US Traders...

First, know that shipping to Canada is not expensive. Typically the cost is around $2.00 for a game, CD or DVD by Air Mail.

Get your package ready to send. Package the item neatly and secure as insurance is available, but expensive. A bubble wrap mailer will work real well.

Address your package. A typical address will look like this:

Adam Schwarzenegger
Box 715
Indian River, Ontario
M4T 2T1
Canada

You will need to take your item to the post office to be mailed. Once there, you will need to fill out a customs form. This is form can be found in the lobby or you may need to ask the postal clerk for one.

USPS Customs Form

On this form, you will need to fill out a couple sections. On the right hand side (the white side) you will need to fill out the reciever's address and your address and sign the form. On the left hand side (the green side) you will need to declare the item and value. In this section, describe the item, DVD, Game, or CD will work. List the value of the item.

Now this is very important! When listing the value, many swappers recommend that you value it at $15 or less. The reason is, if it is listed at a higher value, the receiver in Canada will have to pay a customs tax. This can be very expensive and does not save this user any money. Each swapper must decide what value they wish to place on their shipment. Remember to discuss this with your swapping partner BEFORE shipping.

Last, you will need to mark what the purpose of the package is. Many swappers mark the package as a gift. Again, this is up to you and your swapping partner, so make sure to discuss it with them before shipping.

Once this form is completed, you can mail your package. Use Air Mail. It can take up to 14 days to arrive, but is inexpensive, around $2.00.

Bigger items, like consoles can also be shipped to Canada. Users should use Global Express Mail. It takes 3-5 days to ship, but has tracking and standard $100 insurance. You can purchase additional insurance which is recommended. Shipping should be in the $20 - $25 range.

Remember to be patient when shipping or receiving from Canada.

Canadian Traders...

Most of the above holds true to shipping from Canada to the US. Typical game costs $2.50 CDN to send to the US.

Canadian traders will also have to fill out a customs form. It is similar to the US form. Filling out the form is also similar. You may want to discuss the value of your item with your swapping partner (the lower the better), as well as determine if you would like to mark it as a gift. Delivery time for these items is about 10 - 14 business days.

Canadian traders can save themselves worry and trouble by pursuing delivery confirmation for any larger packages headed to the US. Systems or larger bundles of games shipped Stateside via Expedited Mail. Expedited mail provides a Delivery Confirmation # and includes $100 worth of insurance. More insurance can be purchased for $0.50 per extra $100 requested.

Shipping rates begin at about $11 CDN for these packages.

It is strongly recommended that anyone using this method of shipment (any insured package going over the border) consider using replacement value as the value of the item. American traders do not have to worry about customs charges. Use this to your advantage and insure your package properly.

Delivery time for these expedited packages is 10 - 15 business days.

Good Luck and happy trading!