5 Helpful Tips for Sending Holiday Presents Overseas

The holiday season is a bustling time of year for post offices all across the United States. If you will be sending holiday gifts overseas, follow these five tips to ensure a safe and timely arrival of your packages.

1- Send packages early. Long lines at the post office are to be expected during the holiday season. Sending your packages early not only helps you avoid long lines, but insures that your packages will arrive on time. Packages being shipped internationally require customs forms and you can save yourself a few steps by printing these forms out at home from the United States Post Office website. Some international destinations will require more than one form, so be sure to check which forms will be required.

2- Know your shipping options. The least expensive way to send an international package is by First Class Mail International. A package sent using this option will take up to two weeks to arrive, so be aware of this. If your package needs to arrive quickly, the fastest shipping option is Global Express Guarantee which delivers in three days business days. Rates for this option start at $28.50 so be prepared to spend more if this shipping method is necessary.

3- Be aware of restrictions. The United States Post Office website offers a list of items that are allowable and prohibited to be shipped internationally. Most food and gift items are permissible, but guidelines vary greatly for individual countries and localities so it is best to double check these guidelines before packing your items.

4- Secure your packages. Make sure your packages are securely closed before shipping. Use sturdy boxes and wrap all fragile and perishable items individually with bubble wrap. You may also want to use packing peanuts or newspaper for extra padding. Use strong packing tape and go over the areas you tape a couple of times for maximum protection.

5- Insure your packages. If you are sending a high value item make sure to get insurance for the dollar amount of the item. In case of shipping mishaps such as lost or damaged items, this will be your only option for getting a reimbursement for the value of your package's contents. Insurance rates will vary according to the dollar value of the items being shipped, but these rates are usually very affordable and worth the extra money. Make sure to hang on to your receipts until you know the package has arrived safely.