International Shipping with Personal Guidance

As a DHL Authorized Shipping Center, The Mail Box helps you prepare your international shipment with packing assistance, shipping options, and guidance on customs documentation.

We’ll review your shipment’s contents, destination, and delivery needs so you understand the available options and potential complications before sending it. Delivery estimates are subject to customs clearance, destination requirements, and other factors outside our control.

What to Bring for a DHL Shipping Quote

Bring your items to The Mail Box, or contact us with:

• Destination: The country and postal code.

• Contents: A specific description of each item you’re sending.

• Value: The value of the items, including gifts.

• Package size: Dimensions and weight, if already packed. If you need packing assistance, bring the unpacked items.

• Timing: Your desired arrival date.

• Purpose: Whether you’re sending a gift, personal belongings, a sale, a return, or business materials.

Having this information helps us assess shipping options and identify questions about restrictions or customs paperwork.

Understanding Customs Duties and Taxes

Your shipping charge may not include the destination country’s import duties, taxes, or customs-related fees. These charges depend on the destination, contents, declared value, and applicable import rules.

The recipient may be asked to pay additional charges before delivery. Depending on the shipment, options for the sender to pay may also be available—ask us before shipping.

Gifts can still be subject to customs charges. Accurate descriptions and values help customs authorities assess a shipment, but do not guarantee clearance or prevent inspection. We’ll help you understand what information is needed and discuss potential issues before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can The Mail Box pack my international shipment?

Yes. Bring us your items, and we can help select appropriate packing materials and prepare them for shipping. Let us know about fragile, valuable, or unusual contents so we can discuss suitable options.

What information do I need to ship internationally?

Bring the recipient’s full name, complete delivery address, postal code, phone number, and email address if available. We’ll also need specific descriptions and values for the contents. Additional information or documentation may be required depending on the items and destination.

Who pays customs duties and taxes?

The recipient may be responsible for destination duties, taxes, and applicable fees unless a sender-paid arrangement is selected and available. Ask us about payment options before shipping, especially if you’re sending a gift or want to reduce unexpected costs for the recipient.

Can I drop off a package with a prepaid DHL label?

Call us before visiting to confirm whether we can accept your particular prepaid DHL shipment. Have the label or service details available so we can check the appropriate drop-off requirements.

Have a Question About DHL International Shipping?

Call 805-967-8037 for help with your shipment or a free quote, or visit The Mail Box at 5142 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111.

To check a shipment’s progress, visit our Tracking Page. You can also use our Contact Us form to send us your questions.