What’s the Cheapest Shipping to Greece?

Key points:

• Cheapest shipping service to Greece from the USA is Flat Export
• The best value shipping service is Passport - Priority Delcon
• Easyship can help you find the best value shipping options from the US to Greece, compare exclusive rates from over 250 leading global couriers

The Greek eCommerce market is booming! eCommerce turnover in Greece exploded between 2017-2022 from $5.5 billion to $22.55 billion! With strong growth forecast, this is a huge opportunity for ambitious eCommerce stores looking to expand internationally!

Cheap shipping to Greece has become critical for eCommerce businesses targeting the growing Greek market. Understanding the best practices, carrier options, and regulatory requirements can significantly impact your business's efficiency and profitability.

This guide will provide comprehensive insights into navigating the complexities of international shipping to Greece, ensuring your products reach their destination promptly and cost-effectively. This guide is also designed to help you navigate costs, customs, and the best solutions for your rapidly growing online store.

Shipping to Greece: What Are Your Options

When it comes to shipping to Greece, you'll encounter a range of carriers with varying price points and delivery speeds. Here's a breakdown of the most common options:

• National Postal Services: Budget-friendly for lightweight items (under 2kg), national postal services like Hellenic Post offer slower delivery times (5-10 business days).
• International Couriers: Offering faster speeds (1-5 business days) and reliable tracking, major international couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS come at a premium price.
• Parcel Brokers: These companies act as middlemen, negotiating discounted rates with multiple carriers. They can be a cost-effective option for businesses with higher shipment volumes.

What’s the Cheapest Shipping From the USA to Greece?

If you are shipping small packages to Greece from the USA, you might be expecting expensive shipping costs, low weight limits, and a slow delivery time, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case.

To break down the cheapest Greece shipping rates available, in this example we are going to ship a small package from New York to the Greek capital, Athens. We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare prenegotiated rates from 250 plus top carriers ship to couriers:

• Weight of package: 2lb
• Box Dimensions: 12in x 11in x 1.5in
• Contents for customs forms: shipment of books
• Origin: New York, USA
• Destination: Athens, GRC

To help you analyze the cheapest international shipping options available, we have ranked each USA to Greece service for sending a package, plus shipping cost based on the estimated prices from over 250 global couriers. 

While also focusing on the estimated number of business days it takes to arrive at the shipping address, plus the type of delivery method and quality of tracking available.

This table compares various courier services for international deliveries. Here's a breakdown of each option:

• Flat Export: This is the cheapest option at $20.88, but it also has the slowest delivery time of 11-16 working days and limited tracking.
• OrangeDS - Expedited: Slightly faster than Flat Export with a delivery window of 10-15 working days. The cost is $24.37, and tracking is basic.
• Passport - Priority Delcon (Best Value): This service offers a balance between speed and cost. Delivery takes 7-12 working days for $27.83, and tracking is regular.
• USPS - First Class International: Similar to OrangeDS in terms of speed (10-16 working days) and basic tracking, but slightly more expensive at $28.22.
• Asendia - e-PAQ Plus & Asendia - e-PAQ Standard: Both have the same delivery timeframe (6-15 working days) and regular tracking. However, e-PAQ Plus is cheaper at $29.68 compared to the Standard version's $30.84.
• GlobalPost - Economy: This is another budget-friendly option at $35.92, but delivery takes 10-15 working days with basic tracking.
• Asendia - ePAQ Select: Offers the second-fastest delivery (4-9 working days) with regular tracking, but it's significantly more expensive at $62.97.
• USPS - Priority Mail International: Delivers in 8-10 working days with regular tracking for $69.36.
• USPS - Priority Mail Express International: The fastest option (4-8 working days) with regular tracking, but also the most expensive at $76.66.

In conclusion, Passport - Priority Delcon stands out as the best value choice. It offers a reasonable delivery timeframe at a competitive price. If speed is your top priority, then Asendia - ePAQ Select or USPS - Priority Mail Express International are better options, but be prepared to pay a premium. For the most budget-conscious option, Flat Export or GlobalPost - Economy might be suitable, but expect longer waiting times.

Shipping Cost: Factors at Play

The final cost of shipping to Greece depends on several factors:

• Package Weight and Dimensions: Heavier and bulkier packages naturally cost more to ship. Dimensional weight, which considers both size and weight, is often used by carriers.
• Delivery Speed: Faster shipping options like express courier services come at a higher cost compared to slower economy options.
• Origin and Destination: The distance between your location and Greece significantly impacts shipping prices.
• Declared Value: This is the insured value of your goods, and higher declared values typically lead to higher shipping costs.
• Customs Declaration: Navigating the Rules

When shipping internationally, customs declarations are essential. They inform Greek authorities about your shipment's contents and value. Here's what you need to know:

• Value Threshold: Shipments under €150 typically avoid customs duties in Greece. Be sure to check for any exceptions or specific product categories with lower thresholds.
• Accurate Declarations: Providing accurate and detailed information about your goods is crucial to avoid delays and potential penalties. This includes product descriptions, materials, HS tariff codes (a standardized system for classifying goods), and the origin of the goods.

Shipping Greece: Customs Declaration

When shipping internationally, customs declarations are essential documents that inform Greek authorities about your shipment's contents and value.  A complete and accurate declaration helps ensure a smooth customs clearance process and avoids potential delays or penalties. Here are some key points to remember:

Value Threshold: 

Shipments with a declared value below €150 typically avoid customs duties in Greece. Be sure to check for any exceptions or specific product categories with lower thresholds. Up-to-date information on customs thresholds and regulations can often be found on the official Greek customs website.

Accurate Information:

Providing detailed and accurate information about your goods is crucial. This includes:

• Product Descriptions: Clearly describe the items you are shipping.
• Materials: Specify the materials used to make the products.
• HS Tariff Codes: Include the HS tariff code for each item. HS tariff codes are a standardized system for classifying goods, and they can be found online or through customs resources.
• Origin of Goods: Indicate the country where the goods were manufactured.

Prohibited and Restricted Items: 

Be aware of items prohibited or restricted from import into Greece. You can find a list of these items on the Greek customs website or by contacting a customs broker. Shipping prohibited items can lead to seizure and fines.

Optimizing Shipping Costs: Strategies for Your Business

Now that you understand the basics of shipping to Greece, let's explore strategies to keep your costs in check:

• Compare Rates: Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Utilize online and shipping price comparison tools or partner with a parcel broker for negotiated rates.
• Negotiate with Carriers: As your business grows, consider negotiating carrier volume discounts with major carriers for even better pricing.
• Optimize Packaging: Using the right-sized packaging reduces dimensional weight and lowers shipping costs. Consider lightweight yet sturdy materials.
• Offer Flexible Shipping Options: Provide customers with a choice between faster (more expensive) shipping journey and slower (more economical) shipping options.

Free Shipping Thresholds: Offer free shipping for orders exceeding a certain amount to incentivize larger purchases and potentially offset shipping costs.

Customs Duties: Understanding the Implications

While some shipments of prohibited items might be exempt from customs duties, it's essential to be prepared for potential additional costs. Here's what you need to keep in mind:

• Customer Responsibility: Customs duties are typically the responsibility of the recipient unless otherwise stated. Be transparent with your customers about potential additional fees shipping restrictions they might encounter upon delivery.
• Incoterms: These international commercial terms specify who is responsible to pay for customs clearance and duties. Consider using Incoterms like DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to take care of all import fees upfront, offering a more predictable experience for your customer.

Beyond Cost: Streamlining Your Operations

Finding the cheapest and shipping method to Greece is just one aspect of the equation. Optimizing your entire shipping process saves you time and ensures a smooth customer experience. Here's how:

• Invest in Automation Tools: Consider platforms like Easyship that integrate seamlessly with your existing eCommerce platform. These tools streamline label creation, customs documentation, and tracking, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your business.
• Real-Time Quotes: Offer customers real-time shipping quotes at checkout, allowing them to make informed decisions based on cost and delivery speed.
• Transparent Communication: Keep your customers informed about potential customs delays and any additional fees they might encounter.

Summary: Finding the Perfect Balance

By understanding the different shipping options, mastering customs declarations, and implementing cost-saving strategies, you can find the perfect balance between affordability and a seamless customer experience for your Greek customers. 

Tools like Easyship can simplify the smooth shipping process and empower your growing business by helping to create a delivery experience your customers love today.

Find the Cheapest Way to Send a Package with Easyship

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

Some of our major discounts include the following:

• Save up to 65% on USPS First Class Package
• Save up to 89% on USPS Priority Mail
• Save up to 50% on UPS® Ground
• Save up to 76% on UPS Worldwide Saver®
• Save up to 91% on DHL eCommerce

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers
• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process

FAQs

How much does it cost to ship to Greece?

Get competitive quotes & save on shipping to Greece with Easyship's discounted rates.

What is the best company to ship to Greece?

Stop comparing carriers - Easyship gives you access to all the best options for Greece in one place.

Why is shipping so big in Greece?

Easyship simplifies Greece shipping so you can focus on growing your business.

How long is shipping from Greece to USA?

Focus on selling, not shipping - Easyship gets your products from Greece to the USA fast. 

How much does it cost to Ship something to Greece?

Easyship helps you find the cheapest way to ship to Greece and boost your profitability.

What is the cheapest way to send a parcel to Greece?

Skip the research - Easyship finds the most affordable rates for your Greece shipments.

Does FedEx Ship from US to Greece?

Easyship integrates with major carriers like FedEx to give you the best options for Greece.

How long does shipping to Greece take?

Easyship offers fast shipping options to Greece to keep your customers happy.