We are moving to Bribane on 8th November and having our things shipped.

Both our Kids have Birthdays just before we leave the UK and then the Grandparents and Family want to buy the Xmas pressies before we ship our goods so that we can send them in the container.

I realise that they won't be able to wrap them as the shippers and the customs will have to know whats in the parcels. Will we have to pay Tax on these things?

Helen

In theory, yes. In practice, no.
Though it does depend exactly what the items are. But clothes, toys etc that are new shouldn't be a problem for you.

Will that be Christmas 2004?

I sincerely hope for your sake you don't have the same problems that so many of us have had waiting for your container to arrive (12 weeks in my case).

Christmas morning won't be the same when the kids ask "where are out presents?" and you have to tell them "Tilbury"

Yep, good point Renth, my stuff left Tilbury mid November last year, didn't clear Customs in Bris till February.

Hi Nige,

We have also just done that !, we fly 15th Nov but we sent our good last friday with PSS (fantastic co), so they should arrive same time as we do. We bought pressies and packed them away in the boxes, the packing list merely says box of toys, of which there are loads ! so should be ok, didn't fancy xmas shopping while we are trying to find a house to rent and then unpack

Dave & Jenny