Advice needed: Shipping to Iraq

[d_day]

So, some time within the next week, I'm planning on sending a package of 20 or so cigars to an APO in Iraq. This is the first time I'm shipping anything like that and want to know if you guys have any tips or tricks to help the sticks survive the long trip.

[Hawk6815]

US Post Office Flat Rate boxes is the best for shipping costs. As for the sticks, they should be fine in a zip lock bag wrapped in bubble wrap or what have you.

My Cigarbid and CI purchases in Iraq always came that way with no problems at all.

Will

edit...(Shipping will be about 8-10 days to most locations)

[mander153]

From what I've been told, it's only taking ~5 days from the APO to the field (per a BOTL who was fairly recently deployed). That said, worrywart that I am, I included a water pillow in the last package I shipped.

[Scud]

Send a lot...they like that

I've sent to quite a few APOs and the cigars are usually received within about 8-10 days from date shipped. I always include a water pillow, just in case.

[hotreds]

You'll have to fill out a customs form. Good idea not to mention "cigars" therein.

[Scud]

Originally Posted by hotreds

You'll have to fill out a customs form. Good idea not to mention "cigars" therein.

I've never had a problem. The cigars are going to an APO, and then onto a different base, not to a foreign country.

[d_day]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll pick up some water pillows today and hopefully have a package out by Friday.

[d_day]

Originally Posted by Scud

Send a lot...they like that

His wife just sent him a 50 count humi last week. She sent along enough sticks to fill it about half way. I'm trying to fill it the rest of the way. Though, he will be sharing it with his underlings, so it may be empty by the time my stuff gets to him.

[Cigar Hound]

The last few times I've sent cigars to my brother in Iraq (several deployments), I've always included a couple of Boveda humi-packs just in case, plus he can use them for storage after they arrive. I put them in ziplock bags with the Bovedas and bubble wrap everything, then put them in a bigger box and fill with packing peanuts. Never had a problem with them being damaged or dried out when they arrive.