Will I have to pay taxes on my shipped items?

Yes, usually. The courier will often pay the customs duties on your behalf and then invoice you for those charges plus an administrative fee upon delivery.

Can I ship items home in my carry-on instead?

If it fits and you aren't over your airline's weight limit, yes. This is always cheaper than shipping, but check the destination country's liquid and restricted item rules first.

What happens if my package is lost?

If you use a private courier like DHL or FedEx, you have a better chance of insurance recovery. Always purchase extra 'Declared Value' insurance if the items are worth more than $100.

Shipping your international purchases home

Ship items directly from the boutique or use a reputable international courier like DHL or FedEx rather than the local postal service. Always declare the full value on customs forms to ensure your shipment is not seized or held indefinitely at the border.

Check the retailer's shipping policy. Ask the shop if they use a professional service like DHL. If they do, they handle the packaging and customs documentation for you, which is the safest route.
Avoid local national postal services. Avoid using the local government post office. While cheaper, they are notorious for losing packages, having no tracking updates, and failing to clear customs in your home country.
Prepare your documentation. Take a photo of the receipt and the packing list. Ensure you have the sender's details and the recipient's full address, phone number, and email. Customs will use the contact info if they need to clear the package.
Package with extreme protection. Use double-walled cardboard boxes and at least 3 inches of bubble wrap around every side of your item. If you can shake the box and hear movement, add more padding.
Track the shipment. Always get a tracking number. Monitor the shipment on the courier's website to see if it hits a 'customs hold' status, which may require you to pay duties online to release it.

Will I have to pay taxes on my shipped items?: Yes, usually. The courier will often pay the customs duties on your behalf and then invoice you for those charges plus an administrative fee upon delivery.
Can I ship items home in my carry-on instead?: If it fits and you aren't over your airline's weight limit, yes. This is always cheaper than shipping, but check the destination country's liquid and restricted item rules first.
What happens if my package is lost?: If you use a private courier like DHL or FedEx, you have a better chance of insurance recovery. Always purchase extra 'Declared Value' insurance if the items are worth more than $100.