Shipping Packages Between the US and Netherlands for Expats
The first time we had a package shipped from the US to the Netherlands, we paid 45 dollars for shipping and then got hit with a 30-euro customs bill when it arrived. For a box of ranch dressing packets and some vitamins.
Shipping between the US and the Netherlands is doable, but it's more expensive and complicated than most people expect. Here's everything we've learned from sending and receiving dozens of packages since moving here on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT).
Shipping from the US to the Netherlands
Best Carriers
USPS (United States Postal Service): The most affordable option for smaller packages. Priority Mail International typically costs 30 to 60 dollars depending on weight and size. Delivery takes 6 to 10 business days. First-Class Package International is cheaper for items under 4 pounds but slower, around 2 to 4 weeks.
UPS and FedEx: Faster (3 to 5 business days) but significantly more expensive. Expect 70 to 150 dollars or more depending on package size. They handle customs clearance, which can be convenient but comes with brokerage fees.
DHL: Popular for international shipping and has a strong presence in the Netherlands. Prices are comparable to UPS and FedEx. DHL Express is fast but pricey.
Pro Tip: For non-urgent shipments, USPS Priority Mail International is the best balance of cost and reliability. We use it for 90 percent of our packages from family.
Customs and Import Duties
This is where it gets complicated. Every package entering the Netherlands from outside the EU is subject to potential customs duties and VAT.
The rules:
- Packages valued at 150 euros or less may still be charged 21% Dutch VAT
- Packages valued over 150 euros get VAT plus customs duties (rate depends on the product category)
- The declared value on the customs form determines what you pay
How it works in practice: PostNL (the Dutch postal service) handles incoming international mail. If they determine your package owes customs duties, they'll hold it and send you a letter or notification through the PostNL app. You pay the duties online or at pickup, plus a handling fee of about 4 euros.
Gift exemption: There's no longer a blanket exemption for gifts. Since 2021, essentially all packages from outside the EU are subject to VAT regardless of whether they're marked as gifts.
What We Wish We Knew: Have the sender fill out the customs declaration form accurately and in detail. Vague descriptions like "household items" can trigger extra inspection and delays. Be specific: "3 packets ranch seasoning, value $5" works much better.
Shipping from the Netherlands to the US
Best Options
PostNL: The Dutch postal service is the default choice. A standard package to the US costs about 15 to 35 euros depending on weight. Tracking is included on most international shipments. Delivery takes 5 to 10 business days.
DHL: Available at many PostNL service points. Faster but pricier. Good for urgent or valuable shipments.
UPS/FedEx: Available for heavier or time-sensitive packages. Drop-off locations are less common than PostNL points, but you can schedule pickups.
Customs Going the Other Direction
The US has a more generous customs exemption. Packages valued under 800 dollars are generally duty-free for personal imports. Above that, duties and taxes apply.
The US is stricter about certain items: food products, plant materials, and some medications face import restrictions. Check the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) website if you're unsure about a specific item.
Package Forwarding Services
If you need to order from US websites that don't ship internationally, package forwarding services give you a US mailing address. You order to that address, and they forward the package to the Netherlands.
Popular Services
MyUS.com: One of the most established forwarding services. You get a Florida address, which means no state sales tax on orders. They consolidate multiple packages into one shipment to save on shipping.
Shipito: Similar to MyUS with California, Oregon, and Austria addresses. Multiple shipping speed options.
Planet Express: Budget-friendly option with a California address. Good for occasional use.
The Cost Reality
Package forwarding adds up quickly. You're paying US domestic shipping to the forwarding address, the forwarding service fee, international shipping to the Netherlands, and potentially customs duties on arrival.
A 30-dollar item can easily cost 70 to 90 dollars by the time it reaches your Dutch door. Only worth it for things you truly cannot find in Europe.
For items you can find locally, check our guide to finding American products in the Netherlands.
Tips for Receiving Packages
Get the PostNL app. It tracks incoming packages and notifies you about customs charges before delivery. You can also redirect packages to a pickup point if you won't be home.
Know your neighbors. Dutch postal carriers will leave packages with neighbors if you're not home. This is standard practice. You'll find a note in your mailbox telling you which neighbor has your package.
Pickup points: If a package can't be delivered, it goes to a PostNL pickup point (usually a local shop). You have about two weeks to collect it with your ID.
Customs delays: Packages that get flagged for customs inspection can be delayed by a week or more. During holiday seasons, delays are longer. Plan accordingly.
Sending Care Packages (From Family in the US)
If your family wants to send you a care package, share these tips with them:
Do fill out the customs form completely. List every item with a description and value. "Assorted food items, $25" is better than "gifts."
Don't inflate the value. Declared value determines customs charges. Be accurate, but there's no reason to round up.
Do use USPS Priority Mail International. Best value for care package-sized boxes. A medium flat rate box is about 60 dollars.
Don't send restricted items. Certain foods (meat, dairy, fresh produce), alcohol, and some medications can be seized at customs. Dry goods, candy, shelf-stable sauces, and packaged snacks are usually fine.
Do wrap items well. International packages get handled roughly. Double-bag anything that could leak or break.
For what to pack when visiting the US, check out what to pack for moving to the Netherlands and consider what to bring back in your suitcase instead.
Reality Check: Your family will want to send you things constantly at first. Appreciate it, but also gently let them know that a single care package can cost 80 to 100 dollars in shipping and customs. A video call might mean more.
Shipping Larger Items
For household goods and larger shipments, see our detailed guide on shipping belongings to the Netherlands. The process is different from sending standard packages and involves freight shipping, customs brokers, and much longer timelines.
For standard-sized packages, the carriers listed above are your best bet.
Quick Reference: Costs and Timelines
| Route | Carrier | Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| US to NL (small) | USPS First Class | $15-25 | 2-4 weeks |
| US to NL (medium) | USPS Priority | $30-60 | 6-10 days |
| US to NL (fast) | UPS/FedEx/DHL | $70-150+ | 3-5 days |
| NL to US (standard) | PostNL | 15-35 EUR | 5-10 days |
| NL to US (fast) | DHL Express | 40-80 EUR | 2-4 days |
Add customs duties (21% VAT + potential import duty) for packages entering the Netherlands.
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The Bottom Line
Shipping between the US and Netherlands works, but treat it as an occasional convenience rather than a regular habit. The costs add up fast, and customs duties can surprise you.
For regular needs, find Dutch or European alternatives. For specific American items, specialty stores and Amazon.de are usually cheaper than shipping from the US. Save international shipping for truly irreplaceable items and the occasional care package from family.
We're not immigration lawyers---just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.