FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a balikbayan box?
A Balikbayan box is a large, sturdy box used by Filipinos living abroad to send goods and gifts to their families in the Philippines.
How long does it take to deliver a Balikbayan box from the UK to the Philippines?
The delivery time can vary depending on the city sent from and city delivered to.
Due to the troubles in the Middle East, shipping lines have now diverted their vessels from passing through the usual route through Suez Canal. Now, they ship around the Horn of Africa.
https://www.gep.com/blog/mind/red-sea-crisis-how-rerouting-is-impacting-shipping-costs
This has resulted in an additional 2-3 weeks for shipping. This means that instead of the previous 8-10 weeks to Central Luzon, we are now seeing 10-12 weeks (minimum) transit times.
We estimate our boxes are currently taking 10-12 weeks from UK- Central Luzon. We ask that customers add an additional 2-3 weeks for Visayas/Mindanao region. Please note that this is an estimate only and timescales can change without notice.
What items can I include in a balikbayan box?
You can include any used items or any personal effects. There are restrictions on illegal items like firearms, explosives and prohibited drugs. Customers should not include any high value items such as watches, money and jewelleries. Please contact our office if you are unsure or need further clarification. All items are sent at your own risk.
How much does it cost to send a Balikbayan box from the UK to the Philippines?
The cost of sending a Balikbayan box depends on the size of the box(es) and the city you are sending to.
We refer you to our current price list for pricing.
Do I need to declare the contents of my Balikbayan box?
Yes, it is necessary to declare the contents of your Balikbayan box for customs purposes. Make sure to provide accurate and detailed information to avoid any issues during customs clearance.
Are there any weight restrictions for Balikbayan boxes?
Currently, we are not restricting customers boxes by weight. We do however ask that no box or package exceeds 50kg so they can be safely handled by our staff.
Are there any customs duties or taxes when sending a Balikbayan box to the Philippines?
There may be customs duties and taxes when sending a Balikbayan box to the Philippines. However, it is important to note that Balikbayan boxes are typically given special treatment by the Bureau of Customs in the Philippines.
Under the Balikbayan Box Law, qualified Filipino citizens who have stayed abroad for at least a year are allowed to send a Balikbayan box to their family or relatives in the Philippines without paying customs duties or taxes, as long as the contents are for personal use and not for commercial purposes.
How can I pay for the Balikbayan box shipping?
We accept cash on collection, payments made by phone and payments made by bank transfer. Please contact our office to make payment.
What should I do if my Balikbayan box is damaged or lost during transit?
If your Balikbayan box is damaged or lost, you should contact us immediately so we can investigate.
If your box is lost in transit due to force majeure or an "Act of God", our liability is limited to £100 for a standard/tea box or any off size box regardless of dimensions, £125 for a large, £150 for a jumbo and £175 for a super jumbo (inclusive of shipping charge).
Do you accept credit of any payment?
Any unpaid boxes may be delayed. We ask that full payment of all boxes are paid at the time of collection.
We prioritise all fully paid boxes and items.
Contact Us
Any other queries, use the form below or contact us directly.
🇵🇭 P.I - info@pooten.co.uk
Sun: 0922 908 9564
Smart: 0922 908 9564
Globe: 0922 908 9564
🇬🇧 UK - info@pooten.co.uk
L: 0208 520 6435
L: 0208 509 1434
M: 07770 727 486