What do I need to prepare when sending goods to the Philippines? Checklist for first-time senders

Before asking "how much money to send to the Philippines", you should gather information about the item, packaging and recipient. Just the word “Manila” or a weight number is often not enough to compare delivery options.

1. Describe the item properly instead of just writing “personal items”

Make a list by group. For example, “5 new cotton t-shirts and 2 pair of sneakers” is more useful than “a box of clothes.” If there are electronics, write down the model and whether there are batteries; With food or cosmetics, label the ingredients, capacity and expiration date if any.

Tell Gia Phú the purpose of sending: gift, personal item, sample or sale item. This is information that needs to be checked with the documents, not a basis to conclude that the shipment is tax-free or will definitely be received.

2. Take a set of photos to help check remotely

• An overall photo of the entire goods intended to be sent.
• Label image and identification information of each product group.
• Photo of packaging, package corners and fragile parts if packaged.
• Photo of measurements or scale screen, if you want to compare the recording method.

No fancy photos needed. It is important to read the text clearly, see the condition and distinguish each item. When communicating publicly, avoid revealing the recipient's phone number or address in the photo; Delivery information should be sent directly through consulting channels.

3. Please send recipient's full address

You can ask the recipient to provide the address they are using verbatim: recipient's name, phone number, house/building number, street name, barangay if applicable, city or municipality, province and postal code. Keep the spelling of place names the same to avoid mistaken destinations.

Do not shorten the address to “delivered in the Philippines”. Receiving point at the warehouse and delivery to a private address are two different scopes that need to be clarified. Detailed addresses also help the consulting team check domestic delivery routes and related fees.

4. Weigh, measure and number each package

If there are three bins, write three separate lines. Weigh after packaging; Measure the length, width and height outside. Mark the parcels 1/3, 2/3, 3/3 so the pictures and list are not mixed up. See instructions for weighing and measuring packages sent to the Philippines if you don't know what to write.

5. Keep documents and information about the value of goods

Philippine Customs Guidelines note the uniformity of information between import documents such as invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and licenses where applicable. Therefore, keep proof of purchase and describe the correct value and quantity; Which documents are needed will be checked on a case-by-case basis. Source: Bureau of Customs Philippines.

Goods that are prohibited, restricted or separately managed need to be inspected before handover. Finding a guide online does not replace confirmation of receipt for a specific shipment.

Message templates you can use

Two questions should be finalized before delivery

If I haven't packed the box yet, can I ask first?

Please send the listing and photos first, and state clearly that final measurements are not available. Quotes are based on temporary data that need to be reconciled after packaging.

Sending pictures means the goods have been received?

Not yet. You need to respond to confirm the item, plan and applicable conditions. Only send the goods after the missing points have been agreed.