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PROBLEMS SHIPPING MEDICINE

IN a previous discussion i talked about my medicine being held up in customs in Panama and that I had to get copies of prescriptions and receipts to show that the drugs were for me and were necessary. it took 3 weeks to get my medicines. I was desperate so I went to another shipping company because AIRBOX was the company that said that customs was doing this with everyone and every company. I found out it was not true and had a shipment sent from my pharmacy in NY to E-SHOP who had it here in 4 days. They charged me $7.50. About a week later, Airbox delivered my medicines after 3 weeks of being held up. They charged me $33+.

THAT WAS THEN

i ORDERED A SHIPMENT OF MEDICINE ON 2/11/15 AND SPECIFICALLY TOLD THE PHARMACY TO SHIP VIA E-SHOP. THE SHIPPING DEPARTMENT GOOFED AND SHIPPED THROUGH AIRBOX..
when I thought my medicine should be in the Airbox office. I received an email from the DROGO department of customs in Panama that I had to fill out a form stating that these were needed drugs for personal use. I delivered to Airbox. they forwarded but also told me I needed an invoice stating what drugs were in the box. I did that.
At that time I called the pharmacy in NY and reprimanded them for shipping because of the tieup, and they shipped another pkg via E SHOP around Feb 19. I received it Feb 25. The cost as $8.56 for a 1.6lb pkg. I felt relieved and was no longer worried when the Airbox pkg would show up. I received and email on Wed that the package was in and i picked it up Thursday March 5. over 3 weeks later than when shipped.
THE WORST PART WAS THAT I WAS CHARGED $43.08. $12.07 for shipping, $2.17 for combustible ????, $2.00 for (seguro), $10.00 for customs broker, and $15 for Farmacia y Drogos. They even through in another charge of $1.84 for ITBMS whatever that is.

Here is my question. Do you think I should use AIRBOX again, or am I over reacting?? Just joking, I think I know my answer. I love E-SHOP. Thankyou Karinthia.

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Replies

  • Hi Robert, we have found that E-SHOP get stuff thru' without all the aggravation from customs. We use them as well as one other mailing service, that seemed to get EVERY package opened, so depending on what we are shipping we will use one or the other mailing service. By the way, our other choice is not AIRBOX. 

    • robert now lives in colombia. but I too use Eshop with no problems.

    • Thanks, Catherine.

  • Just a question (I think I'm asking in the correct string; sorry if not):  Has anyone else recently experienced a new Panamanian government "delay" on prescription medicines?  Since we moved to Boquete in 2011, I've been receiving prescription pharmaceuticals (none, to the best of my knowledge, "dangerous" though I suppose even sugar and salt might be considered dangerous to some) sent by the US VA in St. Petersburg, in FL, to MBE's parcel address in Miami, without a problem.  I've read of others' experiences and speculated that for some reason Panamanian Customs wasn't concerned with VA-sourced medicines.  Now I've received the following message from MBE in Boquete:

    "PACKAGE AT CUSTOMS IN PANAMA CITY
    Mail Boxes Etc Boquete
    app-icon.png
    Dear _____


    There is a package for you at Customs in Panama City. The description is 
    ___ with tracking number ___ and it was sent by OUTPATIENT BAY PINES.

    We will appreciate if you send to us by e-mail a copy of the commercial invoice or the order confirmation and a copy of your passport or Panamanian ID. In case you already sent it or left a copy of the ID at the store, do not include it.

     

    If the item that you are expecting is a Medication, a Prescription of the medicine by a Panamanian doctor will be required, otherwise the Health Dept. will not give us the approval to release it from Customs.

     

    Kindly Regards,

     

    MAIL BOXES ETC. - Boquete

    TEL. 011 (507) 720-2684 / 1019  |  Ave. Central, Edif. Don Andrés. Local # 2 Boquete, Chiriquí, Panamá"

    I'm not trying to pick a fight with Panamanian Customs or MBE, complain, etc., just trying to find out if things have changed, and that my string of good luck has been interrupted or run out.

    Thanks for any insights, suggestions, etc., anyone can provide.

    Mike Traynor




    • Use the WeCare Pharmacy in David. They handle VA meds. Call J.R. He is a VA----VSO. WeCare eliminates customs I do believe.

      775-7042 J.R.

      • Hil, Thank you.  I am a vet (3 years active) but have no service-relateds, and am not, I believe, Tri-Care eligible, but am on roles at Bay Pines in St. Petersburg, FL, and receive very good care there in annual visits.  Will contact WeCare.  Thanks again.  Mike

        • You do not need to be Disabled for some benefits here in Panama. You can use Tri-Care in Panama "if you have it." JR has a multitude of answers and benefits for vets here in Panama. Good luck.

          Hil

  • What is E-Shop?

  • yes, that was a small bow to Keith! 

    Still, I'm curious. 

  • I'm sure my friend could.  It would of course be in Spanish. 

    I didn't bother to ask because I have known this person for about 15 years and trust her implicitly (her business is mostly NOT such products, and her husband is a physician.  They have been unable to import even lifesaving medications in some instances apparently).  Jenny Vergara, the National  Director for Pharmacy and Drugs is apparently the authority in the country, and I suppose we could write her directly to confirm or refute.  But at this juncture I agree with not (further) rocking the boat and jeopardizing other carriers.  I doubt ANY carrier would put up the barriers Airbox has if they didn't have reason to believe they were being lawful.  Unless they "don't want our stinkin' business!"...

    I would feel differently if we expats had any ability to influence the laws. 

    Not being adversarial here, but do you have some proof that medications and supplements for personal use or medications with an invoice or bill and a (copy of) the prescription IS allowed?  Or is that just the supposition because so many of us have been able to personally import such things (and some in amazing quantities!) for personal use? 

    You know (I think you do) that I am no fan of bureaucracy, but a very strong devotee to personal liberty in health matters... I also strongly believe  in political advocacy, if you have the means/right to become involved and care to try to influence the powers that be for public good.   Here, I don't believe most of us do. 

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