A lot of people would agree with me when I say that One of the best things that came out from the Internet is online shopping. Online shopping is convenient, exciting, and ADDICTIVE. Unfortunately, online shopping isn’t instant gratification: you still have to wait for items to arrive. For some, the waiting adds to the excitement of buying online. To some, the waiting is the most annoying part of online shopping.
I’ve been shopping online since 2002. My first purchase was for a 2nd laptop from an Ebay seller in the U.S. I got hooked after the first bid. After 8 years, I’ve learned enough lessons on doing international online shopping that now I’m listing these lessons in the following section. I hope they help you with your exploration into international online shopping.
Ebay.com
When buying from Ebay, make sure you log in to Ebay.ph instead of Ebay.com. By logging into Ebay.ph, you get the prices in Pesos, even if the items are not in the Philippines. This will help with the foreign exchange rates.
Check Seller feedback
If you do buy from Ebay, make sure to check the seller feedback. Based on personal experience, it’s safer to buy from a seller that has more that a thousand feedbacks and 99% of the feedbacks are POSITIVE.
Check payment options
Paypal is still the safest option to pay for international online purchases. If the seller requires money transfers or back deposits, think twice. A lot of people have already been victimized by scammers who require direct deposits and money transfer through western union and others.
Check Shipping options
Don’t bid or buy any item that won’t be shipped to your place. Common sense, right? Well, there are still alot of newbies that don’t understand this concept. They bid or buy, but when it’s time to pay they find out that the item will not be shipped to their place. So again, check shipping options. If you’re unsure, ask the seller.
Request for more photos of the item
Some sellers tend to post just one photo of their items. You can send them private messages to request for more photos so that you can have a better idea of the item you’re buying.
Important things to know about shipping
Here are some things to note about international shipping:
Items located in Hongkong and China
When the item you buy is located in Hong Kong or China, expect it to be delivered withing 3 weeks. And don’t expect it to be delivered to your doorstep. The item will be delivered to the customs section of the nearest post office from your place. You will receive a claim card from the Customs saying you have a parcel for pickup. You then need go to the customs office and present the small claim card and pay 40 Pesos (as of this posting) for small parcels. For bigger parcels from China or Hong Kong (bigger than an envelope), they can be sent to the Customs office in Pasay City (read more about it below).
Items located in US
- Shipped by USPS
If you bought stuff from the US through Ebay, the sellers will usually send the items by US Postal Service (USPS). Now remember this, if they do send them through USPS and it’s a small item, the parcel can and may be treated like that regular parcel from Hong Kong or China. BUT, if the item is bigger than an envelope, expect it to be sent to the Customs office in Pasay. When your item doesn’t arrive within three weeks, chances are it’s being held up in the Pasay office. The few times I’ve been there to collect parcels, I always experience corruption and red tape.
First, they will interrogate you about the item you receive. If they believe that the real value was not stated in the customs papers, they will threaten to hold the item. They will charge you higher customs taxes. Unless you give enough evidence that the item doesn’t really cost that much, you won’t win the argument. They will gang up on you. Once you’re hopeless, and distraught, they will tell you that because they want to help you, they can cut down the customs tax but it won’t be reflected in the records—it will just be between you and you them: No receipts, no records. - Shipped by Couriers (DHL/Fedex/UPS)
To have better chances of getting your items fast and almost hassle-free, use DHL/Fedex/UPS if they’re available as shipping options.
The only downside to this is higher shipping cost—and higher taxes. Sometimes the taxes wouldn’t be stated in the original purchase because the tax will depend on the Customs office of the Philippines. These couriers will pay the tax first then before they release the items to you, you have to pay them the amount they paid for taxes.
Amazon.com
When buying hard to find books
Based on my experience on buying from Amazon, the books usually arrive within 2 weeks. Sometimes it’s better to check with National Bookstore or Powerbooks if they can order the books you want and get a quote how much it would cost and how long it will take to receive the book. Then, check in Amazon to compare which option (Local bookstore or Amazon) is the practical option.
Adorama.com
Adorama is another great option for international online shopping. The site offers a huge collection of products and best of all they offer different shipping options, excluding USPS.
By the way, Adorama especializes in photography, computer, and consumer electronic products so don’t expect cooking ware or toys from their huge collection.
An alternative to Adorama, if you’re shopping for photography related products is B & H Photo video. But since I still don’t have a purchase with them, I can’t recommend B & H.
Alternative Shipping Option: Johnny Air Cargo Padala Retail
Johnny Air Cargo Padala Retail is a good and cheaper alternative to shipping items from the U.S.
The process is simple:
- You contact Johnny Air Cargo Padala Retail and ask them for an account. The account is basically a shipping address named after you but addressed to the Johnny Air Cargo office in the US. What does this mean for you? Simply put, it gives you a US ship-to address, hence, you’re no longer required to pay for international shipping, but only pay for local shipping.
- Ok, now if your item has been shipped to the Johnny Air Cargo US office, how will you get it here in the Philippines? Again, simple: Johnny Air Cargo will ship it from their US office to their Philippine office for a (most of the time) cheaper cost. You then just pay that amount plus any applicable taxes at their Philippine office, then you get your item. The shipping time is usually within two weeks after they receive the item in the US.
So again, if you have some stuff getting shipped from the US, before you finalize the shipping arrangements, check with Johnny Air Cargo Padala Retail first to compare prices.
I used them when we ordered all our wedding souvenirs from the US.
Summary:
- When doing international online shopping, try to check Ebay,Amazon, or Adorama first for better price comparisons.
- Always check payment and shipping options first before committing to the purchase.
- Always go with established retailers.
I hope this lengthly post gives you a better idea of doing international online shopping. Good luck with your next purchase!
Russel CPatalinghog
Russel is a full-time technical writer, a multimedia artist and a photographer. In his spare time, he swims away from imaginary sharks and crocodiles in the community lap pool.
Hey, I want to buy a basic digital camera of about 10 mega pixel. I live in India and a friend is going to Singapore. Is there any big chain of stores I should ask her to buy it from and which brand and make do you recommend?
Hi Shilpa,
Thanks for dropping by. If you’re buying digicams in Singapore, I recommend you go to Funan Mall near City Hall. Although the digicams are cheaper in Sim Lim Square, it’s not that safe. Funan has a lot of camera shops with actual demo units that you or you friend can try. Look for shops such as MS Color and Alan Photo, they the best prices. As for a recommended digicam, I need to know your needs and budget first.
Thanks for the prompt response Russel! Honestly I plan to invest in a DSLR late next year so for now just need a camera which takes clear, non-grainy pictures. No other specifications!
You’re welcome Shilpa. When it comes to digicams, I lean towards the Canon brand (I’ve used more than a couple throughout the years). From the latest line up of Canon digicams, I suggest you check out the S90 or the newer version s95.
Here’s a link to the product details and reviews:
http://bit.ly/bRCK99
http://amzn.to/9Lz6Fe
Good luck and enjoy your soon to be new camera.
You can also check my other blog for tips on getting your first DSLR:
http://www.beginnersphotographyguide.info
Hi. I was wondering, will JAC ship the items directly to my doorstep? Or do I have to go to a local branch to get it?
Hi Rein,
Thanks for dropping by. In my experience, you had to pick the item up at their branch. All the stuff I shipped through them was delivered to their Mega Mall branch. You can visit their site to check if they deliver to your residence.
I need to buy a book from amazon books. com, Filmosophy. I will be using it for my thesis and i need the book by the end of the month. Is it guaranteed that it will arrive in two weeks? im located in mindanao, lanao del sur. It’s quite far and the place is not very much known. So i really need suggestions on how can i get the book with the ideal date that need it to arrive. Thanks.
Hi Dainze,
I cannot guarantee if the book you ordered will arrive in two-weeks. It’s best that you verify with Amazon first. If you want the fastest way to get the book you need, check if there’s a digital version you can purchase online and download.
Hope that helps.
Nice post. helped a lot. but i still have a question. I want to order a 98 S$ gear from a well known shop in singapore from here in the philippines. how much would it cost me including shipping? and do i have to pay taxes? thanks
Hi Samuel, glad the post helped. I’m not sure about the shipping cost, each courier or shipping service has their own rates. You will most likely pay taxes even if you use a private courier like DHL or Fedex, or if they send the item using Singpost which will go through PhilPost. Taxes can range from 10-30% of the purchase price. Better compare that total amount to the price of the item here in the Philippines. By the way, I split my time between Singapore and Philippines, and although Singapore has a great postal service, I can’t say the say for their Philippine counterpart. If the parcel is really important, better use DHL, Fedex, or UPS.
Hope that helps.
Cheers!
Hi Russel,
Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences with online shopping. Helps a lot for newbies like myself. If i may ask a bit more help from you, hope you could point me in the right direction.
i ordered an item via ebay.ph from the US last Dec. 2. I still don’t have the item. It was sent via USPS. You pointed out that the item may be in customs so I was wondering:
Can I first call the customs office to find out if the item is indeed already with them?
Would you have a number I could call?
Will the shipping code be enough for the customs office to identify the package?
This is the customs office by the AirPort, right?
Thanks!
Hi Mico, glad to know the post was helpful. As for your question, can you verify if the seller gave you the USPS tracking number? You can check in their website if the item has already been delivered to the Philippines. If it has been delivered, may I know how big is the parcel or item you bought? if it’s a big package, chances are it’s being held at the airport customs. If it’s a small, say 1 kg parcel, it’s perhaps in your city postal office. You should receive a postal notice in any case. Unfortunately, I don’t have their contact number, and their website is useless (http://philpost.gov.ph/web/about/).
I’m not sure if they will recognize the shipping code you have, since once the parcel arrives in the post office, they assign to it their own parcel number which they will send to you through a postal notice.
You should verify with the seller if they already sent the package if they have proof that it already landed on our shores.
I hope you get your parcel the soonest.
Hi Sir…
Thank you so much for the information. I’m a bit impatient in waiting, I admit. Hehe. I purchased three items from Ebay
1.) Economy Int’l Shipping-shipped 010711 (less than 1kg)
2.)USPS First Class Mail International-shipped 011111 (less than 1kg) one is about 3kg
Just want to know how many weeks will it takes from shipper to customs? and then customs to shipping address? thanks. Hope to hear from you soon
Hi Iyey,
To answer you question, since you got the standard shipping, from the US it’s usually 3-4weeks to customs. At Phils. customs, expect to work slow so that’s around a week before they notify you. If you don’t get your items in 2 months, start worrying. 
Thanks for dropping by. I know how you feel. I got very impatient the first time I bought from eBay.
Let me know if that helped.
Hello. I’m going to purchase a Sony Reader (less than 1kg) from Adorama, and then ship it to Quezon City. I chose UPS Worldwide Express. Is it guaranteed that it will arrive within 2-3 days, or at most within one week, as said in their Shipping Info ?
Hi Chris! Thanks for dropping by. Yes, from my experience with adorama the items arrive within a week. But do note that custom taxes are not included in your purchase and this will be charged to you once they deliver the item. That is what happened to me and your case may be different (hopefully no more tax). The custom officers base the tax on the declared value of the item and if it’s a luxury item or not. Hope that helps.
Hello sir,
I both 5 units of lipoly battery from hobbyking from singapore. The last status in the tracking was “held by customs at destination” dated 02/11/2011. How long do you think will I receive my package?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Domer, since it’s at the customs already, you are now at their mercy. Usually a week or two to clear through them. If after that you still don’t get a postal notice, go visit the customs office at your city/town. If the cost of the item is declared and is more than 100 us dollars, they may force you to pay taxes. Good luck and thank you for dropping by.
Hi,
I hope you can help me out.
I ordered some knives (US) and had it shipped via USPS – Global Express Mail. It was shipped around May 24, and package arrived at Philippines Custom on May 28 (based on the tracking info). How long does it usually take for me to receive the ‘Post Office Notice’? Or am I supposed to just go to their office? Anything else I should know about? Thanks so much!
Hi Stefen, If the item arrived at your local post office, the postal notice usually get sent in a week. BUT if it landed at the customs office in Pasay, chances are you won’t get notified. You have to visit their office there and ask about your item. I wish you luck if that’s the case; that place has some of the most corrupt and shameless people you’ll ever meet.
So I suggest you give it a couple of weeks to get notified. If that doesnt turn up results, check the pasay customs office.
Goodluck!
Hi Russel,
Just got back home and the notice finally came. Maybe I just got too impatient. But thanks for your very informative blog post and your time. It is from EMS pasay and I got a notice exactly the same as local post office. Anyway, again, thanks and I hope I can get lucky with the taxes. =)
Wow that was fast! Congrats on that. About the taxes, make sure you check all rhe computations and ask to see the official rates rather than taking their word for it. Their should be an official tax rates somewhere there. Again, good luck.
Oops, sorry for making a new post instead of replying. Anyway, yeah, I’m very glad to see the notice a few days after it arrived at customs. After all, this is Philippines we are talking about. =)
I did some computations based on a guide I saw on a site and will use that as a basis. I hope he/she is in a good mood tomorrow. LOL. Thanks again!
Good luck and do let us know how it goes.
Got taxed a total of 2735 PHP, and a separate fee of 40 PHP. Both have receipts and computations. My package cost 7300 PHP only. Initially though, the lady was asking for 3700 PHP while computing only on a piece of paper. So remember, always negotiate.
Based on the receipt, the total cost of package and shipping cost was multiplied by 15%, then, total cost of package and shipping cost was multiplied by 12% VAT, + other miscellaneous fee of 265 PHP and 260 PHP. =(
Thanks for the update Stephen. It’s quite an experience, right?
Next time I suggest you try Johnny Air Cargo. I have an article about my experience with them, you might find it helpful.
Hi Russel,
I’ve read about JAC, but haven’t really tried them yet. I have an aunt in Chicago who sends ‘balikbayan box’ almost monthly. I usually send my stuff over there to avoid taxes and shipping cost, I’m just too excited with my last purchase that I had it shipped directly here, and I also had that certain ‘curiosity’ about how USPS works. Hehe. Anyway, again, thanks for all the help. =)
Hey stephen.. So you buy and send it to your relatives then they send it to you tax free? How do they send it and can it work with laptop or pc parts?
Nice article russ.. Same question with stephen, can you send gadgets?
Hi JP, yes you can send gadgets. I’ve personally shipped more than a dozen electronics and gadgets.
Your post is really helpful! Here’s my problem, I want to buy a mobile phone abroad because it’s technically cheaper and stuff. Would you recommend that at all? Or is there a higher chance that I’ll be scammed? How much would the shipping cost me? I mean, will it be insured? And what does a product being insured mean? Another option I’m thinking of is buying abroad and having it shipped to my aunt who lives there, and then wait for her next balikbayan box to arrive for her to include the phone there nalang. But I’m worried that the balikbayan boxes aren’t really safe in airline places and I heard kase that there’s this thing going on where the people in the airlines tend to go through balikbayan boxes and getting stuff illegally.
Please help. Thank you!
Hi April!
Thanks for dropping by. I’m glad you found the post helpful. Regarding your question, I wouldn’t suggest buying a mobile phone from abroad then having it shipped here. Why? Here are things to think about:
- the phone you buy might not work in the Phils
- you don’t get to physically check the unit
- warranty is usually limited to the country you bought it from
- handling during shipping
If you really want the phone, why not wait for it to be available here? I’ve had friends who bought phones and laptop abroad only to have them break down when they used them here.
I hope that helps and feel free to send me your questions.
It might come out more expensive if you use Johnny Air Cargo. Here’s their rate:
$6.50/lb (min 2lbs) for personal effects (the weight gets rounded up to the next highest lb; e.g. 5.1 lbs ~ 6 lbs)
$7.00/lb for commercial items
$5 processing/handling fee
12% VAT on service (not on your merchandise)
Add-ons:
$50.00/unit – (additional clearing cost for a laptop & two way radio)
$25.00/unit – additional clearing cost for an Ipad or Samsung Galaxy or Blackberry playbook or other Tablet PCs
$15.00/unit – additional clearing cost for Mobile phones and e-book readers (ie. kindle or Palm pilots)
Inland freight (if any)
Thanks for the that insight Dailymanila! If you want to know which shipping option is cheaper, you can always compare to the regular couriers like Fedex, DHL, and UPS.
I’ve never shipped mobile communication devices or laptops through JAC because they ship in bulk and there’s no way you can ensure that fragile devices will be safe throughout the trip. If you want to have a safe trip for your sensitive devices, the safest option would be to hand carry the items.
Cheers!
hi russel,
should i check customs or the qc postal office for this kind of item?
your post was very informative, as i am new to online shopping. i ordered football shoes from ebay (first time) and it was shipped from UK via royal mail. the tracking said it arrived in the philippines sept 4, but it’s already the 19th and i haven’t received any notice. i came across an article about stealing in the post office and i am getting worried
Hi meex,
Thanks for dropping by. Based on your account, it’s already two-weeks since your parcel arrived at customs. You should start checking with customs regarding your item. I don’t mean to put out a bad image for our customs official, but they do have a reputation for opening potentially fruitful packages.
Good luck and keep us posted on what happens.
hI russel,
i just want to ask and i wonder why all or maybe most of the pinoys using Johnny Air Cargo use the NY branch…i ask this because im planning to buy some laptop parts from an online store base in Orange county in CA and some things in amazon…and im opting to go to their LA branch ( much faster and cheaper??)…is the NY branch a bit faster or the rate?- which i dont think will be …..
Hi Eirhiz,
As for your question, I’m not really sure why the NY is the fave branch for shipping by our kababayans, but I could only guess that because it’s the HQ of JAC, they process all their Philippine-bound packages from there. Again, that’s only a guess, but it’s always better to ask them directly. 
Thanks for dropping by my blog.
[...] I’m a practical gadget and electronics enthusiast (technology junky). I get excited about consumer electronics easily and it frustrates me when those gadgets are only available from abroad, specifically, in the US. If I buy from the US, I’m forced to pay an unbelievable shipping cost because of international shipping. I’ve been shopping online for a decade already and I’ve written a short, but helpful guide on how to shop online and buy items abroad here. [...]
Hi,
I ordered books from Amazon France, duty free. Books arrived in about two weeks. These books are educational/cultural and strictly for my personal use. Only problem now is that the Filipino custom ask for VAT and import duty fee.
I understand though (see ) that I should not be taxed.
Has anyone had such experience recently? Any advices?
For the time being I have declined to pay the custom and books are at the post-office.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Vincent,
It’s good that you looked up the laws first before paying the taxes. You can bring a copy of the article or even the copy of the presidential order to the Customs office.
If you will pay anything, it will be handling fee, but that’s just a small amount.
Thanks for bringing up that scenario.
Great article sir. I’m a college student and I’m a total newbie when it comes to online shopping. I just recently bought several items (a few watches and bluetooth earphones) over the past 3 days. A lot of them were standard economy shipping and the rest were the free shipping offers (I bought all of them from ebay.com). Should I wait until all the packages are in the country or should I go to the customs office as soon as I receive their notice? That whole customs thing really frustrates me though. I wish I read your article sooner. Any tips on how to handle my inevitable bout with the system?
Hi VS, thanks for dropping by. Congratulations on joining the online shopping community, too.
Regarding your purchases. I suggest you get them as the notices arrive. Each notice has a 30-day lifespan and your purchases from Ebay often won’t arrive on the same week even if you bought them in just a span of a couple of days.
I’m a little worried about your purchase of watches and headsets. If the custom officer sees the declared item electronics and they amount to more than a hundred US Dollars in value, they will tax you accordingly, and something even more. That’s just a thought.
Goodluck and do update us on what happens.
Well the watches aren’t really that expensive. All under 1000php and well below $40. Though collectively they do amount to over $100 so I’m definitely taking your advice on claiming them as the notices arrive. I’m hoping I don’t encounter much trouble. Thanks for your reply, I’ll update as soon as I get my purchases!
Hey Russel, just wanted to update you on my purchases. Surprisingly two of several purchases came to my house within the past three days. I guess it’s because the value wasn’t that high? They were electronic stuff (iPod bluetooth transmitter and bluetooth earphones). Hopefully the rest of my purchases will come in without any trouble. I’m not taking any chances though. I recently contacted one of the handlers from Johnny Air and from now on I’ll let them handle it.
Glad things are working out well for you.
More success to your online shopping 
Hi Russel, i’m a newbie at this kind of thing and i’m planning on buying some playing cards on ebay.com. Before buying i have some concers,
1. How will i know the nearest post office in my place ?
2. Are there age requirements on picking up parcels?
3. My parcel is just small (2 boxes of cards) and as you’ve said, small parcels will be treated like parcels from Hong kong and china. How will i know if my parcel have arrived
Thanks in adv (sorry for tons of questions, customs won’t reply on any of my concerns so i came up to you )
Hi Rheayo,
Thanks for dropping by! Please see my answers to your questions:
1. The best way to know the nearest post office to your place is to ask around your area. It’s usually near the town or city hall. Unfortunately for us, the Philpost website offers no way to look for that information.
2. I’m not sure of the agre requirements for picking up parcels but they would need official or government issued identification cards to prove you are really the recipient of the parcel.
3. If they don’t deliver the parcel to your doorstep, they will send you a postal notice (a small card informing you that you have a parcel for pick up.
Hope that helps!
Ok tnx.. I will just ask u if i have more concerns
Thnx agen
Hi all, i just wanna ask if anyone knows the exact computation that we need to pay customs for tax? I am planning to buy 20pcs of cloth diapers from China, its about $84 and the supplier said that he will declare the items like $2 dollars each so its just gonna be around $40.
Do u you think I will get taxed still? and if I will be taxed, how much will it cost?
I hope someone can provide me an exact computation of the taxes we need to pay for. the reason why i wanna buy in China is that i can save up a lot.. but if my savings will just go to the pockets of those scoundrels in Customs, then I will think twice..
Hi Jasmin, I don’t think JAC services China shipments, they’re mainly for US shipments.
Hope that helps!
Hi,
I am interested in having a laptop shipped here but I am worried about incurring charges from customs. You mentioned that using Johnny Air Cargo is a viable option, so does that mean that customs will not charge me for taxes anymore when I claim this from JAC’s office?
Hi Princess, thanks for dropping by.
It a sense, you wouldn’t be paying the custom tax directly to the customs office. When you pay the shipping fees in JAC, you are already portions of the customs charges. By the way, if you’re shipping laptops and tablets, I believe there’s a $20 special handling fee for that. It’s best to ask JAC directly since what I writer here is mostly my personal experience with them.
Hope that helps!
Hi Russel,
My sister bought me a Kindle touch which costs 99usd and she mailed
it through USPS (ecomony) . Based on their website my parcel is now with the
Phil customs, it has been with them since Jan 6, 2012 until now. Should I be worried that
it has been days and it’s still with them? Are e-book readers taxable? If yes any estimate?
This is giving me so much stress coz USPS told my sister my parcel will only take 7 to 10 days to reach me. Hope you could help me.
Thanks
Corrupt post office staff still abound in the Philippines. Bought a US60.00 shoes online and when the item is being picked up the “money faced” postal staff was asking for P1500.00 fee written in a piece of paper. This is outrageous and disgusting. These people at the post office should be jailed for taking advantage of their position. How can the postmaster general allow this to happen?
can i use johnny air cargo padala when buying from amazon?
HiBen,
Yes you use JC for Amazon. In fact I use JAC exclusively for my Amazon purchases.
Hope that helps!