7 Steps to Shipping Gifts from Israel
How to Send Gifts from Israel: A Complete Guide
Looking to relocate or make Aliyah to Israel
Shipping gifts from Israel can be a wonderful way to share the country’s rich culture, traditions, and products with friends and family abroad. Whether you’re sending handcrafted Judaica, Israeli wine, or a keepsake from Jerusalem, navigating the shipping process can sometimes be tricky. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to ship gifts from Israel, covering reliable shipping options, tips to avoid delays, and cost-saving advice.
Looking to move or make Aliyah to Israel
1. Choose a Reliable Shipping Service
When shipping gifts internationally from Israel, selecting a reliable courier is crucial. Here are some trusted options:
Israel Post: The official postal service of Israel offers international shipping options, including express services. While it is an affordable choice, be mindful of potential delays during busy seasons.
DHL Express: For faster and more reliable service, DHL Express is a top option. DHL provides tracking for your package and is known for delivering shipments in 2-5 business days globally.
FedEx Israel: Another premium shipping provider, FedEx offers international deliveries with tracking and insurance options. FedEx is ideal for high-value or time-sensitive gifts.
UPS Israel: UPS offers fast, secure shipping from Israel to most global destinations. With features like shipment tracking and customizable delivery options, UPS is a dependable choice.
Where to learn more:
FedEx Israel
UPS Israel
2. Understand International Shipping Restrictions
Each country has different import restrictions and customs regulations, so it’s important to verify that your gift can be legally shipped to the destination country. Common restricted items include:
Perishable goods: Some countries may not allow food items like fresh produce or meat.
Alcohol: Shipping Israeli wine internationally is subject to the receiving country’s alcohol import regulations.
Religious items: In some regions, items like shofars or other religious artifacts may face restrictions.
To avoid unexpected returns or delays, check the specific customs regulations of the country you are shipping to.
Useful links
Israeli Wine Export Information
3. Pack Your Gift Safely
Proper packaging is essential to ensure your gift arrives in perfect condition. Here are some packaging tips for different types of Israeli gifts:
Fragile items: For ceramics, glass Judaica, or other delicate gifts, use bubble wrap and cushioned packaging to prevent breakage.
Liquids and perishables: Seal liquids tightly, such as Israeli wine or beauty products, in waterproof bags. For food items, consider using vacuum-sealed packaging to maintain freshness.
Heavy or bulky items: Use double-layered cardboard boxes for heavy items like olive wood carvings or large artwork.
Invest in high-quality packaging materials and ensure your box is labeled with the appropriate "Fragile" and "Handle with Care" signs.
Where to buy packaging materials:
4. Consider Shipping Costs and Delivery Times
Shipping rates from Israel vary depending on the courier service, package weight, and destination. Here’s an estimated cost breakdown for sending a 1-2 kg package internationally:
Israel Post: $20-40 USD for standard shipping, delivery in 10-20 business days.
DHL/FedEx/UPS: $50-100 USD for express shipping, delivery in 2-5 business days.
Shipping times can also vary during peak holiday periods, so it’s advisable to plan your shipment well in advance, especially for international holidays like Hanukkah or Christmas.
Where to calculate shipping costs:
Israel Post Shipping Calculator
DHL Express Cost Estimator
FedEx Israel Shipping Rates
5. Fill Out Customs Forms Correctly
When shipping gifts from Israel to another country, you will need to fill out customs declaration forms. This is a crucial step to ensure smooth delivery, as incorrect or incomplete forms can lead to your package being delayed or returned.
Describe the item clearly: Specify what the item is (e.g., “handmade olive wood carving”) and its value.
Mark the package as a gift: If the item is a personal gift, be sure to tick the appropriate box on the form, which may exempt the recipient from paying import taxes depending on the country.
Provide accurate value: Listing an incorrect value for the item can result in issues with customs.
For more detailed instructions, visit:
Israel Post Customs Information
6. Track Your Shipment
Tracking your shipment is key to ensuring it reaches its destination safely. Most courier services offer tracking numbers, allowing you to monitor your gift’s journey in real-time. This is especially helpful for time-sensitive or high-value items.
Tracking services are available through:
Israel Post: Basic tracking available for most international shipments.
DHL Express/FedEx/UPS: Advanced tracking features allow you to see exactly where your package is and estimated delivery times.
Where to track shipments:
Israel Post Tracking
DHL Express Tracking
FedEx Tracking
UPS Tracking
7. Send Gifts Directly from Israeli Retailers
To simplify the shipping process, consider purchasing gifts directly from Israeli online retailers that offer international shipping. Many websites provide pre-packaged, ready-to-ship items with customs and shipping fees included. This is a great option if you are short on time or want to avoid handling the shipping yourself.
Some trusted retailers include:
Judaica Webstore: Offers worldwide shipping on a wide variety of Israeli products.
Ahava: Ships Dead Sea beauty products internationally with express options.
Yair Emanuel Judaica: Provides international delivery for handcrafted Judaica items.
Final Thoughts on Shipping Gifts from Israel
Shipping gifts from Israel doesn’t have to be complicated if you plan ahead and choose the right courier service. Whether you’re sending an Israeli wine set, a traditional menorah, or a simple snack pack, following these steps will help ensure that your gift reaches its destination safely and on time.