Country Guide: Philippines
Shipping Personal Effects to the Philippines:
Safe, Trusted, & Reliable
Shipping Personal Effects To & From the Philippines
Shipping Overview
Moving to or from the Philippines involves careful planning, correct documentation, and a clear understanding of customs regulations. Whether you are relocating to the Philippines or shipping personal effects from the Philippines, choosing the right shipping method and preparing correctly will help avoid delays, additional costs, and complications at customs.
My Global Delivery specialises in international shipping of personal effects, excess baggage, and small household shipments, supporting individuals, expats, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), retirees, and returning residents moving to and from the Philippines.
Shipping To the Philippines (Inbound)
Shipping personal effects to the Philippines is common for:
Expats relocating for work
Returning Filipino residents
Retirees moving to the Philippines
Families relocating on long-term visas
What can be shipped inbound:
Used personal effects and household goods
Clothing, books, shoes, and personal belongings
Furniture and household items (used)
Balikbayan boxes (OFW shipments only)
All inbound shipments must be used, non-commercial, and for personal use.
Balikbayan Box Shipping to the Philippines (OFWs Only)
Balikbayan shipments apply only to OFWs sending goods to the Philippines.
Balikbayan boxes typically contain:
Personal items
Household goods
Gifts for family members
Eligible Balikbayan shipments may qualify for duty-free allowances, subject to customs value limits, frequency of shipment, and item restrictions.
My Global Delivery supports Balikbayan sea freight groupage shipments, including:
Door-to-door collection overseas
Sea freight groupage (shared container)
Proper documentation and customs guidance
Managed delivery within the Philippines
Balikbayan shipments are not suitable for expats or foreign nationals relocating household goods.
Shipping From the Philippines (Outbound)
We assist customers shipping personal effects from the Philippines, including:
Expats leaving the Philippines
Students returning overseas
Contract completions
Relocations to the UK, USA, Australia, UAE, Europe, and Asia
What can be shipped outbound:
Personal effects and used household items
Excess baggage not suitable for airline check-in
Clothing, books, shoes, and personal belongings
Small furniture items (subject to destination rules)
All outbound shipments must be used, non-commercial, and properly documented.
Shipping Methods Available
Courier Services (1–5 Boxes)
Best suited for small, time-sensitive shipments.
Faster transit times
Door-to-door tracking
Size and weight limits apply
Air Freight (Consolidated)
Suitable for medium-sized shipments.
Charged by weight or volume (whichever is higher)
Faster than sea freight
Customs clearance at destination
Sea Freight Groupage (Shared Container)
Most cost-effective option for larger shipments.
Longer transit times
Shared container (LCL)
Suitable for inbound household goods and Balikbayan shipments
Packing Standards
We recommend:
5-ply export-grade cartons
Reinforced bases and sealed seams
Adequate internal protection for fragile items
Poor packing is a leading cause of damage and customs delays. Professionally packed items are also more likely to be fully insurable.
Estimated Transit Times
(Guidance Only)
Courier:
3-7 working days
Air Freight:
7-14 working days
Sea Freight Groupage:
6–10 weeks
Transit times vary depending on customs processing and seasonal demand.
Customs & Documentation Requirements
Typical documentation includes:
Passport copy
Detailed packing list
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Visa or residency documents (inbound)
Signed declaration of personal effects
Customs rules vary depending on nationality, visa type, and length of stay. Guidance is provided before shipment departure.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Common restrictions include:
Lithium batteries
Alcohol and tobacco
Food products
Plants and animal products
Flammable or hazardous items
Restricted items must be declared in advance.
Shipping Personal Effects To & From the Philippines
Shipping Overview
Moving to or from the Philippines involves careful planning, correct documentation, and a clear understanding of customs regulations. Whether you are relocating to the Philippines or shipping personal effects from the Philippines, choosing the right shipping method and preparing correctly will help avoid delays, additional costs, and complications at customs.
My Global Delivery specialises in international shipping of personal effects, excess baggage, and small household shipments, supporting individuals, expats, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), retirees, and returning residents moving to and from the Philippines.
Shipping To the Philippines (Inbound)
Shipping personal effects to the Philippines is common for:
Expats relocating for work
Returning Filipino residents
Retirees moving to the Philippines
Families relocating on long-term visas
What can be shipped inbound:
Used personal effects and household goods
Clothing, books, shoes, and personal belongings
Furniture and household items (used)
Balikbayan boxes (OFW shipments only)
All inbound shipments must be used, non-commercial, and for personal use.
Balikbayan Box Shipping to the Philippines (OFWs Only)
Balikbayan shipments apply only to OFWs sending goods to the Philippines.
Balikbayan boxes typically contain:
Personal items
Household goods
Gifts for family members
Eligible Balikbayan shipments may qualify for duty-free allowances, subject to customs value limits, frequency of shipment, and item restrictions.
My Global Delivery supports Balikbayan sea freight groupage shipments, including:
Door-to-door collection overseas
Sea freight groupage (shared container)
Proper documentation and customs guidance
Managed delivery within the Philippines
Balikbayan shipments are not suitable for expats or foreign nationals relocating household goods.
Shipping From the Philippines (Outbound)
We assist customers shipping personal effects from the Philippines, including:
Expats leaving the Philippines
Students returning overseas
Contract completions
Relocations to the UK, USA, Australia, UAE, Europe, and Asia
What can be shipped outbound:
Personal effects and used household items
Excess baggage not suitable for airline check-in
Clothing, books, shoes, and personal belongings
Small furniture items (subject to destination rules)
All outbound shipments must be used, non-commercial, and properly documented.
Shipping Methods Available
Courier Services (1–5 Boxes)
Best suited for small, time-sensitive shipments.
Faster transit times
Door-to-door tracking
Size and weight limits apply
Air Freight (Consolidated)
Suitable for medium-sized shipments.
Charged by weight or volume (whichever is higher)
Faster than sea freight
Customs clearance at destination
Sea Freight Groupage (Shared Container)
Most cost-effective option for larger shipments.
Longer transit times
Shared container (LCL)
Suitable for inbound household goods and Balikbayan shipments
Packing Standards
We recommend:
5-ply export-grade cartons
Reinforced bases and sealed seams
Adequate internal protection for fragile items
Poor packing is a leading cause of damage and customs delays. Professionally packed items are also more likely to be fully insurable.
Estimated Transit Times
(Guidance Only)
Courier:
3-7 working days
Air Freight:
7-14 working days
Sea Freight Groupage:
6–10 weeks
Transit times vary depending on customs processing and seasonal demand.
Customs & Documentation Requirements
Typical documentation includes:
Passport copy
Detailed packing list
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Visa or residency documents (inbound)
Signed declaration of personal effects
Customs rules vary depending on nationality, visa type, and length of stay. Guidance is provided before shipment departure.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Common restrictions include:
Lithium batteries
Alcohol and tobacco
Food products
Plants and animal products
Flammable or hazardous items
Restricted items must be declared in advance.
Why Choose MGD
When you ship with My Global Delivery, you’ll feel informed, supported, and confident.
You’ll know what to expect at every stage and avoid unnecessary stress or cost.
International moving done the way it should be.
Why Choose MGD
When you ship with My Global Delivery, you’ll feel informed, supported, and confident.
You’ll know what to expect at every stage and avoid unnecessary stress or cost.
International moving done the way it should be.
What Our Customers Say
Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers
Shipping my household goods from the Philippines to Australia was smooth from start to finish. MGD handled customs and kept me updated the whole way.
Great service for personal effects shipping. The team guided me through documentation and made a complex process feel simple.
I liked how transparent the pricing and delivery updates were. My boxes arrived with no surprises, on time and in good condition.
As an expat moving back home, I needed reliable help. MGD took care of packing advice, freight choices, and customs so I could focus on settling in.
Step-by-Step Shipping Process
Insurance for Shipments to and from the Philippines
Marine cargo insurance is available and strongly recommended.
Important notes:
Professionally packed items are fully insurable
Owner-packed items may have limited cover
Insurance must be arranged before shipment departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship personal effects to the Philippines?
Yes. Used personal effects and household goods can be shipped, subject to customs rules.
Are Balikbayan boxes only for OFWs?
Yes. Balikbayan shipments apply specifically to OFWs sending goods to the Philippines.
Can I ship personal effects from the Philippines?
Yes. We regularly assist with outbound shipments.
Do you offer door-to-door services?
Yes. We manage collection, international transport, customs clearance, and final delivery.
Why Choose My Global Delivery?
Specialists in inbound and outbound personal effects shipping
Clear guidance on Philippines customs regulations
Experience with Balikbayan, expat, and relocation shipments
Transparent pricing and communication
Packing and insurance options available
Ready to Move What Matters?
If you are planning to ship personal effects to or from the Philippines, request a quotation today.
Our team will assess your shipment and recommend the most suitable shipping solution.
Ready to Move What Matters?
If you are planning to ship personal effects to or from the Philippines, request a quotation today.
Our team will assess your shipment and recommend the most suitable shipping solution.
My Global Delivery
Moving What Matters Worldwide.
We make it easy, clear, and manageable, from start to finish.
Contact Us
+63 (0)9458721868
M1 Tower Big, 141 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village Makati City, 1277, Metro Manila, Philippines
Connect With Us
Moving What Matters Worldwide.
We make it easy, clear, and manageable, from start to finish.
Contact Us
M1 Tower Big, 141 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village Makati City, 1277, Metro Manila, Philippines