So I call one of these Island shipping places and pick up a barrel at my local airport (either SD, LAX, or DTW) and pack it full of stuff that I may need - now, being a natural skeptic, I am filling a barrel full of clothes, food, and other creature comforts and sending it to a 3rd world country where the average monthly income is sub $500.00USD, will I ever see this stuff again? Will I lose certain articles inside? Do these barrels have a secure lid? I am just envisioning picking up my barrel in Jan and finding an empty barrel with a few pairs of my green Under-Roos hanging off the side and a tariff bill.
Thoughts / experiences?

I haven't heard of anyone getting anything stolen or taken out of the barrels. They (Dominican customs) basically will rummage through the top to make sure your packing list matches the contents of the barrel. Try to pack the more expensive stuff near the bottom if possible. Then you will reduce the amount of customs you pay. The barrels don't get opened until they arrive in Dominica. If you secure housing before, then you can have your barrels place in your home before you arrive.

Can we buy kitchen ware from students graduating that semester? Does anyone want to get rid of their kitchen stuff mid August?

Hi folks,
Just a quick question about barrel: what if the barrel reaches there before I do? I am planning to visit another country for about 4 weeks before I hit the rock, and am planning to ship out my barrel right before I leave for my 4 week tour. But am just concerned because I believe that it would reach there before I do and get lost or discarded?!?

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If you aint got it in your genes, sweat it out.

They won't misplace it is you dont' get there is time. They will charge you a holding fee for each week it sits there (NOT a large fee...If I remember correctly somewhere around $8 US a week). If oyu are shipping with Laparkan I can give you the ph # down there as that is the shipping company used by Island Thrift. If you are going with tropical, I do not deal with them so I am not sure what their fees or phone # is in Dominica.

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Well a lot of apartments come ready with a lot of basic kitchen supplies. There will be fliers around campus of students selling mostly books since the last class is usually gone by then. If theres something you didnt bring you can find it at james store. They have everything-plates, utensils- just beware that the quality wont be as great. Hope this helps

IF you have a place before you land on the rock, you can ask one of the drivers to pick up the barrel and place it directly in your home. Upon arrival on the island, the driver will give you a receipt of how much the customs charged and his fee. If you need names and numbers of reliable people, PM me and I can get those for you.

WE did this and it was awesome to have all our stuff on the day we arrived.

I take it back. Recently people have noticed things (food items) being taken. Make sure you pack the top of the barrel with things you're willing to part with.

As an overall suggestion, don't pack too much.

I came here with only two 35lbs suitcases full of stuff, and only received a 27lbs package 3 weeks later. Some people bought $1,000 worth of books, and haven't even opened them yet.

Most necessities can be purchased here...

~ RossClassifieds.com

Actually, I think everyone should back as much as they can -- especially food. Don't pack books - just buy them on the island used. Bring someone so that you can get extra luggage for yourself. Pack one suitcase of clothes. The rest should be FOOD.