I did a search for “aircraft” in my photos library which came up with this - not quite the commercial craft I was expecting - but C’est La Vie looks great :-)
We often get asked how much import duties and taxes might cost when ordering a Smart Doll. Since this varies depending on your country and the courier, we asked the community to share their recent experiences to give a more grounded idea of what to expect. The feedback below is based on replies from our community on Twitter.
From what folks have shared, most customers using DHL are currently seeing charges in the region of about $80 to $100 USD for typical orders such as a barebones kit or a doll with a small number of accessories. The exact amount varies, but this range comes up consistently across multiple reports.
A few customers mentioned that they weren’t charged anything. However, in many of these cases, the shipment had only just arrived or they were still waiting to see if a bill would follow. With some couriers - especially FedEx - duties can be invoiced after delivery, sometimes by mail or a separate invoice. So while it’s possible to not be charged, it’s safer to assume that a bill may still come later.
In terms of the process itself, DHL is generally described as straightforward. Customers typically receive an email or text message before delivery with a payment link, allowing them to settle the charges in advance. Once paid, delivery tends to proceed without issues.
FedEx experiences appear a bit less predictable. Some customers reported not receiving a charge immediately, while others are still waiting for a bill. This can make it harder to know the final cost upfront, especially if you’re trying to budget before ordering.
To help avoid delays and confusion, we now require customers selecting FedEx to provide a valid FedEx account number. Import duties, taxes, and any related fees will be billed directly to that account by FedEx. If you choose this option, please make sure your account is active and able to receive these charges.
Taking all of this into account, a reasonable expectation for many regions is that import duties will likely fall somewhere around $80 to $100 USD for a typical order. This isn’t a fixed rule - you may pay less or more depending on your country’s import regulations, the value of your order, and how the shipment is processed locally.
Import duties are not something we control, and they are determined by your country’s customs authority. Couriers may also add processing or handling fees on top of the duties themselves.
If you prefer a smoother and more predictable experience, many customers lean toward DHL due to the ability to pay before delivery. If you’re okay with some uncertainty around timing, FedEx can still be an option, but requires a valid account for billing.
As always, we recommend factoring in potential duties when placing your order so there are no surprises later.
