How to Send a Package Abroad – 2025 Guide

Why sending a package abroad is confusing—and how to simplify it

We often wonder how to send a package abroad, and the process frequently raises questions: which service to choose, how much it will cost, which documents are needed, and how to ensure the package arrives safely and on time. Many senders are surprised by additional customs fees or delays caused by incomplete documentation.

The good news is that all these obstacles can be avoided with a little preparation. This guide provides practical advice—from choosing a carrier and packaging to customs rules, tracking, and insurance—to make the process simple, fast, and free of unpleasant surprises.

1. Choosing a carrier: postal service or courier companies

The first step is to decide whether to use the national postal service or one of the courier companies such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, or DPD.

• The postal service is often the most affordable option for smaller and lighter packages, especially within the EU. The downside is longer delivery times and limited tracking.
• Courier services offer faster delivery, detailed tracking, and reliable support, but they are more expensive. Their big advantage is that packages usually arrive on time and with greater security.

If you are sending documents or small gifts within the EU, the postal service is usually sufficient. If you are sending valuable goods to the USA, Canada, or Australia, a courier is recommended.

2. Packaging: safety first

Packaging is crucial because poorly packed parcels often end up damaged, and insurance does not apply in that case.

Here are some basic rules:

• use a sturdy box of appropriate size,
• fill empty spaces with protective material (e.g., bubble wrap, paper),
• seal the box with strong tape in an H pattern,
• clearly write the sender’s and recipient’s addresses on the box, and place the same information inside the package in case the label gets damaged.

3. Price and delivery times

The price depends on:

• the weight and dimensions of the package,
  
  
• chosen service (economy or express),
• destination country,
• additional services (insurance, tracking, delivery to remote areas).

It is important to know that courier companies often calculate the price based on volumetric weight (calculated from the package dimensions) rather than actual weight. Therefore, it is recommended to use a box that matches the size of the shipment.

As for delivery times:

• outside the EU, economy delivery takes 7–15 days, express 2–5 days (depending on customs clearance),
  
  
• within the EU, economy delivery takes 3–7 days, express 1–3 days,
  
  

4. Customs: what you need to know

Shipping within the EU is simple because there are no customs duties or additional fees (except for certain types of goods, such as alcohol or tobacco).

For shipping outside the EU, you must prepare a customs declaration stating:

• what is being sent,
  
  
• quantity and value,
  
  
• purpose (sale, gift, sample),
  
  
• sender and recipient details.

If you are sending goods, a commercial invoice is often required. Customs may charge additional fees depending on the value and type of goods, so inform the recipient in advance that there may be an extra cost.

5. Prohibited and restricted items

Always check what is not allowed to be sent before shipping. Prohibited items include, for example:

• explosives, flammable liquids,
  
  
• certain batteries,
  
  
• illegal medicines,
  
  
• animals
  
• perishable food.

Some countries have specific restrictions, so inquire before shipping. A list of prohibited items is available on the websites of each postal service and courier company.

6. Tracking and insurance

Today almost every carrier offers the option to track a package. It’s best to share the tracking number with the recipient so they can follow the shipment as well.

Insurance is especially recommended for valuable packages because it covers loss or damage. Make sure the item is packed according to the rules; otherwise, the insurance may deny coverage.

7. Sending packages to and from Croatia

Given the large number of inquiries about sending packages to Croatia, here is a brief overview:

• Within the EU: no customs, the package arrives quickly and easily.
• Outside the EU: the package goes through customs in Croatia. The recipient pays VAT and any applicable customs duties. It is recommended to always provide accurate information about the value and contents.

If you are sending a package from Croatia to third countries, be sure to include a completed declaration form (CN22 or CN23).

8. Most common sender mistakes

• Incorrect dimensions and weight → additional charges.
  
  
• Generic content description (“gift,” “things”) → customs may hold the package.
• No recipient contact → the courier cannot deliver.
  
  
• Poor packaging → package damage.
  
  
• Sending prohibited items → return or destruction of the shipment.

9. Quick checklist before sending

• measure dimensions and weight,
  
  
• check what is allowed to send,
  
  
• complete declarations and invoices (if required),
  
  
• pack and label the package properly,
• decide if the insurance if needed,
• inform the recipient about possible additional costs.

FAQ – Most common user questions

Conclusion

Sending a package abroad can be simple if you know the rules and prepare in advance. The most important things are:

• choose the right carrier,
  
  
• pack properly,
  
  
• complete the documentation,
  
  
• check customs regulations.

This way you will avoid unexpected costs and ensure that the package arrives quickly and safely.

If you frequently send shipments or are unsure how to optimize the process, you can always seek support from experts or platforms that connect freight forwarders and carriers, making the entire process even easier.