How to Send an International Courier from Mumbai: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Timers

Updated 14 November 2026 by the Speedboxs team, Andheri East, Mumbai.

Your child has just started university in Toronto, your sister lives in London, or a customer in Dubai has placed an order. Whatever the reason, sending your first parcel abroad can feel confusing: what is allowed, which documents, how much it will cost, and who pays customs. This guide walks you through the whole process from Mumbai, step by step, in about five minutes.

Step 1: Check what you can send

Most everyday things can go: clothes, books, documents, dry food, sweets, gifts, cosmetics in small quantities and personal items. Some things can never go by international courier, such as cash, gold bars, flammable items, explosives, alcohol and tobacco. Others are restricted by the destination country, for example fresh food in Australia or the USA.

Read our prohibited items list, or simply WhatsApp us a photo. We check before pickup, so nothing is taken out at the airport.

Step 2: Keep one ID document ready

Indian Customs asks every courier to check the sender's identity (KYC). For a personal parcel, one of these is enough: Aadhaar, passport, PAN, voter ID or driving licence. Keep a clear photo of it on your phone. More details in our documents and KYC guide.

Step 3: Get the receiver's full details

Step 4: Weigh, measure and get a price

International courier is priced per kg, using whichever is higher: the actual weight or the volumetric weight (length × width × height in cm ÷ 5,000). A big box of light clothes can cost more than a small heavy box. Send us the weight and rough box size, or just a photo of the items, and we will reply with today's rate. Our courier charges guide explains every part of the price.

Step 5: Book a free pickup and let us pack

We collect from your home, office or shop anywhere in Mumbai, at a time that suits you (we are open 9 am to 11 pm every day). We pack at your doorstep in a snug, strong box: glass and frames in bubble wrap, food in sealed, leak-proof bags, and clothes kept apart from food.

Step 6: Fill in the declaration honestly

The declaration lists every item and its value. Be specific ("3 cotton shirts, 1 kg dry sweets") rather than vague ("personal items"), and give real values. Mark personal presents as a gift. Wrong or vague declarations are the number one reason parcels are held at customs. We fill this in with you while we pack.

Step 7: Know who pays customs at the other end

The destination country may charge import duty or tax, usually paid by the receiver on delivery. Many countries allow small personal gifts in free: US$100 in the USA, CAD 60 in Canada, and £39 of import VAT relief in the UK. Our gifts guide lists the allowance for each country.

Step 8: Track your parcel until it is delivered

You get a tracking number as soon as your parcel is booked. Follow it on our tracking page, and we send updates on WhatsApp. Most parcels reach the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Dubai in 2 to 6 working days after pickup, depending on the country, the service and customs.

First-timer checklist

Ready to send? Read the guide for your country, USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Dubai (UAE), or WhatsApp us now.

Frequently asked questions

Checked in November 2026. Rules can change; we confirm current requirements when you book.

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