1) Send all media items via "m-bag" (at post office) - slower, but MUCH cheaper
2) Write in red pen and/or write a religious quote or the word "official" on the outside of boxes and letters. For some reason, these items are tampered with less
3) On your customs form, ALWAYS say the items are used (especially books or clothes) or are of religious nature. This lessons the tax I pay on this side
4) We get Newsweek through PC, and I have secured a regular source for the New Yorker