This information is complements of Anna McCrerey, part of the Peer Support Network in Swaziland. We got this information from her blog at http://www.themagickingdom.blogspot.com.
Here is some important information for sending packages, which we would love to receive:
1. Packages can be sent to :
Lewis and Desiree' Hoffman
P.O. Box 1614
Nhlangano
Swaziland
AFRICA
2. Padded envelopes are a must (unless you love us and want to spend money on us). Boxes tend to cost a lot and have a higher theft rate.
3. Print my address as neatly as possible and in all uppercase letters (use red ink!). Most importantly, please spell out SWAZILAND as carefully as possible (think kindergarden teacher writing on the chalkboard). I would hate for my package and your kind gesture to end up in Switzerland!
4. On the same subject, please put AFRICA underneath SWAZILAND. Generally putting the continent underneath the country is not necessary for global mail, but most other mail isn't going to the smallest country in the southern hemisphere.
5. On the backside in smaller handwriting feel free to include a message "religious materials," as well as your favorite bible verse. Southern Africa is both religious and supersticious and does not like to mess with God.
6. Every package needs to have a green customs sticker (free from the post office) in which you list the contents. Please be very very vague on this. Do not EVER list clothing (#1 most stolen item). Lying is okay, too! Just make it unappealing for any and all would-be-thieves.
Here is a breakdown of the costs:
Postcards or Aerogrammes (special stationary that fold into their own envelopes -- available at the post office) -- $.70
Airmail (letters or packages under 1 pound) roughly $.80 per ounce -- 2-4 weeks delivery time.
Surface/Economy Postage (big packages over 1 pound) roughly $.25 per ounce -- 2-4 months delivery time
