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A Step-by-Step Guide to Sending a Parcel in Singapore
Having friends worldwide, I sometimes need to send packages like birthday presents since I can’t always travel abroad.
You can say that I’ve become an expert in sending parcels to different parts of the world and even within Singapore.
Here’s a quick guide to help you learn how to send a parcel in Singapore, anywhere in and out of the country.
How to Send a Parcel in Singapore
Don’t feel overwhelmed if it’s your first time sending an item locally or internationally. Sending a parcel is quite simple when you understand how it works.
| Difficulty | Medium ●●●○○ |
| Number of steps | 6 |
| Time required | 1-2 days for local deliveries1 week up to 3 months for international shipping |
| Things you need | Your itemSecure packaging (includes foam, padding, packing tape, and other packaging necessities)Copies of the item’s receipt and letter of credit (for international shipping)Other identification and documents requested by SingPost or your chosen courier service |
Step 1. Prepare Your Parcel
Before anything else, you need to prep your parcel carefully. Do these necessary steps:
- Pick the correct box or envelope for your package.
Select one big enough to fit your item securely while leaving room for padding.
It’s critical to consider the weight inside the box or envelope. Ensure it’s sturdy enough to endure handling by courier staff as well.
- Package your item securely.
Start by cushioning your object with bubble wrap, foam, or newspaper. By doing so, you will add a layer of protection.
After that, put the item in the box or envelope of your choice and fill any gaps with enough padding. The paddings will lessen movement during transit and help secure the item.
Consider utilizing thicker paper or more padding for delicate things.
- Write the correct recipient and return address on your package.
Verify that the return address and the address of the recipient are correct. Make sure to include complete names and phone numbers.
If you’re sending your package to another country, you need to include the correct zip code for the recipient’s address.
- Wrap, label, and seal your parcel.
Carefully apply packing tape to all seams and edges of your parcel. The packing tape will lessen the chance of any transit-related damage.
Place a shipping label on the package. For some courier services, the delivery person will bring the label and place it for you.
Some delivery services also allow you to print the shipping label, especially if you send many packages simultaneously.
Step 2. Select a Courier Service or Use SingPost
You can use a courier service or the government’s SingPost. Your choice will depend on how convenient you want your parcel delivery will be and your budget.
Here are details on popular courier services in Singapore.
| Local Courier Service | Price Range | Weight and Size Limits | Operating Hours |
| GrabExpress | Bike – $5 base priceCar – $9 base priceVan – $28 base price4-Hour – Distance-based fare + $0.40 platform fee | Bike – 32 x 25 x 12 cm, 5 kg maximumCar – 70 x 50 x 50 cm, 20 kg maximumVan – 160 x 120 x 100 cm, 50 kg maximum4-Hour – 32 x 25 x 12 cm, 5 kg maximum | It varies depending on the service availed. The earliest is 7 am and runs until 11 pm. |
| Lalamove | Motorcycle – $9 base fareCar – $12 base fareMPV – $19 base fareVan – $26-$32 base fareLorry – $42-$125 base fare | Motorcycle – 40 × 30 × 30 cm, 8 kg maximumCar – 70 × 50 × 50 cm, 20 kg maximumMPV – 110 × 80 × 50 cm, 50 kg maximumVan – 160 × 120 × 100 cm to 230 × 120 × 120 cm, 400-800 kg maximumLorry – 290 × 140 × 170 cm to 750 × 230 × 230 cm, 1,200-5,000 kg maximum | Available 24/7 |
| Ninja Lite | Small – $4Medium – $5Large – $9Extra Large – $12 | Small – 80 cm, 4 kg maximumMedium – 120 cm, 10 kg maximumLarge – 200 cm, 20 kg maximumExtra Large – 300 cm, 30 kg maximum | Monday-Saturday, closed on public holidays, 9 am-10 pm |
| Ninja Packs | Regular – $3.20 base farePadded – $3.60 base fareEco – $3.40 base fare | Regular and Padded – 23 x 17 cm to 47 x 33 cmEco – 230 x 170 mm to 470 x 330 mm | Monday-Saturday, closed on public holidays, 9 am-10 pm |
| GoGoX | Motorcycle – Starts from $13Car – Stars from $13Van – Starts from $24Lorry – Starts from $42 | Motorcycle – 35 x 25 x 12 cm, 5 kg maximumCar – 70 x 50 x 50 cm, 20 kg maximumVan – 2.3 x 1.2 x 1.2 m, 500 kg maximumLorry – 3 x 1.5 x 1.5 m to 7.5 x 2.3 x 2.3 m, 1,000 kg to 5,000 kg maximum | Monday-Sunday, 8 am-10 pm, but you can use their delivery services via the app 24/7 |
If you choose SingPost to send your parcel, here’s the information you need.
| Type of SingPost Delivery/Shipping | Shipping Rates | Weight and Size Limits |
| Basic Local | Starting from $1.5 | 32.4 x 22.9 x 6.5 cm, 2 kg maximum |
| Speedpost Express | Starting from $15 | 32 x 25 x 10 cm, 5 kg maximum |
| Speedpost Standard | Starting from $6 | 60 x 40 x 30 cm, 30 kg maximum |
| SingPost Overseas – Airmail | Starting from $3.50 | 6 x 6 x 6 cm, 2 kg maximum |
| Speedpost International – Express | Starting from $61 | None Specified |
| Speedpost International – Priority | Starting from $39 | None Specified |
| Speedpost International – Economy | Starting from $29 | None Specified |
There are also courier services that you can use for international shipping. Here are some of the favorites that locals use.
I checked the sample prices in the table below by checking the shipping rates from Singapore to Malaysia. The prices will vary depending on weight and the destination of your package.
| International Courier Service | Shipping Prices per Weight, Singapore to Malaysia | Operating Hours |
| JustShip | 1 kg Parcel – Starting from $355 kg Parcel – Starting from $6610 kg Parcel – Starting from $111 | Monday-Friday, closed on public holidays, 9:30 am-5:30 pm |
| FedEx | 10 kg Box (maximum of 68 kg) – Starting from $20025 kg Box (maximum of 68 kg) – Starting from $340FedEx Box (maximum of 18 kg) – Starting from $40FedEx Pak (maximum of 9 kg) – Starting from $30FedEx Tube (maximum of 9 kg) – Starting from $95 | Monday-Friday, closed on public holidays, 9 am-6 pm |
| DHL | A4 Envelope (maximum of 70 kg) – Starting from $40One or Two Books Box (maximum of 70 kg) – Starting from $40Shoe Box (maximum of 70 kg) – Starting from $70Moving Box (maximum of 70 kg) – Starting from $250 | Monday-Saturday, closed on public holidays, 8 am-9 pm |
Step 3. Complete All Needed Documents
One of the things you should be aware of is the prohibitions when sending a parcel to specific countries. Rules will depend on where you’ll be sending your package.
For example, I sent the latest iPhone to one of my friends in the Philippines as a birthday present via SingPost. There are no restrictions on sending mobile phones to the Philippines, but they require some documents.
- A letter of credit since the item was a luxury (non-essential item) worth more than USD 500
- Receipt showing how much the item costs. They asked me to attach one outside the parcel and another inside the box.
There were also additional charges for customs and tax. So, you must be prepared with a supplemental budget if they ask for additional fees.
If you’re going to send a package via SingPost, I suggest you check the requirements here.
You can find the prohibitions and restrictions on the websites of courier services, just like this page on JustShip.sg. If you can’t find the specific answer on their websites, call their customer support or visit their offices for assistance.
Step 4. Schedule a Pick-up or Drop-off
Once you have prepared your parcel and have chosen the courier service, it’s time to schedule a pick-up or drop-off.
When scheduling a pick-up or drop-off, make sure to choose a date and time that is convenient for you. Most courier services offer a range of options, from same-day pick-ups to scheduled pick-ups.
Finally, double-check all details before confirming your pick-up or drop-off. Ensure the recipient’s address and contact information are correct and the parcel is securely packaged and ready for delivery or shipping.
Step 5. Track the Parcel
Once you’ve sent your parcel, it’s essential to track its progress so that you can ensure it arrives at its destination safely and on time.
To do this, you must obtain a tracking number from the courier or postal service you used to send the parcel. This tracking number will allow you to check the status of your package online or via the courier’s mobile app.
You should also send the tracking number to the recipient of the parcel. With online tracking, both of you can monitor the parcel’s progress and receive notifications about its estimated delivery date.
Step 6. Ensure Successful Delivery
Since you’re tracking your parcel online or through an app, you’ll know when it arrives and if the recipient has received it. You should also contact the recipient to confirm that they received the package and if it’s in good shape.
If your package does not reach its intended destination, it’s vital to have a plan for handling the situation.
Contacting your courier service and providing them with all relevant information can help expedite the search for your package and increase the chances of its safe return.
