Frequently asked

Qualified former Filipinos can, as long as the box goes to family and stays within the yearly limits. Your forwarder will ask for your passport bio page. Some also accept your old Philippine passport or PSA birth certificate as proof.

You can ship it, but it won't be duty-free. The privilege only covers family and relatives up to the fourth civil degree, which includes first cousins.

Not for used personal items. Include a receipt if you have one, especially for new electronics, and declare a realistic value for everything.

Contact your U.S. forwarder with your bill of lading number, then check the Bureau of Customs tracker. If the forwarder stops responding, file a complaint with the DTI in the Philippines and your state attorney general's consumer office in the U.S.

Sea freight usually takes 6 to 10 weeks. For a December 25 arrival, ship by mid-October. After that, consider air cargo. Use our arrival estimator on the Tools page.

It applies to anyone sending from the U.S., citizen or not, but only when the transfer is funded with cash, a money order, a cashier's check or similar. Pay from a bank account or card and it doesn't apply.

If it's been under 30 minutes and the money hasn't been picked up or deposited, cancel right away for a full refund. After that, report the error to the provider. They must investigate, and you can escalate to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Usually a bank-funded transfer to a Philippine bank or GCash with a provider that uses close to the market rate. Compare the pesos your family receives, not the advertised fee.

Former Filipinos can stay up to one year visa-free under the Balikbayan Program. Bring your old Philippine passport or PSA birth certificate as proof.

Yes. Register at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival. Ignore any site that charges a fee.