International parcel - EMS or DHL?

[bar1]

Hi,
I bumped a few old threads with regards to this but I thought let me open a new thread.
I am not new to buying online but I often try to stick to banggood (with tax free shipping), or aramex global, or even SAPO if it's an item I don't mind waiting for.

I purchased an item online and the shop gave me an option EMS or DHL, Item value $30.

What is EMS exactly?
is this normal SAPO shipping? I was hoping not to wait too long for this one.
with DHL I have mixed results.....I once had to pay 50-60% more of the value of the parcel in handling fees and taxes/duties.
Also, regardless of their handling fee (I think its R300?).I always find "DHL duties" to be more then
"SAPO Duties" not even sure how this is possible.

so my question is....who are EMS?is it different then normal SAPO?
what kind of fees can I expect on a $30 parcel with DHL?maybe i will ask them to classify as a toy.

 

[ToxicBunny]

EMS is SAPO basically, so you'll either get your parcel in 13 years, or of course never see it.

EMS South Africa | EMS

www.ems.post

 

[bar1]

EMS is SAPO basically, so you'll either get your parcel in 13 years, or of course never see it.

EMS South Africa | EMS

www.ems.post

I don't think I ever lost an SAPO parcel , but 1 of them took 1 year! lol

 

[neoprema]

DHL all the way no matter the cost. or just don't buy it lol. Cause with EMS its the same as if you never bought it, except you lost the money.

 

[Jola]

EMS is SAPO basically, so you'll either get your parcel in 13 years, or of course never see it.

EMS South Africa | EMS

www.ems.post

Yes, I have had a few EMS parcels stolen.

And even if you do get it, it can take ages.

 

[bar1]

DHL all the way no matter the cost. or just don't buy it lol. Cause with EMS its the same as if you never bought it, except you lost the money.

Not sure I fully agree with that statement.
If you pay with paypal you will get your money back.

I

 

[neoprema]

Not sure I fully agree with that statement.
If you pay with paypal you will get your money back.

I

If the Merchant can prove they shipped it successfully, and you didn't choose an insurance option - they can ask Paypal to re-attach the amount. Since they did deliver their side.

 

[bar1]

If the Merchant can prove they shipped it successfully, and you didn't choose an insurance option - they can ask Paypal to re-attach the amount. Since they did deliver their side.

This is getting a bit off topic, but I never get insurance.
Paypal always refund me if I don't get my item.

Anyways I think let me ask them to DHL it and hope i'll get a bonus this year

 

[bar1]

R424 for a 30$ parcel, Disbursement R200.00

High , but still ok.