Never use UPS

UPS South Africa has been one of the most frustrating courier experiences I’ve ever dealt with I was contacted to pay import tax on a shipment, but the communication was so unclear and unverified (no recognisable tracking linked to my order, non-working phone numbers) that it genuinely looked like a ****. Only after multiple follow-ups from UPS did I take the risk and pay — in good faith.

After I paid, they continued to request additional documents and fees (ID, inspection charges), which I provided. At no point was I warned that the parcel was at risk of being abandoned. Then suddenly — despite already having taken my money — they declared the shipment abandoned.

Now it gets worse: They are refusing to release my parcel unless I pay a further R5000, while also refusing to refund the R1600 tax I already paid.

So effectively:

They accepted my money

Didn’t deliver the parcel

Want even more money to release it

And won’t refund what I’ve already paid

Every time I ask for a proper explanation, I get the same vague response: “payment was late” — with zero accountability for their poor communication, broken contact channels, or the fact that they continued engaging with me after taking my money.

This isn’t just bad service — it feels completely unreasonable and deeply unfair.

I would strongly caution anyone using UPS South Africa, especially for international shipments. If something goes wrong, expect confusion, extra charges, and very little accountability.