Received from Mindelo on 18th July 2012

I followed Philip Stewart’s recommendations to receive a package in Las Palmas.

Unfortunately, MBE does not accept packages anymore.

The best way is to ask the shipping company to deliver the package to the yacht harbor (Puerto deportivo). But you must previously go to the customs office and ask for a NIF (fiscal number for residents) or register your passport (nonresidents).

Duty: It varies. The implementation of the rules depends on the local background. I received (with an agent) a new mast in Lanzarote without paying any taxes and the package in Las Palmas cost me 5% local VAT (IGIC).

Report originally posted 2nd December 2011

UPS delivers to the Canary Islands. Their service is fast and reliable into Gran Canaria. The following process will circumvent the problems and delays that I encountered in receiving our package.

Use the address for Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE). The Las Palmas marina will give you their address, but they will NOT sign for any packages. MBE’s address is:

• Your Name

* Boat Name

* C/. Leon y Castillo 82 bajo No. 3

* 35003 Las Palmas

* Canary Islands

Once you have placed your order and you get the tracking number, go to Mail Boxes Etc. They will send a copy of your boat papers and passport to both the Madrid and the Canary Island customs. Be sure to have “Yacht in Transit” prominently displayed on the package as well as access to a list of the contents.

Track the progress of the package and go to Mail Boxes Etc. to pick it up.

There will be a small agent charge that can be paid at MBE.

Philip Stewart

(Editor’s note: DHL has been recommended as a company that delivers well to the marina and tend to be prompt and reliable. Cruisers advise it’s best to avoid using TNT. The ARC rally organizers advise that in general, if what you are shipping is small, light and not hugely valuable, you are better off posting it directly to the marina with the wording “yacht in transit”. If it’s not, use a Customs Agents, but check with them first that this is possible before using their address on any shipment.)