How to send gifts overseas: Shipping and fees

The world is more interconnected than ever, which has made sending gifts internationally a common practice. If you have friends or family who live abroad, you’ve likely found yourself searching “how to send gift internationally” at some point.

While sending presents abroad is a great way of letting your loved ones know you’re thinking about them, the process can be a bit complex. The good news is there are plenty of resources out there to make shipping internationally a little easier, including this detailed guide.

What gifts can you send abroad?

Selecting the perfect gift for your friend or relative overseas means being aware of international shipping regulations and restrictions.

With that in mind, here are some commonly sent gift items you can ship to most places:

• Clothing and accessories: Items like scarves, hats, and jewelry are lightweight and often non-fragile

• Books and stationery: Books and stationery are easy to package and rarely face import restrictions

• Toys and games: These simple items are acceptable in most places as long as they don’t contain any prohibited materials

• Non-perishable food items: Chocolates, candies, and packaged snacks are popular choices for sending abroad

Sending gift cards internationally is also catching on, as it’s a much easier option than shipping a physical gift. Many gift card providers allow buyers to purchase a digital card and send the recipient a link via email.

This process is quick and easy — you just need to make sure the card is in the appropriate currency or can be converted.

International shipping restrictions

When sending presents abroad, you must be mindful of international shipping restrictions. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has 3 different limitation categories for mailed goods: “Prohibited,” “HAZMAT,” and “Restricted”.¹

Prohibited items are completely forbidden. HAZMAT materials, which are also known as dangerous goods (DG), can be classified as restricted or prohibited. Lithium batteries are an example of a restricted HAZMAT item.

The USPS also has a list of internationally prohibited items that can’t be shipped from the US to any other nation, which includes the following¹:

• Aerosols
• Airbags
• Alcoholic drinks
• Ammunition
• Cigarettes or tobacco products
• Dry ice
• Explosives
• Fuel
• CBD or hemp-based products
• Cannabis
• Mercury or mercury-containing items, such as thermometers
• Nail polish
• Alcohol-containing perfumes
• Poison

The USPS also has a list of internationally restricted items, which includes¹:

• Cigars
• Cremated remains
• Firearms
• Glues
• Live animals
• Matches
• Prescription and non-prescription drugs
• Paint
• Perishable goods

Just because the item you want to ship isn’t on one of these lists doesn’t mean the destination country allows it — these lists simply outline the items the USPS prohibits or restricts.

How much does it cost to ship a gift internationally?

Several factors influence the cost of sending a gift to someone who lives abroad, including the following:

• Destination country: Shipping rates vary based on the distance to the destination and the receiving nation’s import policies
• Package weight and dimensions: Carriers often use dimensional weight pricing, which calculates cost based on the size and weight of the package
• Shipping speed and service level: Expediting shipping services are more expensive
• Additional services: Adding insurance or tracking increases your total shipping costs

Sending gifts internationally can become quite costly, especially if you’re shipping a large, heavy, or unusually shaped item.

Fortunately, there are several straightforward pricing options, such as USPS Priority Mail International, which ships to 180 countries.³

The USPS allows you to ship by weight or by using a free Flat Rate box or envelope. Here’s a look at these options³:

Both the weight-based and Flat Rate options include free tracking and up to 100 USD of insurance for documents and 200 USD for merchandise.³

How to send gifts overseas: Step by step

When it comes to shipping internationally, there are a few main options available:

Sending gifts online

Sending gifts online is one of the simplest ways to get packages to the intended recipient. Many global retailers offer e-gift cards that you can email directly to recipients.

This approach eliminates the hassle of international shipping and allows your friend or loved one to choose their preferred products.

Online retailers like Amazon can also ship products directly to your recipient’s address if they service that country. They’ll handle the logistics and customs procedures, meaning all you have to do is provide the address.

If you want to send a gift with a personal touch, you’ll need to find a specialty gift service provider that delivers curated or hand-crafted items. In this case, it may be best to find a gift delivery provider that operates in the destination country rather than asking a domestic company to deal with the complexities of cross-border delivery.

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Sending international packages

If you want to send a physical gift, it’s important to choose a carrier that can accommodate your delivery and get the package there on time.

Generally speaking, the USPS tends to be the cheapest option and is quite reliable. However, if you want expedited shipping or need to send an item that exceeds the USPS’s weight or dimension restrictions, you may want to go with FedEx, UPS, or DHL.

Here’s a quick look at these 4 service providers so you can see how they stack up:

Once you choose a carrier, it’s time to get your package ready to ship.

Use a sturdy box and appropriate cushioning material to protect the gift during transit. Remember, it’s about to travel thousands of miles, so it needs to be able to hold up to repeated handling and stacking.

Write the recipient’s address in the correct format for the destination country. Follow the shipping company’s guidelines, and include your return address.

Most importantly, make sure you complete all required customs documentation to avoid delays. Provide detailed descriptions and appropriate valuations of the enclosed items.

Do I need a customs invoice if sending a gift internationally?

Most international shipments require a customs invoice, even for gifts. This document provides customs authorities with information about the package’s contents and values, which aids in the assessment of duties and taxes.

If you’re shipping to the EU, you’ll need to use acceptable item descriptions.⁷ For example, you can’t simply write “clothes” on a package that contains clothing items. Instead, you must use specific descriptors, such as “men’s shirts.”

As you can see, sending gifts overseas can be complicated. As such, you should always research the specific regulations of the destination country and choose a reliable shipping method. Doing so will help ensure that the gift is delivered to your friend or loved one in a timely manner.

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Sources:

1. USPS - International Shipping Restrictions
2. USPS - Index of Countries
3. USPS - Priority Mail International
4. FedEx - International Shipping
5. UPS - International Shipping Services
6. DHL - International Shipping Services
7. USPS - US Customs Forms