Is International Shipping Expensive? Here’s What You Need to Know

Is International Shipping Expensive? Here’s What You Need to Know
When a business is growing or an item is being shipped out of your country, one of the first questions people want to know is:

Is shipping internationally expensive? The answer: It depends. As you read this information, whether you're a small business owner or an individual sending a care package to a loved one, you'll learn some of the tips and tricks of shipping internationally so you can take control and minimize the cost and manage the surprises.

What Is International Shipping?
International shipping is defined as the transportation of goods from one country to another, whether by air, sea, rail, or road. The international shipping will require customs clearance, duties, taxes, freight, and handling fees. It's usually more complicated than domestic shipping, but international shipping gives you the opportunity for global trade and growth of your business.

What Affects the Cost of International Shipping?
Several factors determine the final cost of international shipping:

1. Distance and Destination
As a rule of thumb, packages tend to be more expensive the further they are shipped. A package from Australia to New Zealand is likely to be cheaper than sending it to Europe or the US!

2. Mode of Transport
Air freight is the quickest option but the most expensive.
Sea freight is cheaper if you have a large, bulky shipment. (But it takes longer.)

Courier services, like DHL or FedEx, provide the ease of shipping, tracking and storage, but they are highly priced.

3. Weight and Dimensions
Carriers also tend to charge more based upon volumetric weight, rather than on weight alone. So a large package that is light could cost more than a small package that is heavy.

4. Customs Duties and Taxes
Every country has their own import duties and taxes. These can end up being a hidden cost if they are not considered early enough. Manyfreight forwarding partner or courier services can provide an estimate on import duties and taxes.

5. Packaging and Handling
Proper packaging can make sure your item is received properly, but it does add to the cost of the shipped item. Extra care and insurance may be needed if you are shipping fragile or high-value items.

6. Fuel and Surcharges
Shipping rates are subject to change based upon fuel prices, currency changes, or seasonality. You should check for surcharges prior to booking your shipment.

Is It Really Expensive?
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you gauge whether international shipping is expensive for you:

Shipment Type
Estimated Cost from Australia
Timeframe
Notes
Small parcel (air)
$30–$70
3–7 days
Ideal for gifts or samples
Medium parcel (air)
$80–$150
3–7 days
Good for eCommerce
Sea freight (LCL)
$200–$500+
2–6 weeks
Best for large shipments
Full container (FCL)
$2,000–$5,000+
2–6 weeks
Economical for bulk cargo

Note: Prices vary depending on origin, destination, and provider.

How to Reduce International Shipping Costs

International shipping does not have to be overly expensive. Here are some tips to save money:

Compare carriers—get quotes from different couriers or freight forwarders.

Ship in bulk—Consolidated orders allow you to ship items on a per-item basis, which allows you to lower costs.

Use flat-rate boxes—some carriers offer flat-rate international shipping rates.

Avoid peak times—prices increase during holidays and global sales events.

Partner with a 3PL provider—third-party logistics companies often secure better rates due to their shipping volumes. Consider using a reliable logistics partner to access those benefits.

Is It Worth It?
If you are a small business, international shipping might seem very expensive at first horizon—but it is usually worth the price. The chance to sell overseas increases sales, offers market diversification, and increases positive brand image and brand strength. Just make sure you consider all of the associated costs when setting prices or planning deliveries.

Final Thoughts
So, is international shipping expensive? It can be—but with the right planning and partners, it doesn’t have to be. Success lies in balancing cost, speed, reliability, and the customer experience.

Whether you’re sending a gift or expanding your global reach, understanding the ins and outs of international shipping will help you make smarter, more confident decisions.

👉 Explore cost-effective international shipping solutions here.