Courier & Shipping Support
Bridging distances, one parcel at a time.
Whether it’s sending a care package to your parents in Delhi, receiving important legal documents from Chennai, or shipping homemade treats for your kids abroad, courier services are more than logistics—they’re lifelines.
As an NRI, you know the importance of reliability, affordability, and security when it comes to shipping across borders. This guide helps you navigate courier services with confidence—so your packages reach home safely, and your presence is felt even when you’re miles away.
Sending Items to India: What You Can Ship
Life overseas doesn’t stop you from staying connected to your roots. Here’s what you can typically send to India:
- Documents – Passports, legal papers, educational certificates
- Medicines – With proper prescription and packaging
- Personal Gifts – Clothes, gadgets, toys, electronics
- Food Items – Non-perishable, factory-sealed snacks
- Household Goods – For relocation or seasonal shipments
What Not to Send:
- Cash, gold, and jewelry
- Flammable or pressurized items (sprays, batteries)
- Alcohol or meat-based food products
- Narcotics or restricted pharmaceuticals
- Items over value limits without proper declarations
Receiving Couriers in India from Abroad
If your loved ones are sending something to India, keep these in mind:
- Customs Duty: India levies customs on many imported items. Charges vary by category and value.
- KYC (Know Your Customer): To release parcels, Indian customs requires ID proof (like Aadhaar, PAN) and address proof.
- Restricted Items: Many countries may allow exports, but Indian customs may restrict or delay them—always double-check.
- Tracking: Most global couriers offer real-time tracking, giving peace of mind every step of the way.
Key Documentation
- Commercial Invoice – For all non-document shipments
- Packing List – For larger shipments
- Prescription/Doctor Note – For medicines
- KYC Documents – Required in India before delivery (for high-value items)
- Power of Attorney (if needed) – For customs clearance via representative
Popular & Trusted Courier Services
| Courier | Best For | Highlights | Website |
| DHL Express | Speed, reliability | Fast delivery, end-to-end tracking | dhl.com |
| FedEx | Important documents & parcels | Global coverage, customs handling | fedex.com |
| Aramex | Middle East & Asia | Affordable for UAE & GCC countries | aramex.com |
| Garudavega | Food, personal shipments to India | NRI favorite for sending items to India | garudavega.com |
| India Post – EMS | Budget-friendly | India’s official post for international parcels | indiapost.gov.in |
| DTDC International | General courier & e-commerce | Local branches in India + global delivery | dtdc.in |
Shipping Household Goods or Larger Parcels
Relocating or sending bulk shipments home? Consider:
- Freight Forwarders – Ideal for furniture, appliances, or full container loads
- Door-to-Door Relocation Services – End-to-end support, including packing, customs, and delivery
- Sea Cargo vs. Air Cargo – Sea is more affordable but takes longer
Recommended Relocation Services:
| Provider | Specialty | Website |
| Writer Relocations | International household moves, corporate relocations | writerrelocations.com |
| Agarwal Packers & Movers | Long-term NRI favorite, full-service relocation | agarwalpackers.com |
| Leo Packers & Movers | Reliable for expat relocations, pan-India service | leopackersandmovers.com |
Tips to Save on Shipping Costs
- Compare Rates: Use rate comparison tools (e.g., Parcel Monkey)
- Consolidate Shipments: Send one parcel instead of many
- Avoid Express for Non-Urgent Items
- Use Volume Discounts: Especially for regular shipments
- Watch for Offers from NRI Services
In Summary
