What is the cheapest way to send a large parcel from Yamaguchi, Japan to Virginia, USA? -

I am about to return to America from doing foreign exchange and I am sending all of my things home in one large box (within the range of 25 kg or about 40 lbs.) So far everything is really expensive here in Japan and it would cost about $230 to do it by regular post office. Any suggestions?

Try EMS which sometimes ends up been cheaper than most other ways for big parcels and it is very quick. Also I would recommend that you ask the post office to check the cost for every viable way they have of sending it because I think their costing has some kinks in it and you might find that a faster way is much cheaper than a slower way. If all else fails, send it by boat. It takes about 3 months but it will get there....eventually. Just be sure to pack the items securely. Or if you or anyone you know are headed to Korea, you could send it from there....just an idea. :o)

Have you tried using EMS at the Post Office? That s the cheaper for smaller-sized packages. The other suggestion would be contacting the airline about excess baggage. IIRC US carriers allow you 30 kg for economy, and depending on how busy the flight is or how friendly the check-in staff are, they sometimes let you off with a few kg over the limit.

Carry what you can with you in checked luggage on your flight home, then send items separately (if it comes out cheaper). Some airlines charge extra for extra luggage so be careful about those fees. Again carry the extra items home if you can. I assume the price you are quoting is for Japan Post EMS (Express Mail Service). That is the most expensive option in the postal service (but still cheaper then DHL, FedEx, UPS). Another option is using a service from the Japan Post called quot;SALquot; which is Economy Air Mail, items take 2-3 weeks to arrive. However this option is still a bit expensive. Do not confuse this with regular Air Mail which is more expensive. You final (Japan Post) option that is, is sending by quot;SURFACE MAILquot; The price of this should be a little over half as much as EMS service, however this service uses ground transportation, ships, etc and takes about 3 months to reach the east coast of the USA. Another option is finding a private cargo ship company, however again, items will take months by cheapest possible way, and it isn t insured.