But I've heard just the opposite.  I used to send 
large sums ($600+) regularly to Japan and smaller 
sums to Hong Kong (which is notorious for losing 
mail).  I used to spend a lot on registered mail 
and the like until a couple of experienced fellows 
gave me this advice:

"Send it cheap and basic.  Use a plain envelope 
with regular airmail postage.  Crooks in other 
countries LOOK for fancy, registered mail, because 
that obviously has the most valuable stuff in it!"

:-(
I know that just confuses things.  But since I've 
taken their advice, I've saved money and I haven't 
lost a payment yet.  (*crosses fingers*)  Yes, you 
get added security with those other types of 
postage, but the risk is higher, too.  Just 
something to keep in mind.

JP