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We shipped 10,000 packages of free hardware and other prizes to teenagers this summer as part of https://hackclub.com/arcade/ https://hackclub.com/arcade/. In t
by zachlatta 2y ago
We shipped 10,000 packages of free hardware and other prizes to teenagers this summer as part of https://hackclub.com/arcade/ https://hackclub.com/arcade/. In total we shipped to 119 countries.
India and Bangladesh caused by far the most issues with customs. Packages got held up, and they often tried to charge duties of up to 70%. His concern is definitely real.
The best option is to buy an item within the country using a US card, or to buy an item using a local card and get reimbursed via PayPal from a US bank account.
- cr125rider 2y agoCustoms theft is basically the norm there, it’s very frustrating.
- sitkack 2y agoSeems like an easy problem to solve the criminals are at a fixed address and are in documented possession of the items.
- joseda-hg 2y agoAssuming already poignantly corrupt authorities have any reasons to police themselves, they also have a billion ways to stall, cover and act innocent "Oh noes, we've been so overwhelmed, I swear I was just about to approve this, woe is me", and it will probably be true (The first part at least), they just take advantage of it Also there's no clear chain of custody for stuff or incentive to have it, "Lost somewhere in customs" is about as precise as you usually get at the best of times
- sitkack 2y agoIn terms of 3rd world corruption, this one is easy to solve. But the fact that it isn't solved is what makes it a 3rd world country. You put pressure on the low level corruption so it moves higher up the chain. In well functioning capitalized countries, the corruption happens at the corporate banking level. You can't have a well functioning economy without the smooth movement of goods and services.
- woleium 2y agoi think we are supposed to call them developing nations these days.