Sending a Balikbayan Box to the Philippines: Companies, Sizes, and Prices

There is a large Filipino population living and working around the world. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), millions of Filipinos are employed overseas as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). If permanent migrants and long-term residents abroad are included, the global Filipino population is estimated to exceed 10 million people.

This large overseas community helps explain why millions of balikbayan boxes arrive in the Philippines every year. These boxes have become a common way for Filipinos abroad to send gifts, household goods, and other items to their families back home.

So what exactly are balikbayan boxes and why are they so popular among Filipinos overseas? This article covers the key details about balikbayan boxes and how to send them to the Philippines. We’ll go through what items you can send, how the process works, and some of the issues that can occasionally happen during shipping. But before diving into the specifics, here is some background information on balikbayan boxes.

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What is a Balikbayan Box?

When translated, the compound word “balik-bayan” means a return to the country. Balikbayan boxes came into fruition due to the large number of Filipinos working and living abroad who still want to keep in touch with their loved ones in the Philippines. To do that, they send boxes home from the country they are currently deployed in. 

Family is extremely important in Filipino culture and Filipinos get to show this particular family-loving trait through sending balikbayan boxes. 

Balikbayan boxes are kind of Pandora’s box, but a good one. These boxes are used by Filipinos overseas to send goods to their families, like clothes, toys, appliances, gadgets, and even non-perishable groceries! 

Rules for Sending a Balikbayan Box

Anyone is free to send balikbayan boxes. However, only qualified Filipinos may avail of tax and duty-free privileges. According to the Bureau of Customs, three categories may qualify:

• Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs;
• Filipinos who have temporary visas like Student Visa or Temporary Worker Visa;
• And Filipinos with dual citizenship who live abroad.

If you are (or know someone who is) in any of these three categories, then you have the ultimate freedom to send up to three tax-free balikbayan boxes per year to the Philippines! Your package/s can be received by anyone — family or friend — but they should be related to you to avail of the tax exemption. 

However, if you do not qualify for any of the three, you can ask your Filipino partner or friends to send them on your behalf. 

Documents Required

Here is a list of paperwork you need to prepare when sending a balikbayan box to the Philippines: 

• A copy of their Philippine passport

• If they have dual citizenship, a copy of the Oath of Allegiance

• Information or Declaration sheet from the Bureau of Customs — this is very important, so make sure to download and fill it out! It will be required by your chosen cargo company

• Receipt/s of the valuable item/s inside the box

Now that you know who is eligible to send a balikbayan box to the country, you also need to know what you can and cannot send. 

What is Not Allowed in a Balikbayan Box?

You can send anything as long as it is within bounds of the law. You need to remember these three classifications of items: hassle-free items, regulated import products, and restricted imports. The following information came from the Bureau of Customs, so you should keep it in mind for smooth shipping.

Hassle-Free Items 

These are items that can be brought or sent to the Philippines without clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These are allowed only for personal use and must stay within the quantity limits set by Philippine authorities:

• Childcare articles must not exceed 5kg
• Toys must not exceed 10 pieces
• Perfumes should be 5 bottles or fewer
• Lipsticks have a maximum of 10 pieces
• Shampoo must not exceed 2kg
• Lotion must not exceed 2kg
• Bar soap must not exceed 2kg
• Assorted cosmetics must be 1kg or less
• Household hazardous products (such as detergent or dishwashing liquid) must not exceed 5kg in total
• Vitamins and health supplements must be 500g or less in total
• Processed food can be brought in up to 10kg
• Liquor or wine is limited to 2 bottles, and each bottle must not exceed 1.5 liters

These limits apply to items brought in personal baggage, balikbayan boxes, or parcels shipped to the Philippines. Quantities exceeding these limits may require FDA clearance and could be seized by customs.

Regulated Import Products

Here are the products that you can put in your balikbayan box and send to the Philippines. However, they could be subject to Customs inspection because they are regulated, as follows:

• Cosmetics – Regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

• Jewelry – Regulated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)

• Lamps and similar products – Regulated by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS)

• Optical disk writers/drives, hard disk drives, DVD/CD recorder, duplicators – Regulated by the Optical Media Board (OMB)

• Lighters for cigars and cigarettes – Regulated by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS)

Restricted Imports

These are things that you should not include in your balikbayan boxes. The Bureau of Customs is extremely strict when it comes to illegal materials that come in balikbayan boxes such as:

• Drugs and narcotics like marijuana, opium, heroin, coca leaves, and more

• Gunpowder, dynamite, firearms, explosives, ammunition, and related things as well as parts thereof

• Gambling devices and machines used for the distribution of money, cigars, cigarettes, and related products

• Roulette wheels, gambling outfits, marked cards, and loaded dice

• Lottery and sweepstakes tickets

• Opium pipes and their parts regardless of material

• Everything that is restricted from being imported

Being aware of what  you can and cannot send helps you avoid sending restricted goods that can result in heavy fines and even criminal charges.

What are the Other Conditions?

Back in 2017, the Bureau of Customs implemented a new policy made to particularly address the illegal importation of goods in the country. This new policy requires the declaration of brand new, valuable items included in the box, complete with a receipt. Less valuable things like used items and groceries do not need receipts but should also be included in the declaration form. 

You do not have to worry about the new policy because it does not affect your ability to send a BBB to the Philippines. However, you should take note of the total worth of the items included in your balikbayan box. 

If the content of your box is worth ₱10,000 and below, then it will be classified as De Minimis Importation — meaning, it is exempted from duty and importation tax. If it does exceed the amount, then you may have to pay for duty and import tax. 

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In addition to that, your balikbayan box should not be worth more than ₱150,000 in value. That is the maximum amount your box should be worth or else it will not be delivered or worse, confiscated.

Shipping Options

Your balikbayan box can be shipped through sea or air cargo. If you are going to choose sea cargo, expect at least a month or two for your package to arrive. You should also expect that the estimated time of arrival can be longer if the shipping address is far from the country’s capital city Manila.

Since you are now informed about what you can put inside your balikbayan box, you can now explore the different shipping options available to you.

Best Companies for Sending Balikbayan Boxes

Finding a shipping company for your balikbayan box is easy if you know where to look. If there are Asian grocery stores in your area, it is great to check them out for flyers or signs from trustworthy shipping companies that specialize in sending balikbayan boxes. Another easy way is looking up shipping companies on the internet. 

Here are companies that you can trust to deliver your balikbayan boxes to the Philippines. Do take note that they usually require a minimum deposit once you order a balikbayan box. There is also no maximum weight limit, but it is best to keep your BBBs under 200kg if it is a mini box. Do not overload your balikbayan box to prevent damage in transit. 

United Kingdom

Due to the influx of OFWs in the UK, there are now more companies that ship balikbayan boxes from the UK to the Philippines. Here are some of the most recommended companies:

• LBC Express – They are the most popular shipping company to the Philippines. LBC has a door-to-door balikbayan box delivery and automatic insurance coverage for every shipment. 

• Highlight Express International Ltd. – Aside from having a door-to-door delivery service, they also offer twin promos. You can also choose from 6 balikbayan box sizes: bulilit, medium, large, jumbo, mega jumbo, and super jumbo. 

• Pooten Forwarding – They also do door-to-door deliveries. The typical estimated time of arrival of balikbayan boxes to Luzon is 8 weeks. If the destination is in Visayas or Mindanao, expect that it can take up to 10 weeks or more. 

• DHL Global Forwarding – They have several locations in the UK. Though priced higher than others, you can expect your package to be delivered in 1 to 7 days. They also offer door-to-door delivery. 

The United States of America

You have a lot of options in the USA! These shipping companies are guaranteed to deliver your package safely to the Philippines:

• LBC Express – They are a cheaper option compared to UPS and FedEx. Like in the UK branch, they also do door-to-door delivery of balikbayan boxes. A customer review stated that LBC Express has guaranteed speedy delivery — her LBC Mini balikbayan box took less than 10 days to reach Manila via airmail. 

• Forex Cargo – With 30 years of balikbayan box service, Forex Cargo is one of the most trusted shipping companies for BBBs and has door-to-door service. The Forex Balikbayan Box comes in six sizes: red box, non-commercial box, forex blue 150, forex blue 300, forex blue 450, and jumbo box. 

• Alas Cargo – This is also a trusted shipping company for balikbayan boxes, but they do not deliver to some provinces in the Philippines. The prices stated on their website are only valid for BBBs sent from South California and Nevada. 

• Umac Express Cargo – You can check customer reviews on their site, stating that they are trustworthy and deliver packages quickly. However, some customers are disappointed that you can only track your packages once they arrive in the Philippines. 

• International Package Shipping – They deliver anywhere in the Philippines through their affiliate company Penanship. They also offer premium express rates that guarantee 4 days of package transit — from the loaded container to the delivery itself. 

• FedEx – One of the most known couriers in the world, FedEx provides stellar service in delivering balikbayan boxes with door-to-door service. Packages that weigh less than 68kg are eligible for early day or next business day delivery. On the other hand, packages that weigh more than 68kg can be delivered in 1 to 3 business days. 

Canada

Sending a balikbayan box from Canada to the Philippines is now easier than ever. Some of the shipping companies that ship from the USA also have branches in Canada. Here are other couriers that you can trust to deliver your packages safely to the Philippines.

• LBC Mundial Cargo Corp – This is a well-known company when it comes to logistics. LBC has multiple branches scattered across Canada. You can easily locate them and have your balikbayan box delivered to the Philippines in no time. 

• Air-ship International Inc. – With over 40 years of logistics experience, this company has become one of the leading couriers in bringing balikbayan boxes from Canada to the Philippines. They can ship via air, sea, and land, promising quick delivery of your package. 

• Darna Cargo Express – If you are hoping for a guaranteed fast, hassle-free, and affordable balikbayan box shipping service, you can trust Darna Cargo Express. You need to set a schedule for when you want them to pick up your balikbayan box. Their rates range from CA$85 to CA$115.

• Triumph Express Service Canada Inc. – Founded in 1988, Triumph is a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-accredited logistics company. They offer sea and air shipping services. They are highly competitive in transportation and customs brokerage solutions.

Germany

There are multiple couriers across Deutschland that you can trust to ship your balikbayan box to the Philippines. Most of them have straightforward company names and include:

• Malaya Balikbayan Box – They are accredited by the DTI of the Philippines. The company includes travel insurance with their selected cargo vessels traveling from Germany to Manila and Cebu. Their rates range from €75 to €110.

• Pinoy 24 Balikbayan Box Service – This courier offers a door-to-door service with rates ranging from €90 to €150. They have a transparent tracking system which can be easily seen on their website.

• Bens Balikbayan Box Service – Although they particularly ship BBBs, the company also handles shipping of household goods, donations, building materials, and entire relocations to the Philippines. Their rates range from €74 to €150 for balikbayan boxes. They can be contacted via email, SMS, Whatsapp, or their Facebook page. 

Australia

Just like in the USA and Canada, there are some shipping companies like LBC, DHL, and FedEx that offer balikbayan box delivery service. Here are other companies that you can trust to send a balikbayan box from Australia to the Philippines:

• Five Star Express – The company has been in business since 2004 and their rates range from AU$120 to AU$250. However, take note that they do not allow bulky boxes and do not have a door-to-door service. To receive your package in the Philippines, you can pick the box up from the shipping lines or the nearest bus terminal in your selected province.

• BM Express Australia – With more than 20 years of experience in the logistics business, the company ensures secure delivery of balikbayan boxes. They offer air and sea cargo as well as a door-to-door service. Their rates range from AU$100 to AU$180 and the estimated time of arrival ranges from 4 to 7 weeks, depending on the destination.

• Plus Cargo Global Forwarder – With decades of experience in logistics, the company promises fast, safe, and reliable delivery of balikbayan boxes. They offer sea and air cargo and their rates range from AU$80 to AU$200. 

Japan

There are a lot of cargo companies scattered across Japan that can send your balikbayan box to the Philippines. Here are some you can choose from:

• Philippine Express Cargo D2D Services – Established in 2018 by LBP Customs Brokerage, a logistics company with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. They are one of the most trustworthy cargo companies for your balikbayan box. Phil-Express ships via sea and air freight.

HongKong

One of the countries known to have a large number of OFWs, it is no surprise that HK has a lot of cargo companies available for balikbayan box shipping. Here are 5 logistics companies you can choose from:

• Alin Cargo Express Co., Ltd. – This cargo company has many branches scattered across the Philippines. They offer a door-to-door service with rates ranging from HK$250 to HK$1050. The estimated time of arrival of BBBs ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the destination.

• FFC International Company Limited – With more than 30 years in service, they are one of the longest running shipping companies. They ship via sea and air freight and offer door to door delivery.

• Royal Cargo Combined Logistics (HK) Limited – They have over 40 years of experience in the logistics industry, so you can trust them to handle your package well. They ship BBBs through land, air, and sea freight. Check their website for more information regarding their rates and estimated time of arrival. 

You now know what documents you should present, the things you can send, and your shipping options, but you are not all set to send your balikbayan boxes yet. Next, read up on the conditions and fees that shipping a balikbayan box entails. 

How Much Does it Cost to Send a Balikbayan Box?

Upon checking the websites of the shipping companies listed above, balikbayan box shipping fees range from around ₱4,500 to ₱7,000. If you are planning to send a box, you should already allocate an adequate budget for the shipping fee. 

Although not the fastest way to send things to the Philippines, BBBs are arguably the cheapest way to do so. 

Take a look at this table of approximate prices of each box size and destination. 

Destination	Small BBB	Medium BBB	Large BBB	Jumbo BBB
Metro Manila	$40–$70 / €60–€80	$65–$85 / €80–€95	$70–$115 / €90–€110	$100–$140 / €125–€145
Luzon	$45–$75 / €60–€80	$70–$90 / €90–€105	$75–$120 / €95–€120	$110–$150 / €115–€145
Visayas	$45–$75 / €50–€75	$70–$95 / €110–€120	$80–$130 / €110–€130	$110–$150 / €140–€160
Mindanao	$45–$85 / €55–€80	$75–$100 / €120–€135	$95–$140 / €120–€140	$120–$160 / €150–€170

The shipping rate is determined by the size of the box and the destination. The farther the destination is from Metro Manila, the more it will increase.

Sizes

BBBs come in multiple sizes —  small, medium, large, and jumbo — but the bigger boxes are the ones most used. Here are the most common dimensions of balikbayan boxes:

• Small – 17.5” x 9” x 16”
• Medium – 18” x 18” x 24”
• Large – 24” x 24” x 18”
• Jumbo – 25” x 23” x 17”

Some shipping companies have boxes larger than the jumbo size, so make sure to verify with your chosen courier. 

Weight

You do not have to worry about the box’s weight — a 200-kg box will cost the same as 50kg. So even if your box weighs a pound or 50 times more than that, the price of the shipping stays the same. That is just one of the reasons why Filipinos love sending their love through balikbayan boxes!

You are pretty much all set to send your balikbayan box to the Philippines now! But you should also be knowledgeable about the possible unfortunate events that can happen to your box. 

Are There Things I Should be Wary of?

Well, yes. Since you are not going to deliver the box yourself, you cannot guard it at all times. You can track its journey but you do not know how it is being handled and who is handling it. Here are some pitfalls that you should know in advance so you can prevent them from adversely affecting your shipment.

Cut-Off Dates

You can send balikbayan boxes whenever you want, but it may be more stressful during the Christmas season. This is a peak season for BBB sending due to seasonality. Shipping companies highly advise that you send your balikbayan box at least two months before Noche Buena (Dec 24). 

To avoid the crowd, the first thing you have to do is to fill your balikbayan box in advance. Make sure that everything you want to send is in it and the paperwork has been completed.

Next, check with your chosen shipping company about the last shipment date that guarantees the box will arrive before December 24. With LBC Express, their cut-off dates are usually around the first or second week of October. If you are sending a box to Visayas or Mindanao areas, expect that the cut-off dates will be earlier than that. 

To give you an idea of the balikbayan shipping cut-off dates, here are cut-off dates.

Destination	Virginia Warehouse	California Warehouse	Texas Warehouse
NCR (Metro Manila)	October 18	November 1	October 8
North Luzon	October 11	October 25	October 1
South Luzon	October 18	November 1	October 1
Visayas	October 4	October 18	September 24
Mindanao	October 4	October 18	September 17
Islands	September 27	October 11	September 10

Loss of Goods or Items

The content of your package can get lost or stolen. If your box does not have extremely secure packaging, your items might fall out. On another hand, the people handling your box might steal an item, especially if it is of value. It is not that you cannot trust shipping companies, but you should keep this in mind when packing your boxes.

FedEx is a trustworthy courier when it comes to shipping valuable items. They also have insurance that can help cover in case your package is stolen or lost. 

Fees at the Custom

This can be a real pain in the butt because of the astoundingly high amount. Custom fees can be as high as 150% of the original price of a valuable item or the box you are sending. To be exempted from duties and taxes, make sure your BBB doesn’t exceed the total value of ₱150,000 and the 3-times-per-calendar-year limit.

Illegal Shipments

It is better that you don’t ship restricted imports to avoid hassle. Once they discover that you have restricted imports in your box, it will never be returned to you, so it will just be a waste of money.

Now, on to You

Balikbayan boxes are great, especially during the holidays! If you are planning to send one, remember the documents that you need to present, the goods that you can send, your trustworthy couriers, and the fees and conditions of a BBB. 

BBBs are filled with various things throughout the year and typically sent during the Christmas season or any occasions important to you and your family. 

Balikbayan boxes, small or large, enrich the gift-giving and family-loving culture of Filipinos. Make sure that when your loved ones open the box, they feel your love and care even from miles away. 

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