Shipping souvenirs home from Italy can have its ups and downs. On the positive side, you get unique items in Italy that you may not find at home, you avoid potential baggage weight restrictions, and you allow larger or fragile items to be transported safely.
However, the downside includes shipping costs, possible customs delays, and more.
Here are a few pros and cons to think about when deciding if shipping is right for your purchase from Italy.
Pros to Shipping My Purchases from Italy
Larger items:
You can bring home larger or heavier souvenirs that might not fit in your luggage, like ceramic pasta bowls or serving sets, large artwork, cases of wine and/or olive oil.
Fragile items:
Proper packaging ensures your fragile items like glass figurines or delicate hand-blown glassware arrive safely. Shipping directly from the vendor allows experienced staff who know how to pack fragile items for shipping.
Unique finds:
You have access to unique, locally made items that might not be available in your home country. There are so many multi-generational artisans all over Italy who create one-of-a-kind items that make both memorable and multi-use keepsakes.
No baggage restrictions:
You avoid potential baggage weight limitations at the airport.
Time saving:
You can shop leisurely without worrying about fitting everything in your luggage.
Cons to Shipping My Purchases from Italy
High shipping costs:
International shipping can sometimes be expensive, especially for larger or heavier packages. You have to compare these shipping costs to possible over-the-limit checked baggage fees.
TRAVEL TIP: If you are traveling with others, ask the vendor for multi-product shipping discounts and pool your purchase to ship to one house and split the shipping cost.
Customs delays:
Your purchases may be subject to customs inspections and potential delays at the border.
Packaging requirements:
Proper packaging is essential to protect items during transit, which can add to the cost and time.
Import restrictions:
Certain items like food products or antiques might have restrictions on importation to your home country.
Potential damage during transit of shipping my purchases from Italy:
Even with careful packaging, there is always a risk of damage during shipping. My family and I have shipped many items home over the years. Only one item was damaged and our kind vendor who packed and shipped it reimbursed us for the item.
Paperwork involved:
Completing customs declaration forms and providing necessary documentation for your large purchases can be time-consuming.
Considerations before shipping
Check customs regulations:
Research what items are allowed to be imported to your country and any potential restrictions. US Customs List of Restricted or Prohibited Items
Compare shipping costs:
Get quotes from different shipping companies to find the most affordable option. DHL and Mail Box, Etc. are everywhere in Italy.
Properly package items:
Use high-quality packing materials to protect fragile items. I sometimes pack bubble wrap wine bags in my carry-on if I know I want to purchase a few bottles of wine.
Consider insurance:
For valuable items, consider purchasing shipping insurance to cover potential damage.
Ask local vendors:
I always consult with shop owners about their shipping options and experience. Sometimes you can look at their reviews online to check other customers' shipping experience.
Have you ever shipped purchases home from your travels? I would love to hear your experience. Post in the comment section below.
The Way To Italy has been providing fee-based, custom travel planning for travelers to Italy for 23 years. I handcraft once-in-a-lifetime Italy experiences down to the last detail.
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