Email
November 11
I don’t know if my story is newsworthy but I have a feeling it might be. In early September I sent my friend in La Zenia a pair of electric guitar pickups and a guitar pick up template for his birthday.
He is building guitars and training to be a Luthier. The value of the package approx £200. I explained all this at the post office and the package was sent.
He heard nothing for almost two months and when after tracking the package told him it was being held in customs he contacted Correos. He was then told he had to pay a fee of €89.
After paying the fee he then had to send the receipts which I forwarded. He has now been asked to provide the credit card statements or bank account details to show the money came out of my account.
He still hasn’t received the package. If I wasn’t directly involved in this I wouldn’t believe it.
I have a property and car in La Zenia and have always paid my NRT and Suma etc. Since buying my property in Orihuela Costa I have also purchased two new cars and invested in updating and changing my property.
I have invested a considerable amount of time and money into this area of Spain. I have contacted the British Consul in Alicante but said they can’t do anything. I think the Spanish people are welcoming friendly and very patient. Thank you for your time
Gary Wimbush
I realise that my issue with Spanish customs pales into insignificance compared to your experience. But I felt it worthwhile to share my experience.
My Granddaughter helped my great grandson produce a Halloween picture to send to us in Spain. It was a simple childish picture on an A4 sheet to paper. He produced 2, one for his Grandma who also lives close to me and one for us, his Great Grandma and Great Granddad. They were posted using Uk tracked system and cost £8 to send. It was of no value, other than as a keepsake for us of his first picture.
I was aghast when the postman called and apologetically asked us to pay €5.03 for the letter. I was disgusted and almost refused to receive the letter. But as I knew it was from my Great Grandson, I accepted it with bad grace and paid my money.
I have since told my friends and relatives not to post anything to us in Spain. I am disgusted by this and wish I knew where to complain.
A sorry state of affairs bought on us by Brexit!.