International Shipping from NYC: Everything You Need to Know

New York City is one of the most internationally connected cities in the world, and the East Village reflects that diversity. From students at Cooper Union sending portfolios overseas to families on East 6th Street mailing care packages home, international shipping is part of daily life here. At East Village Postal, we handle international shipments daily — here's your complete guide.

Comparing International Carriers

We offer international shipping through USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL — each with distinct strengths. USPS Priority Mail International is often the most affordable for packages under 4 pounds, while DHL Express excels for shipments to Europe and Asia. FedEx International Economy offers a solid balance of speed and cost for larger packages.

For customers in the East Village shipping to Latin America, USPS often provides the best rates. Our staff near the corner of 1st Avenue and East 9th Street can compare real-time rates across all carriers to find you the best deal — something the post office on East 4th Street simply can't do.

Customs Forms and Documentation

Every international shipment requires customs documentation. The most common form is the CN22 for small packages or the CN23/CP72 for larger items. You'll need to declare the contents, their value, and the purpose (gift, merchandise, or documents). Accurate descriptions matter — vague entries like “stuff” can cause delays or seizure at customs.

At East Village Postal, we help fill out customs forms correctly every day. Many of our NoHo and Alphabet City customers are small business owners shipping products to international buyers, and proper documentation prevents costly holdups at the border.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Each country has its own list of prohibited imports. Common restrictions include food items, plants, certain electronics, and lithium batteries. Australia and New Zealand are particularly strict about food and organic materials. Before shipping, check the destination country's restrictions — our team can help you navigate these rules.

Perfumes and liquids face additional carrier restrictions. FedEx and UPS have specific requirements for shipping hazardous materials internationally. When in doubt, bring your item to our 1st Avenue location and we'll advise you on the best approach.

Tips for Saving on International Shipping

Weight and dimensions both affect pricing — carriers use “dimensional weight” for larger, lighter packages. Choosing the smallest possible box can significantly reduce costs. We stock a wide range of box sizes at our store near Tompkins Square Park specifically for this reason.

USPS Flat Rate International boxes can offer exceptional value for heavy, small items. A Medium Flat Rate Box to most countries costs the same whether it weighs 1 pound or 20 pounds. For Greenwich Village and Union Square residents shipping books or dense items, this is often the smartest choice.

Key Takeaways

• Compare carriers — USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL each excel in different scenarios
• Accurate customs forms prevent delays and seizures
• Check destination-specific restrictions before shipping
• Use the smallest box possible to minimize dimensional weight charges
• USPS Flat Rate boxes offer great value for heavy, compact items