Mail service tends to be slower than in Western Europe, taking about 2 to 4
weeks to reach western Europe. Prices are reasonable, especially when mailed
with Russia. For example :
- Postcard within Russia : 3.75 rubles
- Postcard sent outside of Russia : 10 rubles
- Letter within Russia : 2.2 rubles
- Letter sent outside of Russia : 14 rubles
- Registered Letter sent within Russia : 3.3 rubles
- Registered Letter sent outside of Russia : 32 rubles
- Package sent within Russia : 60.7 rubles + 5% of declared value
- Package sent outside of Russia : 186 rubles + 400 rubles
The express mail delivery services (FedEx,
DHL,
UPS)
are widely available in Russia, but are significantly more expensive and not
always faster.
When sending to Russia, it is often best to use a carrier that guarantees delivery
like UPS or DHL. There have been cases of lost or stolen mail, but many people
send mail in and out of Russia with no problem. As with anywhere, never mail
irreplaceable valuables or money.
Realize that duty will be charged whenever you have imported
something. To avoid unnecessary duty fees, try to list things at their
lowest value, remove all shop tags, and label items as used.