A Balikbayan box is a cargo that a Filipino eagerly awaits from family members, relatives or friends living overseas. The box contains from canned goods to running shoes. Any request from a Filipino recipient that can fit inside a Balikbayan box, as long as it is within the Customs guidelines, is sent via a Balikbayan box. If you happen to be a Filipino working overseas or a non-Filipino with friends in the Philippines, we will show you how to send the beloved and most anticipated Balikbayan box.

Instructions

1)   Balikbayan Box. After you have done your shopping for goods to send to the Philippines it is now time to buy a Balikbayan box. A Balikbayan box size is 28 x 18 x 17 inches. You may need to buy more than one box in case you are sending a lot of items or if you are sending to different destinations within the Philippines.  

2)   Pack Goods. It is essential to pack carefully. Use garbage bags to line and contain your items. This lining will protect your balikbayan box inside the container in case the liquid contents of other boxes spill. If you are sending fragile items make sure to add bubble wraps. Sometimes to save on space you can wrap the breakable items with T-shirts or towels you are sending. This will act as cushion and saves space since you are sending these items anyway. Secure liquid containers (shampoo, lotion, etc.) by putting a tape around the cap. Pack in small plastic bags or label each with the names of the recipient to avoid confusion when sending to multiple recipients sharing the same box.   

3)    Seal and label the box. Seal the box carefully with packing tape. Avoid using duct tape as it peels off in hot weather and will unravel. Write the recipient’s address clearly on at least 2 sides of the Balikbayan box using a permanent marker.  

4)   Mode of Transportation. Determine how many items you need to send and the mode of transportation of your package. The most common way is by sea since it is less expensive and there are no weight limitations. Sending by air is used if the items are urgently needed. If you wish to send by air, you pay the standard fee plus excess weight. A shipment by sea commonly takes between 35 and 45 days to arrive at the destination, whereby air is usually within a week.  

5)   Choosing a carrier. Make sure to check the freight forwarders not only for their prices but for their reliability. There are some services and perks offered by these companies in order to compete for your business that you may want to look into. For example, there are freight forwarders that will pick up your box wherever you live which lessens the hassle of driving to their location. There are some who would also provide free Balikbayan boxes for future use, which saves money for the price of the box. Others will give you a discount if you are a regular customer after sending a certain number of times. These can add up to a lot of savings especially if you are a regular sender.  

6)   Bill of lading. Whether at the freight forwarder’s office or if the representative is picking up the Balikbayan box for delivery, you would need to fill out the Bill of Lading. You need to fill out one for each addressee not for each box. For example, if you have one recipient named but 2 boxes, you only need one bill of lading. If you have multiple boxes and different recipients, you need to fill out one for each recipient. A bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier acknowledging that the goods that have been specified have been received by the carrier and will be delivered to its intended recipient (consignee). The bill of lading includes the list of items that are inside the box, the information of the intended recipient, which includes the name, address and phone number.   

 7)   Payment. Once everything has been checked out and the forms completed, you will now pay the forwarding company. You can pay by cash, check, credit card, or money order. Prices vary by size and destination. In some cases, as mentioned earlier, if you send by air and your box is overweight you will need to pay extra.  

8)  Notify Recipient: Let your recipient know that you have sent the box and when they should expect your package to arrive. Make sure that the recipient can provide valid identification. Remind your recipient to let you know once the Balikbayan box has been received and to let you know if there are problems or delays so you can follow up with the carrier.