In the last few months I have shipped perhaps 100 cameras and lenses to every continent, and not a single one has been lost.
Yep. I had that one package take a long time, but have not had any other problems shipping via USPS, anywhere. This includes the notorious countries like Brazil, Italy, Russian Federation.
I won't share all of my shipping techniques here, but if anyone is interested, send me a PM.
Shipping internationally takes no more time for most people than
Shipping domestically. From time to time I grab a handful of customs forms at the post office so I can fill them out at home rather than while waiting in line.
No forms for me, I just do it online, or via Endicia. It's trivially simple. No waiting in lines at all.