Were you seeking a budget-friendly parcel delivery service to India? Maybe you have a few gifts to send to family and friends. Or you might need to send some important documents. However, sending parcels to India without burning a hole in your pocket is a tricky task. This is exactly why we have decided to write this blog for everyone who is loath to do the research necessary on this occasion.
We have put together a list of delivery services that you could avail of when sending a package to India. There are a couple of options available. Some are more budget-friendly than others. While some are faster than others. Consider your options well before making the final decision.
The Most Affordable Ways to Send Parcels to India
From our research, we have zeroed in on a few delivery services that are affordable. We will list them out for your perusal:
- Courier Services
A courier service is the most diverse option available to meet your needs. Depending on the service provider, you can choose from a range of varied services. Most courier services offer express delivery, economy shipping, and much more. If you are looking for an affordable option, you can definitely choose the economy shipping option. This would mean longer delivery times when compared to express shipping but the security of your package is more or less assured. Just choose a reputed courier service and you will be guaranteed tracking capabilities and excellent customer service.
- Standard Sea Freight
This is another option provided by many courier companies. It is common knowledge that sea freight costs much less than air freight. So if affordability is your main concern you can definitely consider this option. The delivery times would be longer than air freight but the savings will be significant.
- Parcel Consolidation Services
This is much like the order grouping option you see in food delivery apps. More grouping/consolidation means more savings. This is a strategy used by courier services to minimize costs. They combine multiple shipments into one and consequently reduce the cost that each sender should bear. If you have non-urgent deliveries, this option can be the perfect solution for your parcel woes.
- Postal Services
The Royal Mail would offer you a bunch of services. You can send a parcel to India through the International Standard and International Tracked & Signed. The downside here is that, like most postal services, delivery would take a while. If your parcel is not to be urgently delivered, you can consider this option for its reliability and affordability.
Tips for Getting Discounted Rates
- Courier Price Comparison Websites
Did you know that there were price comparison sites for this? These websites can help you easily compare the prices that various companies charge for shipping parcels to India. This will help you pick the most affordable option to send a parcel to India.
- Direct Booking
Some companies offer discounted rates if you book directly through their websites. This is one way companies use to promote their online booking services. So make use of that. Check their websites for such promotional deals. You might even be lucky enough to find some festive deal ongoing. So book directly through their website and save on shipping costs.
- Look for Promotions
You can look for promotions or seasonal offers. Some companies provide winter offers or other festive offers. Following the social media handles of courier companies can help you be privy to these offers. You can also just directly check their websites.
How Long Does it Take to Send a Parcel to India?
This is a very subjective question. The time it will take for a parcel to be delivered to India will depend on the following factors:
- The Shipping Method You Choose
- The Courier Company You Choose
- The Size & Weight of Your Parcel
- Peak Seasons
- Holidays
- Weather Conditions
- Delays in Customs Clearance
That said, the average delivery times for different services are as follows:
- Express Courier Services – Delivers within 3 to 5 working days
- Standard Air Shipping – Deliver within 5 to 10 working days
- Sea Freight – Delivers within 5 to 6 weeks
- Royal Mail – Delivers within 10 to 14 days
Indian Public Holidays That May Cause Delivery Delays
India has many public holidays throughout the year. These holidays might affect parcel delivery times. Some key holidays that could cause delays include:
- Republic Day – 26th January
- Holi – March (date varies)
- Independence Day – 15th August
- Diwali – October/November (date varies)
- Christmas (25th December)
During these days, courier services may be affected by office closures and increased shipment volumes. Sp, always plan ahead and send your parcels early to avoid these possible delays.
Prohibited Items to Send to India in the Post
When shipping to India from the UK, there are strict regulations on what can and cannot be sent. Common prohibited items include:
- Alcohol and narcotics
- Tobacco products
- Gold, silver, and other precious metals
- Currency notes and traveler’s cheques
- Explosives, flammable items, and hazardous materials
- Certain food items, such as dairy products and fresh fruit
Before sending parcels to India, check with the courier service to ensure your package complies with Indian import regulations.
FAQ
- How long does it take to ship to India?
It depends on the service you choose. Express shipping takes 3 to 5 days, while standard air shipping takes 5 to 10 days. Similarly, economy sea freight takes up to 6 weeks.
- Will I need to deal with customs when posting to India?
That depends. If you choose a reputable courier service, they will handle it for you. All you need to do is provide the relevant documents and they will handle the customs clearance on your behalf.
- Is there an import tax from the UK to India?
Yes, there is. The import duties and taxes apply based on the type and value of the item you are shipping. Customs may contact the recipient for payment before releasing the parcel.
Final Thoughts
Compare delivery options, avoid peak holiday seasons, and understand the customs regulations when you are sending a parcel to India. This will make the whole process easier. Whether you’re sending gifts, business packages, or personal items, select a reliable courier service. While we understand that affordability is your prime concern, you should also get quality service. This will ensure that your package reaches India safely and on time. All the while you won’t have to burn a hole in your pocket.
