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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Sometimes you can mail books really cheap, although they will not arrive instantly. Books normally are exempt from customs duties so that having them accompany you isn't an issue. I haven't done this in a while, so check the specific rules for the countries involved. The cheapest shipping method for heavy stuff like books is literally by ship, taking from several weeks to several months.
Sounds like grad school or a postdoc in the US?