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Customs in many African countries open the package, then charge the people to pick it up. I have had this as an ongoing problem with a long time friend in Ghana. If the customs people decide they want it for themselves, they just charge the intended recipient more than they can afford to pick it up, then the customs people keep it for themselves. Its just ridiculous! I now send everything with a missionary that my friend knows, who travels twice a year . That way, it actually gets there without her having to pay a month's pay to pick it up. Don't bother to send cash in the mail, it will never make it through their customs.
Safer does not mean safe. I'd like to send a smart phone to a friend in Africa. Anything I've sent by postal sevice was stolen, letters ans USB key.............