US to Mexico Shipping: Complete Guide
Rates, customs requirements, and carrier options for shipping to Mexico
How much does it cost to ship from US to Mexico?
US to Mexico shipping costs $12-$20 for packages under 1 lb, $20-$40 for 1-5 lb packages, and $40-$100+ for heavier items. As a neighbor country, Mexico offers faster, cheaper shipping than most international destinations. Delivery takes 3-10 business days. Mexico charges 16% IVA (VAT) plus customs duty on commercial imports over $50.
Compare Shipping Rates
Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | First-Class Intl (8 oz) | $12.50 | 7-14 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Priority Mail Intl (2 lb) | $35.50 | 6-10 days | |
| DHL | Express (2 lb) | $55.00 | 2-4 days | |
| UPS | Worldwide Expedited (5 lb) | $65.00 | 3-5 days | |
| FedEx | International Economy (5 lb) | $58.00 | 4-5 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
Mexican Customs and Import Taxes
Mexico's customs system has multiple components:
IVA (Value Added Tax): 16% on imported goods. Applied to product value + shipping + customs duty.
Customs Duty: Varies by product, typically 0-35%. Check Mexican tariff schedule (TIGIE) for specific rates.
De Minimis: Gifts under $50 and commercial goods under $117 may qualify for simplified entry with reduced or no duties.
RFC Requirement: Commercial importers need an RFC (tax ID). Personal packages don't require RFC but may need recipient CURP (ID number).
Border vs Interior Shipping
Mexican shipping has two distinct patterns:
Border Cities (Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, Matamoros): 3-5 day delivery common. Many US carriers have direct routes. Lower risk of delays.
Interior Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey): 5-10 days typical. Customs processing in Mexico City or at port of entry. More handling points.
For interior destinations, DHL and FedEx often outperform USPS due to better tracking and customs integration with Mexican logistics.
Carrier Comparison for US to Mexico
USPS: Cheapest option. First-Class Intl for items under 4 lbs. Delivered by Correos de México (Mexican postal service). Tracking ends at Mexican border for some services.
DHL: Strong presence in Mexico. 2-4 day delivery. Full tracking. Efficient customs. Worth premium for valuable items.
UPS: Excellent Mexico coverage. 3-5 day delivery. Clear customs process. Good for business shipments.
FedEx: Competitive Mexico rates. Strong in manufacturing regions. 4-5 day delivery.
Pro Tips to Save More
Use UPS/FedEx for interior Mexico
USPS tracking often ends at the border. UPS and FedEx provide tracking through Mexican delivery, important for valuable packages.
Include recipient CURP if possible
Mexican customs may request recipient's CURP (national ID). Including it on customs forms speeds clearance for personal shipments.
Stay under $50 for gifts
Gift shipments under $50 often clear customs without duties. Mark accurately as gift with appropriate value.
Ship valuable items with express carriers
USPS Mexico service has higher loss/theft rates than domestic. Use DHL/UPS/FedEx for items over $100 value.
Consider border pickup for border residents
Many border city residents use US PO boxes or package forwarding. Consider offering US delivery for Mexican customers near the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
- USPS First-Class International: 7-14 days. USPS Priority Mail International: 6-10 days. DHL Express: 2-4 days. Border cities receive packages faster than interior destinations.
- Commercial goods over $117 face 16% IVA plus customs duty (varies). Gifts under $50 may clear duty-free. Personal imports between $50-$117 have simplified entry with reduced fees.
- USPS First-Class International is cheapest for packages under 4 lbs ($12-25). For heavier items, compare USPS Priority Mail International with FedEx International Economy.
- Yes, but electronics may require LFCE certification for warranty service. Personal use electronics generally clear without issue. High-value electronics may attract duty of 10-25%.
- Common reasons: Missing/incorrect customs documentation, value over de minimis requiring duty payment, prohibited items, or random inspection. Contact carrier for status and required actions.
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.