However, have you ever considered sending your luggage internationally with a courier company?

RAND offers great rates on packages sent to all countries, so it can make it easier for you to simply post your souvenirs and other little bits and pieces home without having to take them with you in your luggage. Use our quote finder to find out for yourself about our very reasonable rates, and you should be able to get your items home without worry.