What is usually inside a balikbayan box?

Often balikbayan boxes contain: Canned goods. Sweets, treats and chocolates.

What is inside balikbayan box items?

What items are not allowed in balikbayan box?

What is the standard balikbayan box?

The balikbayan boxes come in three standard sizes: Medium: 18 by 16 by 18 inches (46 cm × 41 cm × 46 cm) Large: 18 by 18 by 24 inches (46 cm × 46 cm × 61 cm) Extra large: 24 by 18 by 24 inches (61 cm × 46 cm × 61 cm)

Can I put cell phone in balikbayan box?

It is strongly advisable not to send any cell phones (mobile phones), laptops, gadgets and other electronic devices in the Balikbayan box. This is mainly due to the batteries of these items.

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What items are not allowed in cargo?

Do customs check balikbayan box?

Laws for sending a balikbayan box

According to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), for your balikbayan box to be tax or duty-free, you must be a Qualified Filipino and the total value of the items you send throughout the year should be less than Php 150,000. Anything in excess is subject to duty, VAT and excise tax.

How long will it take to send balikbayan box to Philippines from USA?

The shipping of the Balikbayan boxes usually takes around 8 to 12 weeks depending on the season.

How long does it take for balikbayan box to arrive from USA?

How many days does it take to receive balikbayan box? It depends on the shipping agency you have chosen and the type you used (sea or air), however, the least is about a month from the US. However, it will take 2-3 days for customs handling and additional time if you are in provincial areas.

How long does balikbayan box take to deliver?

Metro Manila 2-3 days, Other Luzon 4-5 days, Visayas region 7-10 days, Mindanao and other islands 15-17 days.

What do Filipinos put in balikbayan box?

Typically, Filipino immigrants send cash, household goods such as toothpaste, tea bags, magazines, toiletries, candy, toys, used clothes, and special-request gifts. Over the years, balikbayan box shipping by cargo to the Philippines has become a cottage industry estimated to generate $5 billion in the U.S. alone.

Can you put perfume in balikbayan box?

Canned goods, chocolates, toothpaste, bar soaps, bottles of lotion, clothes, purses, perfume, makeup, towels, toys, and anything else that is non-perishable are the usual contents of a balikbayan box.

What can I put in my balikbayan box Philippines?

A balikbayan box typically contains a hodgepodge of things we call pasalubong, ranging from consumables, to apparel and beauty products, to small gadgets and some cash carefully inserted in other items – hoping against hope that they won't be found by people other than the recipients.

What is not allowed in sea cargo?

There are also restrictions on items that are shipped by sea in an international move. Individual customers are not allowed to ship flammable items, weapons, drugs, pharmaceutical products, and cleaning products. Other items that are not allowed include perfumes, drinks, plants, and live animals.

Can you put chocolate in balikbayan box?

Chocolate can be in the boxes but pack them separately, the heat can melt chocolate on the road if not properly protected. A good tip is to pack them individually in Styrofoam with tape around it or just newspaper is also a good protection. Never do straps or similar around the boxes.

What are the privileges of a balikbayan?

The program allows visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year for foreign passport holders, with the exception of restricted nationals.

How much does it cost to send balikbayan box from USA to Philippines?

Current rates per Large Box, picked up at your door and shipped to: Metro Manila – $110. Luzon – $110. Visayas – $110.

How many days can a balikbayan stay in the Philippines?

Visitors who are admitted as balikbayan are given an initial stay of one (1) year. Their stay may be extended for an additional one (1), two (2) or six (6) months at the Visa Extension Section of a Bureau of immigration office.

Is there a weight limit for balikbayan box?

In accordance to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter VI specifications on the Gross Mass Weight Requirement of Containers, Atlas Shippers East (ASE) needs to implement a weight of around 130 - 150 lbs. maximum for each balikbayan box.

Do I have to pay customs for package from USA to Philippines?

Duties & taxes when shipping to Philippines from the US

Additionally, you will also need to pay customs duty on imports to the Philippines. This is calculated as a percentage of the import's cost, insurance, and freight.

What is the cheapest way to ship from US to Philippines?

How many days parcel from USA to Philippines?

Express: 2 to 4 business days. Economy: 5 to 10 business days.

Do packages get opened in customs?

Do customs open every package to verify information? No, customs officers will not open up your package or packages without good reason. Every package is put through a scanner machine, or an x-ray machine, to verify that the items you are shipping match your customs forms.

What does customs look for in packages?

The US Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, is tasked with screening all of them. They're looking for anything that isn't legally allowed in the US; certain foods, animals, drugs, and counterfeit goods.

What can you not ship to the Philippines?