For context, I often purchase some of my stuff online when it’s cheaper relative to local vendors; Which led me to buy a new backpack from Bellroy recently. Note that I have made multiple purchases from them in the past. The item I purchased was worth $299USD, plus DHL shipping of $19USD totaling to $318USD which is roughly 18,100PHP assuming the exchange rate of 57PHP at the time of purchase. I was expecting to pay roughly 2,000-2,500PHP in duties based on my previous experience… Sadly I am being billed for 7,218PHP or $126USD, which is roughly 40% the total shipped item.
Not only do I have to pay this farce of a toll for a backpack, I also have to pay DHL again for fees and mote Value Added (fucking) Tax.
I have only myself to blame, thinking I can have nice things in the Philippines at a fair price.This is not the first time I had to pay (in my opinion) an exorbitant amount of tax relative to the transaction value; Be it in properties or goods and services. This just feels more poignant now and I feel I’ve reached a turning point.
I hope this informs other people who plan to make international purchases and shipped directly to the Philippines.May my loss be your gain.