FedEx Delivers, Sort Of

Sending boxes from USA to Dubai via FedEx worked out pretty well--they delivered to my front door--but it took two more days than expected to clear customs and I unexpectedly had to pay duty (about $50). Without thinking about it I had stated a value of $500. The FedEx guy tells me that if I label it personal effects with a value below $300, it's duty free. Not sure if it avoids customs though--they probably still check no matter what you declare, you would think.

I'm told Dubai has retained its own customs separate from Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE--vestige of being separate countries, lucrative operation, may explain some of the questionable activities you hear rumors of here. I also hear that Dubai does a booming billion-dollar business in the sale of duty free items at the airport, which many arriving passengers take advantage of, especially for the purchase of alcohol.