The cheapest way to post to China depends on the size, weight, and urgency of the item you’re shipping. Below are several affordable options for posting goods to China, ranging from postal services to courier services. Here’s a breakdown of the most cost-effective ways to ship from various regions:
1. Postal Services (Standard Mail)
For small, non-urgent shipments, standard postal services are usually the most economical option. These services are slower compared to express couriers but are suitable for personal items or non-time-sensitive packages.
China Post (Standard International Shipping)
- China Post offers affordable international shipping options for parcels, including economy and standard services.
- Delivery Time: Typically 10-30 days depending on the country of origin and the service you choose.
- Cost: One of the most affordable options, with prices starting from as low as $10 – $25 USD for small parcels (up to 2 kg).
- For larger packages, prices can range from $30 – $80 USD for 5 kg.
China Post Services:
- China Post Air Mail: Economical but slower. Typically takes 10-30 days.
- China Post EMS (Express Mail Service): Slightly faster, but more expensive. EMS typically takes 7-15 days for delivery.
2. E-commerce Shipping Services
For small packages, especially items purchased online, there are specialized e-commerce shipping options, which are typically affordable.
ePacket (for small parcels from certain countries)
- ePacket is a popular affordable shipping method for small packages from countries like the U.S., Hong Kong, and some other regions, primarily for e-commerce items (e.g., from AliExpress).
- Delivery Time: Typically 7-20 days, but delivery times can vary.
- Cost: Generally around $10 – $30 USD for parcels under 2 kg.
- Service: It’s a low-cost option for shipping lightweight items, particularly from online stores to Chinese consumers.
AliExpress Standard Shipping
- If you are buying from AliExpress, their AliExpress Standard Shipping is an affordable choice for shipping to China.
- Cost: For lightweight items, $3 – $10 USD.
- Delivery Time: Typically 10-20 days, but varies based on the seller and item.
3. Courier Services with Economy Shipping
If you need a bit faster delivery or want better tracking than postal services, courier services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer economy options that are cheaper than their express services.
DHL eCommerce
- Delivery Time: Typically 7-14 days.
- Cost: Generally cheaper than regular DHL express shipping, with prices starting from $25 – $60 USD for small packages (under 2-5 kg).
- Service: Includes tracking and reliable delivery to China.
UPS Worldwide Saver (Economy Option)
- Delivery Time: Typically 5-10 days.
- Cost: Prices range from $20 – $60 USD, depending on size and weight.
FedEx International Economy
- Delivery Time: Typically 4-7 days.
- Cost: Prices are around $25 – $70 USD, depending on weight and size.
4. International Freight (for Large Shipments)
For larger shipments (e.g., bulk goods or high-volume parcels), ocean freight or economy air freight may be cheaper than express courier options.
Ocean Freight (for Bulk Shipments)
- Ocean freight is the cheapest option for large or heavy items (typically over 100 kg).
- Delivery Time: Ocean freight can take 20-40 days, depending on the port and location.
- Cost: Ocean freight costs can start from $500 – $2,000 USD per container, but it becomes cheaper per kg for larger shipments.
5. Regional Alternatives (For Proximity)
If you are shipping from a region closer to China, such as Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, shipping costs will be significantly lower due to the proximity and shorter delivery times.
- Hong Kong Post offers low-cost shipping options, and SF Express is a popular courier for domestic and cross-border shipments.
- Delivery Time: 1-7 days depending on the shipping method.
- Cost: $5 – $30 USD for small packages under 2 kg.
Cost Comparison for Small Shipments (Under 2 kg)
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost (up to 2 kg) | Delivery Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Post Air Mail | $10 – $25 USD | 10 – 30 days | Budget option for non-urgent packages |
| China Post EMS | $25 – $50 USD | 7 – 15 days | Faster, but affordable shipping |
| ePacket | $10 – $30 USD | 7 – 20 days | Lightweight e-commerce items |
| AliExpress Standard Shipping | $3 – $10 USD | 10 – 20 days | Small, low-value e-commerce parcels |
| DHL eCommerce | $25 – $60 USD | 7 – 14 days | Reliable, affordable courier option |
| UPS Worldwide Saver | $20 – $60 USD | 5 – 10 days | Affordable courier with tracking |
| FedEx International Economy | $25 – $70 USD | 4 – 7 days | Reliable, affordable courier option |
Tips for Saving on Shipping to China
- Use Postal Services for small, non-urgent items. China Post is the most cost-effective choice for low-value goods or personal items.
- Check E-commerce Shipping Rates if you’re shipping goods purchased from AliExpress or similar platforms.
- Compare Prices: Use online shipping calculators to compare the prices of different couriers and postal services based on the weight and destination.
- Consider Ocean Freight for larger shipments (over 100 kg), as it offers the best value for bulk shipments.
- Look for Discounts or bulk shipping rates if you are an e-commerce seller or shipping multiple parcels.
If you need more detailed pricing or recommendations based on your specific shipment, feel free to share the details, and I can help further!