Sending gifts home from far off locations can be a real nightmare for expats. So, what’s the best way to get presents to friends and family at Christmas?  HSBC Bank International has looked at some ways to make sending christmas gifts home a little simpler at this busy time.

To help celebrate the Christmas season the Bank is also giving expats a chance to win £1000 of gift vouchers for Amazon.com to keep the giving going in 2009. Readers can enter the prize draw by visiting the Christmas Prize Draw and detailing their experiences of a Christmas abroad. No purchase is necessary and the lucky winner will be randomly chosen on 30 January 2009.

A few top tips for avoiding shopping nightmares this festive season:

• Give a gift that is unique – getting something that can only be bought abroad can make those back home feel extra special
• Use online shopping websites - great bargains can be found and sites will deliver to most addresses
• Christmas hampers are another great gift to help get loved ones back home into the festive spirit.  Some supermarket or department stores include the cost of delivery in their hamper prices.
• Buy top-ups or credit for online communication tools, or discount phone cards.  Not only are these great presents but they also allows you to stay in touch throughout the year.
• Call in favours from friends back home by asking them to buy gifts for you. This also ensures that presents will be delivered.  Money can be paid directly into their bank accounts.  Many banks such as HSBC Bank International offer international money transfers.
• Purchase gift vouchers for local department stores –family and friends can then choose what they want at the stores they know and trust
• Flowers, which can  be arranged through  international or local florists who also  usually deliver the finished bouquet
• Remember to send postal items via special delivery or by courier so they don’t get lost
  Don’t forget to wrap up well! Breakages can occur easily, especially on long flights.   Use plenty of bubble wrap or padding. Select online stores will ensure that gifts are properly wrapped upon request.
• Post items well in advance of Christmas, at least a month beforehand, to avoid the disappointment of gifts arriving late

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