Mailing Instructions.

If anyone is sending letters and/or packages to Elder Dean, here are some mailing instructions from the mission home.  He could use all the love, encouragement, and treats from his home country that he can get!

The best mailing address is:  
 
Elder Dean
Colombia Cali Mission
Avenida 2 Oeste #10-130  Oficina 201
Edificio Tempo
Barrio Santa Rita
Cali, Valle, COLOMBIA
 
If you ship a package with a private courier, you will need this phone number 57 2-892-1709
This is the mission office address. You may mail letters and packages to this address.
 
To mail a letter of normal size and weight it costs 98 cents to mail it here.
 
You can use the church pouch mail for letters at the following address:
 
Elder Dean
Colombia Cali Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City, UT  84130-0150
 
Pouch Mail Instructions:  To prevent possible fines, only postcards and letters that are single sheet, folded into three-panels, and taped at the top only (no envelopes) may be sent through the pouch.  Packages cannot be sent through pouch mail.
 
I think using US Mail is less expensive and just fine...I would NOT use their priority shipping as it seems to be more expensive.
 
Here are some hints we have learned about the mail system to/from Colombia:
 
It is better to send things in padded envelopes rather than boxes.  
If the packages weigh less than 2 kilos (about 4 lbs) they usually arrive without the missionary having to pay a fee to get it out of customs.
You should declare ANY package at a value LESS than about $20 to also avoid paying a customs fee.
Most letters and packages are taking about 14 or 15 days to arrive.
 
Our missionaries have to PAY ON TOP of what you have paid to ship...just to receive the package... IF it is too heavy or worth a lot.  It is better to send 2 envelopes than to pay a lot and send a big box.
 
Mail leaving Colombia for the USA is VERY VERY expensive.

Once a package arrives in the office it can take up to a month to get it out to the missionary as we have to wait until we can get it to the zone leaders at a conference or take it when we are traveling.  
 
If you want to send something for Christmas, plan accordingly for the time it might take and mark the package FOR CHRISTMAS.

Please remember that many of his companions will be Latins who may never hear from home or receive packages...if you want to include a little something for the companion it is always a kind gesture.