If you’re based in Singapore and love shopping from the US, UK, Japan, or Korea, you’ve likely heard of Buy&Ship — the popular parcel forwarding service that helps you save on international shipping costs. But how exactly do their fees work? What about GST and customs?
In this complete 2025 guide, we break down Buy&Ship’s shipping fees, optional services, and what taxes or duties Singaporean shoppers need to be aware of — so you can shop smarter and avoid surprises at checkout.
🌍 What is Buy&Ship?
Buy&Ship gives you access to overseas warehouse addresses in 10 regions (including the US, UK, Japan, Korea, and Italy). You shop from global e-commerce sites, send your parcels to these warehouses, and Buy&Ship consolidates and forwards them to your Singapore address.
✅ Great for:
- Buying from retailers that don’t ship to SG
- Consolidating multiple orders into one parcel
- Saving money on inflated direct-to-SG prices or express courier rates
💰 Buy&Ship Shipping Fee Structure (2025)
🔹 Standard Shipping (Default Option)
| Weight | Shipping Fee (SGD) |
|---|---|
| First 1 lb | S$9 |
| Each additional lb | S$7 |
- Fees are calculated per pound (lb).
- No volumetric weight — you’re only charged for actual parcel weight.
- Delivery via Buy&Ship’s own local courier network in Singapore.
🔹 Express Shipping via UPS (Optional)
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Base fee | S$10 |
| Per lb | S$6 |
- Ideal for faster delivery, particularly for time-sensitive parcels.
- You can choose between Standard and UPS when parcels arrive in the HK warehouse.
📦 Example Fee Calculation
Scenario: You order from three different sites — Amazon US, Uniqlo JP, and ASOS UK.
Each parcel weighs 1.5 lbs.
- Total Consolidated Weight: ~4.5 lbs
- Shipping Cost:
- First lb: S$9
- Remaining 3.5 lbs: S$7 × 3.5 = S$24.50
- Total: S$33.50
✔️ You saved by consolidating all into one parcel!
🚀 Free Services That Add Value
✅ Free Consolidation
Combine parcels from different countries into one shipment — no extra fee.
✅ 30-Day Free Storage
Buy&Ship lets you hold packages up to 30 days at each warehouse so you can wait for more purchases.
✅ Tracking and Insurance Options
- Basic tracking included.
- Add Buy&Ship Plus for optional damage/loss insurance during international transit.
🇸🇬 GST and Customs for Singapore
💡 When is GST Applicable?
Singapore charges Goods and Services Tax (GST) for shipments with a CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value over S$400.
| Value of Package | GST Applies? |
|---|---|
| ≤ S$400 | ❌ No |
| > S$400 | ✅ Yes (8%) |
As of 2025, GST in Singapore is 8%.
🧾 How is GST Calculated?
Let’s say:
- Product Cost: S$350
- Shipping Fee: S$33.50
- Insurance (optional): S$5
CIF = 350 + 33.50 + 5 = S$388.50 → ❌ No GST
If total CIF was S$420, GST would be:
S$420 × 8% = S$33.60
GST is collected by the final delivery courier (usually UPS or local courier) upon arrival.
🔐 Customs Tips to Avoid Delays
- ✅ Accurate declaration: Always enter correct item value, type, and currency when declaring parcels.
- ✅ Avoid restricted items: Follow Buy&Ship’s list of prohibited/restricted items.
- ✅ Keep your receipts: Screenshots or invoices may be requested by Singapore Customs.
For the full customs advisory, visit Singapore Customs website.
🛍️ Best Products to Ship with Buy&Ship
Not all items are cost-effective to ship internationally. Here are some of the best categories for Buy&Ship shoppers in Singapore:
| Product Type | Why It’s Great for Forwarding |
|---|---|
| Branded Fashion | Lower prices in UK, US, IT |
| K-Beauty/J-Beauty | Cheaper than SG retail |
| Electronics Accessories | Often not sold locally |
| Designer Handbags | Access regional sales & VAT savings |
| Health Supplements | Buy in bulk and save per unit |
🧑💻 How to Use Buy&Ship (Step-by-Step)
1. Sign up at www.buyandship.com.sg
You’ll get your own unique overseas warehouse addresses (US, UK, JP, KR, etc.).
2. Shop from any global retailer
Use your Buy&Ship warehouse address at checkout.
3. Declare your parcel
Log in and declare item name, value, and tracking number.
4. Consolidate shipments
Wait for all parcels to arrive, then consolidate for delivery.
5. Pay and receive
Choose shipping method (Standard or UPS), pay by card, and track delivery to your door.
💡 FAQs
❓Is there a monthly fee?
No — Buy&Ship is free to use. You only pay when you ship.
❓Can I estimate shipping before purchase?
Yes, use the shipping calculator on the Buy&Ship SG site.
❓What payment methods are accepted?
Most major credit/debit cards and some e-wallets (based on country).
✅ Final Thoughts: Affordable Global Shopping Starts Here
With transparent pricing, no hidden handling fees, and reliable tracking, Buy&Ship is the ideal solution for Singaporeans who want to enjoy international shopping without overpaying.
By understanding their shipping fees, GST rules, and customs process, you can shop confidently from your favorite overseas stores — from Amazon and ASOS to Rakuten and Gmarket.
🔗 Ready to start saving?
Sign up at www.buyandship.com.sg