[Roritharr]

That's why these services are usually provided by "expat services agencies" that do these things intransparently to your knowledge.

[mcculley]

Other common terms are “broker” or “agent”. I pay the agent. He deals with the local bureaucracy. He knows what things should cost.

[samstave]

AKA; ...'eeeeyyyyy, IgottaGuy..."

[mcculley]

In my experience, they are more professional. I engage with a firm who offers "customs brokerage" and "agent" services. They take care of any local payments necessary. I get a proper invoice that I pay with a wire transfer.

[samstave]

Yooz nedda'h gotta'h guy.. den, huz?

[brnt]

It's amazing how based on the label, people are fooled.

At least people in Vietnam don't kid themselves and call a bribe a bribe.