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Sending a balikbayan box from the UK
How door-to-door boxes work, how to choose a cargo company, and how to make sure yours arrives in time.
How it works
- You book with a UK cargo company, which delivers an empty box to your home.
- You pack it, usually over a few days or weeks.
- The company collects it and ships it, most often by sea.
- It is delivered to your family’s door in the Philippines.
Sea or air?
| Option | Cost | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea cargo | Lower, usually a fixed price per box | Several weeks or more | Regular boxes and Christmas presents planned early |
| Air cargo | Higher, often priced by weight | Much faster | Urgent or smaller items |
Choosing a cargo company
- Ask whether it works with a forwarder accredited by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.
- Check that it offers tracking and tells you how it handles delays.
- Ask what insurance covers and how to claim.
- Read recent reviews from other kababayan, not just the company’s own testimonials.
- Get the price for your box size and delivery area in writing.
Be careful with very cheap offers. Lost and undelivered boxes are a long-standing problem. A low price is no help if the box never arrives.
Packing tips
- Put heavy items at the bottom and fill gaps so nothing moves.
- Seal liquids in bags and wrap anything breakable.
- Write a list of what is inside and keep a photo of it.
- Check the company’s list of items you cannot send before you start.
Tax-free allowance
Filipinos living abroad can send balikbayan boxes free of duty and tax within limits set by the Philippine Bureau of Customs. The limits cover value and how many boxes you send each year. Our guide will explain the current rules.
Christmas deadlines
Each company sets a last collection date for Christmas delivery, usually in the autumn. Ask yours early and pack in good time.
Guides in this section
- Balikbayan box companies in the UK comparedComing soon
- What you can and can’t sendComing soon
- Box sizes and prices explainedComing soon
- Tax-free rules and the customs declarationComing soon