USPS International Shipping Calculator
Enter your package details to see estimated costs and delivery times
Note: USPS may calculate dimensional weight for large, light packages (like boxes filled with pillows or clothing)
If you’ve ever tried sending a birthday card, a small package, or even a gift to someone overseas, you’ve probably wondered: Does the US Post Office do international shipping? The answer is yes-but not all international shipping is the same. USPS doesn’t just drop a box on a plane and call it done. There are rules, limits, costs, and delivery times that change depending on where you’re sending it and what you’re sending. If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable way to send things abroad, USPS is one of the most common choices for everyday people, small businesses, and online sellers. But it’s not always the best fit. Here’s what actually happens when you ship internationally with the US Post Office.
What International Services Does USPS Offer?
USPS doesn’t have one single international service. It offers several options, each designed for different needs. The three main ones are Priority Mail International, First-Class Package International Service, and Global Express Guaranteed.
Priority Mail International is the most popular. It’s fast, trackable, and works for packages up to 70 pounds. It delivers to more than 190 countries, and most packages arrive in 6-10 business days. You get free tracking and up to $100 in insurance included. If you’re shipping a small electronics gift, books, or clothing, this is usually the go-to choice.
First-Class Package International Service is the cheapest option, but it’s also the slowest and least reliable. It’s best for lightweight items under 4 pounds-think jewelry, documents, or small accessories. You get basic tracking, but delivery times can range from 7 to 20+ days, depending on the destination. Insurance isn’t included, so if the item gets lost or damaged, you’re out of luck unless you pay extra.
Global Express Guaranteed is the premium service. It’s fast, fully trackable, and comes with money-back guarantees. It delivers to over 180 countries in 1-3 business days. It’s more expensive, but it’s the only USPS service that offers customs clearance guarantees and is used by businesses shipping high-value items like medical devices or prototypes. This service can handle packages up to 70 pounds and includes up to $400 in insurance.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Internationally with USPS?
Costs vary by weight, size, destination, and service. There’s no flat rate for international shipping like there is for domestic Priority Mail. You can’t just pick a box and pay the same price everywhere.
For example, sending a 1-pound package to the UK via Priority Mail International costs about $30. The same package going to Brazil? Around $38. To Australia? $35. Compare that to First-Class Package International Service: the same 1-pound package to the UK is under $15. But remember-you get no insurance and slower delivery.
Global Express Guaranteed? A 1-pound package to Germany starts at $75. That’s expensive, but if you need it there tomorrow, it’s worth it. You can check exact prices on the USPS website using their online calculator. Just enter the destination, weight, and dimensions, and it gives you all the options with prices and delivery estimates.
One thing to watch out for: dimensional weight. If your package is large but light-like a box filled with pillows or clothing-USPS may charge you based on the space it takes up, not just the weight. That can surprise people who think they’re saving money by using a big box.
What Can’t You Ship Internationally?
Not everything can leave the US. USPS has strict rules on what’s allowed. Some items are banned outright. Others need special paperwork or can only go to certain countries.
You can’t ship: alcohol, tobacco, firearms, live animals, certain medications, perishable food, flammable items like aerosols or batteries (unless they’re built into a device), and some plants or seeds. Even things like nail polish or perfume are restricted because they’re considered hazardous.
Some countries have their own bans. For example, Brazil doesn’t allow any cosmetics without a health permit. Australia blocks most food items. Canada restricts certain types of electronics. Always check the destination country’s customs rules before you ship.
If you’re unsure, use the USPS online tool called “What Can I Ship?” Just type in your item, and it tells you whether it’s allowed, what restrictions apply, and which service you can use.
How Long Does International Shipping Take?
Delivery times aren’t guaranteed with most USPS services. Priority Mail International says 6-10 business days, but that’s an estimate. Some packages arrive in 4 days. Others take 3 weeks. Delays happen at customs, during holidays, or because of local postal strikes.
Global Express Guaranteed is the only service with a delivery guarantee. If your package doesn’t arrive by the promised date, USPS refunds the shipping cost. That’s why companies use it for urgent shipments.
First-Class Package International Service doesn’t have a guaranteed timeline at all. Packages to Europe might arrive in 10 days. To Southeast Asia? Could be 20 or more. And tracking updates often stop once the package leaves the US. That’s frustrating if you’re waiting for something important.
If you’re shipping for a birthday, holiday, or business deadline, always allow extra time. Don’t assume it’ll arrive on time just because you used USPS.
How Does Customs Work with USPS?
Every international package goes through customs. That’s not optional. USPS handles the paperwork for you, but you still have to fill out a customs form. For Priority Mail and First-Class, you’ll use a CN22 form. For Global Express, you’ll use a CN23 form.
These forms ask for: what’s inside, the value of each item, the reason for shipping (gift, merchandise, sample, etc.), and the recipient’s full address. If you leave this blank or write “gift” for everything, your package might get stuck or even returned.
Customs officials look at the value to decide if duties or taxes apply. If you declare a $500 camera as $10, you’re risking fines or confiscation. If you declare a $10 gift as $500, the recipient might pay extra fees they didn’t expect.
Best practice: list each item separately, give accurate descriptions (not “gift” or “parts”), and state the real value. If you’re unsure, write “personal use” or “commercial sample” depending on what it is.
Is USPS the Best Option for International Shipping?
USPS is great for small, low-value items. It’s affordable, easy to use, and widely available. You can drop off packages at any post office or schedule a free pickup. It’s perfect for sending a sweater to your cousin in Poland or a USB drive to a client in Japan.
But if you’re shipping high-value goods, heavy items, or need guaranteed delivery, other carriers might be better. DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer faster delivery, better tracking, and more reliable customs handling. They also provide door-to-door pickup and delivery without requiring the recipient to visit a local post office.
For example, if you run a small e-commerce store selling handmade jewelry, USPS might work for occasional orders. But if you’re shipping 50+ packages a week, you’ll save money and time by using a commercial carrier with volume discounts and integrated tracking systems.
USPS also doesn’t offer returns to the sender easily. If the package is refused or undeliverable, you’ll have to pay extra to get it back. Other carriers include return labels in their service.
How to Ship with USPS: A Simple Step-by-Step
- Choose your service: Priority Mail International for speed and insurance, First-Class for cheap and light, Global Express for urgent high-value items.
- Measure and weigh your package. Use a scale and ruler-don’t guess.
- Go to usps.com and use the online calculator to get prices and print labels.
- Fill out the customs form accurately. List every item, its value, and purpose.
- Print your shipping label and customs form. Tape the customs form to the outside of the package.
- Drop off at a post office or schedule a free pickup.
- Save your tracking number. Share it with the recipient.
Pro tip: Use USPS’s Click-N-Ship service. It lets you pay online, print labels, and schedule pickups-all from your computer. No waiting in line.
What Happens If Your Package Gets Lost or Delayed?
If you used Priority Mail International or Global Express Guaranteed, you’re covered. You can file a claim if your package doesn’t arrive within the expected time. For Priority Mail, you can claim up to $100 for lost or damaged items. For Global Express, up to $400.
First-Class Package International Service? No insurance. No claim. If it’s lost, you’re out the money and the item.
Claims take 10-15 business days to process. You’ll need the tracking number, proof of value (receipts or invoices), and a copy of the customs form. Don’t wait too long-claims must be filed within 60 days of mailing.
Delays are common. If your package hasn’t moved in 2 weeks, check the tracking. If it shows “held at customs,” the recipient may need to pay duties or provide documents. If it’s stuck at a sorting center, contact USPS customer service with your tracking number.
Real-World Examples
Emma, a college student in Ohio, sent a care package to her sister studying in Spain. She used Priority Mail International with a 1-pound box of snacks, books, and socks. It cost $28 and arrived in 8 days. Her sister had to pay a small customs fee of €4-Emma didn’t know that would happen.
Mark runs a small Etsy store selling handmade candles. He ships 15 packages a month to Canada and the UK. He switched from First-Class to Priority Mail after three packages got lost. Now he pays $22 per package, gets tracking, and has insurance. His customer complaints dropped by 70%.
Dr. Lee needed to send a medical device to a research lab in Germany. The device cost $2,000 and was fragile. She used Global Express Guaranteed. It cost $110, arrived in 2 days, and came with full tracking and insurance. The lab received it intact and on time.
Final Thoughts
Yes, the US Post Office does international shipping-and it’s one of the most accessible options for most people. But it’s not perfect. If you’re shipping something valuable, time-sensitive, or heavy, consider other carriers. If you’re sending a small gift or document, USPS is usually fine. The key is knowing which service to pick, how to fill out the forms, and what to expect.
Don’t assume all international shipping is the same. Don’t guess the weight. Don’t write “gift” on everything. And always check the destination country’s rules. Do that, and you’ll avoid most of the headaches that come with sending things overseas.
Does the US Post Office deliver to all countries?
USPS ships to more than 190 countries, but not every service works everywhere. Priority Mail International and Global Express Guaranteed reach most countries. First-Class Package International Service has more restrictions-some countries don’t accept it at all. Always check the USPS website for destination-specific rules before you ship.
Can I ship electronics internationally with USPS?
Yes, but with limits. Electronics like phones, tablets, and cameras can be shipped using Priority Mail International or Global Express Guaranteed. Batteries must be installed in the device-loose batteries are not allowed. You must declare the item accurately and avoid labeling it as a "gift" if it’s for sale. Some countries have stricter rules on electronics, so check the destination’s customs policies.
Is USPS cheaper than FedEx or DHL for international shipping?
For lightweight packages under 4 pounds, USPS is almost always cheaper than FedEx or DHL. For heavier items or urgent deliveries, FedEx and DHL often offer better value because they include faster delivery, better tracking, and customs clearance support. If you’re shipping 10+ packages a month, commercial carriers usually offer discounts you can’t get with USPS.
Do I need to pay customs fees when receiving a USPS international package?
Yes, sometimes. Customs fees (duties and taxes) are charged by the recipient’s country, not USPS. The amount depends on the item’s value, type, and the destination country’s rules. For example, the UK charges VAT on items over £135. Canada charges GST on items over CAD $20. The recipient usually pays these fees when the package arrives. You can’t avoid them by declaring a lower value-customs officials can verify the actual price.
How do I track an international USPS package?
All USPS international services offer tracking, but the level varies. Priority Mail International and Global Express Guaranteed provide full tracking updates, even overseas. First-Class Package International Service gives limited tracking-usually only within the US. Once the package leaves the US, updates may stop until it reaches the destination country’s postal system. Use the tracking number on usps.com or the destination country’s postal site.
