International Shipping Calculator
Compare rates from every major carrier for shipments to 220+ countries. Get accurate costs including estimated duties and taxes before you ship.
How do I calculate international shipping costs?
Enter your package dimensions, weight, origin, and destination country in our calculator. We instantly compare rates from USPS, DHL, FedEx, and UPS, showing delivery times and estimated duties/taxes. International shipping typically costs $15-150+ depending on weight, speed, and destination region.
Compare Shipping Rates
Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | First-Class Package International | $15.50 | 7-21 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Priority Mail International | $42.75 | 6-10 days | |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | $67.40 | 2-4 days | Fastest |
| FedEx | International Economy | $58.90 | 4-6 days | |
| UPS | Worldwide Expedited | $72.15 | 3-5 days |
First-Class Package International
Priority Mail International
Express Worldwide
International Economy
Worldwide Expedited
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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How International Shipping Rates Are Calculated
International shipping rates depend on multiple factors that our calculator processes instantly:
- Dimensional weight vs actual weight - Carriers charge the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight (L×W×H÷139 for international). A 2 lb pillow in a large box might be charged as 8 lbs dimensional.
- Destination zone - Countries are grouped into pricing zones. Canada/Mexico are typically cheapest, followed by Europe, then Asia-Pacific, with remote regions costing most.
- Service level - Express (2-4 days) costs 3-5x more than economy (2-4 weeks). Choose based on urgency and value of goods.
- Customs and duties - While shipping cost is fixed, your recipient may owe duties and taxes. Our calculator estimates these based on declared value and product category.
Understanding Duties, Taxes, and De Minimis Thresholds
Beyond shipping costs, international recipients often pay import duties and taxes. Each country sets a "de minimis" threshold below which no duties apply:
- United States - $800 de minimis (very high, most personal imports duty-free)
- Canada - $20 CAD (very low, most packages incur duties)
- UK - £135 (goods under this may avoid duties but not VAT)
- EU countries - €150 for duties, €0 for VAT (VAT on everything since 2021)
- Australia - $1,000 AUD (relatively high threshold)
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping options let you prepay these charges, avoiding surprise fees for your recipient and improving delivery experience.
Carrier Comparison for International Shipping
Each carrier has strengths for different international shipping needs:
- USPS - Best for packages under 4 lbs to most countries. First-Class International is unbeatable for small, lightweight items. No fuel surcharges. Limited tracking in some countries.
- DHL - Global leader in international express. Best tracking and customs expertise. Ideal for time-sensitive commercial shipments. Higher cost justified for valuable goods.
- FedEx International - Strong to Americas and Asia-Pacific. Good balance of speed and cost. Excellent for business shipments with broker services included.
- UPS Worldwide - Reliable to Europe and major markets. UPS Worldwide Saver offers good value for express. Strong B2B capabilities.
Pro Tips to Save More
Always use dimensional weight
Calculate dimensional weight (L×W×H÷139 cubic inches) and compare to actual weight. Carriers charge whichever is greater, so use the smallest box possible.
Consider DDP for valuable items
Delivered Duty Paid means you prepay customs charges. Your recipient avoids surprise fees and customs delays. Worth the extra cost for e-commerce.
Check prohibited items by country
Every country restricts different items. Electronics to some countries, food to others, certain fabrics, etc. Research before shipping to avoid seizure.
Get commercial invoices right
Accurate HS codes, declared values, and item descriptions speed customs clearance. Undervaluing triggers audits and delays.
Use USPS for lightweight items
USPS First-Class Package International (up to 4 lbs) is often 50-70% cheaper than courier alternatives for small packages.
Compare transit times carefully
A $50 express shipment arriving in 3 days vs $20 economy in 3 weeks—factor in the value of time and customer expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Our calculator provides real-time rates from carrier APIs, so shipping costs are accurate to within a few dollars. Duty and tax estimates are based on general product categories and may vary based on actual HS code classification and customs interpretation.
- International shipping costs include air/ocean freight, fuel surcharges (often 15-25% extra), customs processing, destination delivery networks, and higher insurance requirements. Distance, speed, and destination infrastructure all affect pricing.
- For packages under 4 lbs: USPS First-Class Package International ($15-30). For 4-20 lbs: USPS Priority Mail International Flat Rate or regional carriers. Over 20 lbs: Ocean freight or consolidated shipping services. Allow more time for economy options.
- Yes, all international shipments require customs documentation. USPS uses PS Form 2976 (CN22) for items under $400 and PS Form 2976-A (CN23) for higher values. Commercial carriers provide electronic customs documentation during label creation.
- Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS): 2-5 business days. USPS Priority Mail International: 6-10 business days. USPS First-Class International: 7-21 business days. Economy/surface mail: 4-8 weeks. Add time for customs clearance.
- Customs may hold packages for inspection, missing documentation, or duty payment. The recipient is typically notified and must pay any duties or provide documentation. Properly declared shipments with accurate values clear fastest.
- Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer full door-to-door tracking. USPS Priority Mail International has tracking to most countries. USPS First-Class tracking often stops at US departure—destination postal services vary in scan coverage.
- Universally prohibited: hazardous materials, weapons, live animals, currency. Country-specific restrictions vary widely—some ban electronics, food, used clothing, medications, or political materials. Always check destination country rules.
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Related Shipping Guides
Stop overpaying for international delivery. We reveal the actual cheapest carriers, services, and strategies for shipping worldwide—often 50-70% less than standard rates.
Customs Forms for International Shipping: Complete GuideMaster international shipping paperwork. We explain every customs form—CN22, CN23, commercial invoices—with examples and tips to clear customs fast.
Import Duties and Taxes: What Your International Shipment Will CostBeyond shipping costs, international recipients often pay import duties and taxes. Learn how they're calculated, when they apply, and how to minimize surprise fees.
Cheapest Shipping to Europe from the USShipping to Europe doesn't have to break the bank. We compare every carrier and service to find the lowest rates to UK, Germany, France, and all EU countries.
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