Updated July 2025 — Want to shop from Amazon US, Rakuten Japan, or Olive Young Korea, but unsure how to ship to Singapore without paying a fortune in international fees?
This updated guide walks you through everything you need to know about international shipping to Singapore — including costs, tips, customs rules, and how Buy&Ship Singapore makes it easy, affordable, and reliable.
🌏 Why More Singaporeans Are Shopping Overseas in 2025
Cross-border online shopping has never been more popular in Singapore. Here’s why:
🔹 Global Prices Are Often Lower
Save big on electronics, skincare, and fashion by shopping directly from overseas retailers.
🔹 Wider Variety of Products
Access niche or exclusive brands not sold locally — from US tech to Korean beauty.
🔹 Seasonal Sales & Limited Editions
Take advantage of country-specific promotions like Amazon Prime Day, Rakuten Super Sale, or UK Boxing Day deals.
But there are challenges:
- ❌ High shipping fees
- ❌ Customs restrictions
- ❌ Sites that don’t ship to SG
💡 That’s where parcel forwarding services like Buy&Ship come in.
📬 What Is a Parcel Forwarding Service?
It allows you to:
- Use a local warehouse address in the US, UK, Japan, Korea, etc.
- Shop from international websites that don’t ship to Singapore.
- Consolidate parcels into one shipment to reduce fees.
- Track your shipment and receive it at your doorstep in SG.
With Buy&Ship Singapore, you get:
- ✅ 11 overseas warehouses
- ✅ Transparent pricing (no volumetric weight)
- ✅ Real-time parcel tracking
- ✅ Optional shipping insurance (Buy&Ship Plus)
- ✅ FREE package consolidation
💰 How Much Does It Cost? [2025 Updated Rates]
| Shipping Method | First Pound | Each Additional Pound | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy&Ship Shipping | S$9 | S$7 | 5–10 business days |
| UPS Express | S$10 | S$6 | Typically faster |
✔️ No volumetric weight charges — billed only on actual weight
✔️ Prices are flat and transparent, perfect for budgeting
📦 Real-World Cost Example
Case: Joey buys sneakers from the US + skincare from Japan
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Shipping cost: S$9 + S$7×2.5 = S$26.50
- Delivery time: 6 business days
- Saved: ~40% vs direct retailer shipping
📊 What Affects Your Final Shipping Fee?
| Factor | How It Impacts Your Cost |
|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier = more expensive, but per-lb cost decreases |
| Consolidation | Saves base fee by combining multiple orders |
| Origin Country | May affect speed and customs processes |
| Customs & GST | Orders over S$400 CIF are subject to 8% GST |
🛡️ Pro Tips to Save on International Shipping
✅ Use Parcel Consolidation
Combine multiple parcels into one to reduce base fees.
✅ Shop From Tax-Free States
Use Buy&Ship’s Oregon (US) warehouse — no sales tax!
✅ Declare Early
Once you receive tracking info, declare your shipment in the Buy&Ship dashboard to avoid delays.
✅ Add Buy&Ship Plus for Expensive Items
Protect your orders with value-based insurance + return support.
❌ Prohibited & Restricted Items (Singapore Customs)
Before you ship, know what’s not allowed:
🚫 Strictly Prohibited:
- Firearms & ammunition
- Controlled drugs & narcotics
- Pornographic material
- Explosives, fireworks
- Chewing gum (non-medical)
📌 For the full, updated list:
Buy&Ship Singapore Prohibited Items Guide
🎯 Why Use Buy&Ship for International Shipping to Singapore?
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Transparent Pricing | No surprise fees, no volumetric calculations |
| Free Consolidation | Combine multiple orders for big savings |
| 11 Global Warehouses | Shop from top markets: US, UK, Japan, Korea & more |
| Real-Time Tracking | Stay updated via app and email alerts |
| Buy&Ship Plus | Extra protection for high-value or fragile items |
Thousands in Singapore trust Buy&Ship to make overseas shopping seamless and budget-friendly.
🚀 Start Shipping Smarter Today
From US gadgets to Japanese beauty, it’s never been easier to buy globally.
👉 Sign up for FREE at Buy&Ship Singapore
Shop the world. We’ll handle the rest.