US to Australia Shipping: Complete Guide
Rates, customs, and biosecurity requirements for shipping to Australia
How much does it cost to ship from US to Australia?
US to Australia shipping costs $18-$30 for packages under 1 lb, $35-$60 for 1-5 lb packages, and $60-$200+ for heavier items. Delivery takes 7-15 business days via standard service or 4-7 days express. Australia charges 10% GST on goods over AUD $1,000. Strict biosecurity rules apply - no food, plant, or animal products without permits.
Compare Shipping Rates
Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | First-Class Intl (8 oz) | $18.50 | 11-20 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Priority Mail Intl (2 lb) | $52.50 | 6-10 days | |
| DHL | Express (2 lb) | $85.00 | 4-5 days | |
| UPS | Worldwide Expedited (5 lb) | $120.00 | 4-7 days | |
| FedEx | International Economy (5 lb) | $95.00 | 5-6 days |
First-Class Intl (8 oz)
Priority Mail Intl (2 lb)
Express (2 lb)
Worldwide Expedited (5 lb)
International Economy (5 lb)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
Get Your Shipping Rate
Compare rates from multiple carriers and save up to 54% on shipping costs
Get Rate
Australian Customs and GST
Australia has relatively simple customs rules with one major exception - strict biosecurity:
GST (Goods and Services Tax): 10% on imported goods valued over AUD $1,000 (~$650 USD). Below this threshold, no GST or duty for most items.
Customs Duty: Varies by product, typically 0-10%. Applied to goods over AUD $1,000.
Low Value Threshold: Australia's AUD $1,000 threshold is generous compared to other countries, making most personal shipments duty-free.
Australian Biosecurity - Critical Requirements
Australia has the world's strictest biosecurity laws. Prohibited items will be seized and destroyed:
Prohibited: Food, seeds, plants, soil, wooden items (untreated), animal products, biological materials.
Declaration Required: All organic materials must be declared. Failure to declare can result in fines up to AUD $420,000.
Inspection: Many packages are X-rayed. Suspicious items are opened and inspected.
When in doubt, don't ship it. Australian biosecurity is not negotiable.
Carrier Comparison for US to Australia
USPS: Most affordable option. First-Class Intl for items under 4 lbs. Priority Mail Intl for larger packages. Delivered by Australia Post.
DHL Express: Fastest option at 4-5 days. Excellent tracking. Handles customs efficiently. Premium pricing justified for urgent shipments.
UPS/FedEx: 4-7 day express services. Good for business shipments. Economy options available but still pricey.
Tip: Due to distance, express services are often worth the premium - ground delays to Australia can be significant.
Pro Tips to Save More
Avoid all food and plant items
Australian biosecurity is extremely strict. Don't ship any food, seeds, wooden items, or plant products. Packages are X-rayed and violations result in seizure and fines.
Use DHL for urgent packages
DHL has the most consistent US to Australia service. Their 4-5 day delivery is reliable. USPS can take 2-3 weeks during peak periods.
Stay under AUD $1,000 when possible
Packages under AUD $1,000 (~$650 USD) are duty and GST free. Split larger orders if feasible to avoid 10% GST.
Include phone number on customs form
Australian customs may call for clarification. Include recipient's phone number to prevent delays.
Allow extra time for delivery
Australia is far (9,000+ miles) and customs processing adds time. Allow 2-3 weeks for standard shipping to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- USPS First-Class International: 11-20 days. USPS Priority Mail International: 6-10 days. DHL/UPS/FedEx Express: 4-7 days. Add 1-3 days for customs clearance.
- For goods under AUD $1,000 (~$650 USD), no GST or duty applies. Above this threshold, 10% GST plus potential customs duty (0-10%) applies. Gifts follow the same rules.
- Generally no. Australia has extremely strict biosecurity laws. Most food items are prohibited. Commercially packaged candy may be allowed but must be declared. Check Australian BICON database for specific items.
- USPS First-Class International is cheapest for packages under 4 lbs ($18-40). For heavier items, compare USPS Priority Mail International with economy services from DHL eCommerce or APC Postal.
- Australia is approximately 9,500 miles from the US, making it one of the farthest international destinations. Fuel costs, limited direct flights, and lower shipping volume contribute to higher rates.
Partnered with Leading Shipping Companies
We work with all major carriers to bring you the best rates and service options.
Fast, reliable overnight and ground shipping
Available Services:
Comprehensive shipping solutions worldwide
Available Services:
Affordable shipping to every address in the US
Available Services:
Leading international shipping and logistics
Available Services:
Real-Time Rates
Live pricing from all carriers updated continuously for accuracy.
Volume Discounts
The more you ship, the more you save with our tiered pricing.
Customer Support
24/7 support to help with all your shipping questions and needs.
Related Shipping Guides
Popular Shipping Calculators
Hear from Our Customers
Join thousands of satisfied customers who are saving money and time with ShipWave.
Sarah Johnson
Saved $2,400Handmade Crafts Co.
"ShipWave has saved us thousands on shipping costs. The interface is so easy to use, and the savings are incredible. Highly recommend!"
Mike Chen
Saved $5,600Tech Gadgets Store
"As an e-commerce business, shipping costs were killing our margins. ShipWave changed everything - we now save 45% on every shipment."
Lisa Rodriguez
Saved $1,800Boutique Fashion
"The rate comparison feature is amazing. I can see all options at once and choose what works best for each customer. Game changer!"
David Thompson
Saved $8,200Home Goods Direct
"Customer service is outstanding and the platform never goes down. We process hundreds of labels weekly without any issues."
Ready to Save on Shipping?
Compare rates from all major carriers and save up to 54% on your next shipment.
Free to use. No account required.