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How to Use a Package-Forwarding Address for Overseas Shopping

Tap through each step to understand how a package-forwarding service works.

  1. Understand when you need a forwarding service

    If a retailer doesn't ship to your country at all, a package-forwarding service gives you a local address in that country to receive the item, then reships it on to you.

  2. Choose a forwarding provider

    Compare fees, which countries each provider operates warehouses in (US, China, Japan, and others), warehouse locations, and user reviews before picking one.

  3. Sign up and get your personal forwarding address

    After registering, you'll receive a personal address that includes a unique suite or box number tied to your account.

  4. Enter that address at checkout on the retailer's site

    Enter your name and your unique suite/box number exactly as given β€” this is how the warehouse identifies which parcel belongs to you among everyone else's.

  5. Confirm the package has arrived at the warehouse

    Check your account dashboard for arrival confirmation and the condition of the item once it's logged in.

  6. Request re-shipment and enter your customs information

    Enter your personal customs clearance code if required, request the onward shipment, and combine multiple parcels into one shipment if the provider offers consolidation.

  7. Pay duty and shipping, then receive your delivery

    Once you pay the customs duty and domestic shipping fee, the parcel is forwarded on to your actual address by a local courier.

An Address Typo Is the Most Common Mistake

Because a single warehouse handles parcels for many different customers, leaving out your personal suite or box number β€” even by accident β€” can mean the warehouse can't match the parcel to your account, leading to it being lost or returned to sender. It's worth double-checking your registered address every time you place a new order.

Buying Clothes or Shoes? Check Sizing Too

If you're planning to use a forwarding address to buy clothing directly from an overseas retailer, it's worth reviewing an international clothing size conversion chart alongside this guide so you don't end up ordering the wrong size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I enter my forwarding address incorrectly?

If you leave out your personal suite or box number, the warehouse may not be able to identify the parcel as yours, which can lead to it being lost or sent back to the original sender β€” always double-check this detail.

Can I receive multiple items in one shipment?

Yes β€” most forwarding providers offer a consolidation feature that combines several packages that have arrived at the warehouse into a single outbound shipment, which usually saves on the domestic shipping cost.