Whether you‘re sending a care package to a loved one or shipping products to customers, getting items from the United States to Australia requires some planning. The United States Postal Service offers reliable options for shipping to the land Down Under, but there are a few important things to know before you send off your package. In this complete guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about USPS shipping to Australia in [currentyear] — from available services and costs to customs requirements and delivery times.
Can You Ship to Australia with USPS?
Yes, the USPS ships to Australia! Under normal circumstances, the Postal Service offers a variety of options for sending letters and packages to the faraway continent, including:
- Global Express Guaranteed (1-3 business days)
- Priority Mail Express International (3-5 business days)
- Priority Mail International (6-10 business days)
- First-Class Package International Service (11-20 business days)
However, it‘s important to note that as of [currentyear], USPS has temporarily suspended some services to Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its major impact on transportation. Global Express Guaranteed is still operating with some delays, and letters can be sent via First-Class Mail International. But Priority Mail services are suspended until further notice.
Don‘t worry, though — we‘ll get into the details of what‘s available and when normal services are expected to resume. Even with the temporary changes, USPS still provides solid choices for getting your items to their destination safely.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Australia with USPS?
USPS shipping prices to Australia depend on the service you choose, as well as the size and weight of your package. Here‘s a breakdown of starting prices for the most common services as of [currentyear]:
Global Express Guaranteed
- $101.00 for up to 0.5 lbs
- $688.15 for up to 70 lbs
Priority Mail Express International
- $70.95 for up to 0.5 lbs
- Flat-rate option: $71.95 for up to 4 lbs in a flat-rate envelope
Priority Mail International
- $57.20 for up to 1 lb
- Flat-rate options start at $41.70 for a small box up to $117.95 for a large box
First-Class Package International
- $15.85 for a package up to 1 lb
First-Class Mail International
- $2.60 for a large envelope up to 1 oz
- $1.30 for a letter up to 1 oz with a Global Forever stamp
Keep in mind that these are starting prices, and costs increase as weight goes up. Also, flat-rate options are only available for items that fit into a USPS-provided envelope or box. You can use the USPS Postage Price Calculator for a custom quote based on your package details.
How Long Does USPS Take to Ship to Australia?
Once your package departs the US, you can generally expect it to arrive in Australia within this timeframe:
- Global Express Guaranteed: 1-3 business days
- Priority Mail Express International: 3-5 business days
- Priority Mail International: 6-10 business days
- First-Class Package International: 11-20 business days
- First-Class Mail International: 11-20 business days
However, these are estimates and not guaranteed delivery times (except in the case of Global Express Guaranteed). The total shipping time will depend on the origin location, customs processing, and the destination location within Australia.
Be sure to check current USPS service alerts, as certain services to Australia are suspended temporarily in [currentyear]. Global Express Guaranteed is still available but may experience some delays. Regular First-Class letter mail is operating, but all other mail classes are currently unable to get to Australia due to transportation impacts. This situation is evolving, so stay tuned to USPS announcements for the latest on when normal shipping will resume.
Customs Information for Shipping to Australia
All packages entering Australia go through customs checks and clearance procedures. Here are a few key things to know:
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Fill out customs forms completely and accurately. For USPS shipments, you‘ll need to complete Form 2976, PS Form 2976-A, Form 2976-R, or PS Form 2976-B depending on the service and value.
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Provide detailed descriptions of package contents. Avoid generic terms like "gift" and instead specify the actual items, like "t-shirt" or "children‘s book."
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Accurately state the quantity and value of contents. Australia requires formal customs declarations and allows up to AUD $1000 duty-free for gifts. Any items over that amount are subject to duties and taxes assessed by Australia Border Force.
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Restricted items include fresh produce, seeds, plants, meat, eggs, biologicals, and some animal products. Avoid shipping prohibited items like weapons, illicit drugs, and counterfeit goods.
Once a package clears customs, it gets transferred to the local postal operator, Australia Post, for final processing and delivery. You can track your item on both the USPS and Australia Post websites for the latest updates.
Packing and Addressing for Success
Proper packing and labeling goes a long way in making sure your Australia-bound package arrives in top shape. Here are some best practices:
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Choose a sturdy box with enough room for cushioning material. Reusing old boxes is fine as long as they‘re in good condition with no damage. Avoid gift boxes or custom packaging that can‘t withstand international transit.
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Wrap each item individually and use packing peanuts, air pillows, bubble wrap, or foam to protect contents from shifting or damage. Include invoice copies or important documents in a resealable pouch.
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Use strong packing tape to seal all box openings. Don‘t wrap the outer box in paper or tie it with string, as these can get snagged or torn in sorting machines.
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Address the package clearly with the recipient‘s full name, street address, city, state or territory, and postal code. Include your return address and a phone number for Australia Post to reach the recipient if needed. Place an extra address label inside the box in case the outer one gets damaged.
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Double check that the delivery address is correct and complete. Many items get returned or discarded due to incomplete addresses. Look up the right postal code for the destination with Australia Post‘s postcode finder tool.
By taking these precautions with packing and labeling, you‘ll avoid common mistakes and give your package its best shot at a safe arrival.
USPS Resources and Support
Feeling overwhelmed by shipping to Australia? The Postal Service offers plenty of resources to help you navigate the process:
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USPS Australia Country Conditions: Find the most current info on available services, size limits, estimated delivery times, and any restrictions for mailing to Australia.
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USPS International Customs Forms: Understand which customs declaration forms are required and how to fill them out correctly for your shipment.
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USPS Postage Price Calculator: Estimate shipping costs based on origin location, package details, and delivery speed to get an accurate quote.
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USPS Tracking: Enter your tracking number to check the status of your package at every step toward delivery. Some services include tracking updates from Australia Post too.
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USPS Customer Support: Get help from a real person on any USPS shipping issue at 1-800-ASK-USPS or by email and live chat.
Remember, when in doubt, reach out! USPS wants your packages to reach their destinations as much as you do.
The Bottom Line
While shipping to Australia takes some extra steps compared to domestic mail, USPS makes it very doable with clear guidelines and a range of service options for different timelines and budgets. Even with temporary pandemic impacts, the Postal Service is still getting packages Down Under — and will bring back all its regular offerings as soon as it can do so safely. Whether you‘re sending a gift to a friend in Melbourne, important papers to a colleague in Sydney, or an order to a customer in the Outback, USPS has you covered.
As long as you follow best practices for customs declarations, packing, labeling, and providing complete delivery details, you can feel confident about your shipments to Australia. And if you need help along the way, USPS offers plenty of resources to guide you to a positive outcome. So G‘day, go forth, and mail on!
