Cheapest Way to Ship to Italy (2025): Costs, Times & Tips

• 10 min read

Sending a package to Italy should be exciting, not expensive. With Italy’s eCommerce market expected to soar past €133 billion by 2029, more people than ever are shipping everything from handmade goods to personal gifts across the Atlantic. But finding the cheapest way to ship to Italy can feel complicated.

While the cheapest way to ship to Italy depends on your package’s size and weight, the most affordable options are typically USPS First Class Package International for small parcels under 4 lbs or a value-focused courier service like FedEx International Connect Plus. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to find the best option for your specific package. We’ll compare top couriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, explain customs fees, and share tips to help you save money.

What’s the Cheapest Shipping Method from the USA to Italy?

The cheapest way to ship to Italy usually depends on your package’s size and weight. For broader tips beyond Italy, see our guide to cheapest international shipping. For small, lightweight parcels (under 4 lbs), USPS First Class Package International or an economy service like FedEx International Connect Plus are often the most budget friendly choices.

However, the cheapest option isn’t always the slowest. In one comparison, a FedEx economy service was quoted around $20.73 for a 2 to 5 day delivery, while a slower USPS service was about $32.60 for a 10 to 21 day transit. This shows that prices can vary dramatically between carriers for the exact same shipment.

The only way to know for sure is to compare your options side by side. Using a free online shipping calculator is the quickest way to see real time quotes from multiple carriers. You can enter your package details once and instantly see the cheapest and fastest services available, helping you find the perfect balance of cost and speed.

Comparing the Top Couriers for Italy Shipments

No single carrier is always the cheapest for every package. Your best choice will depend on your priorities: cost, speed, or tracking. Let’s look at the main players. If you’re deciding between two majors, our FedEx vs UPS comparison breaks down strengths by speed, tracking, and price.

USPS: The Go To for Light Packages

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is often the most affordable choice for lighter, non urgent shipments to Italy.

  • First Class Package International: This is the cheapest USPS service for packages under 4 pounds. Delivery can take 1 to 3 weeks, and tracking is basic. It’s perfect for low value items where speed isn’t a priority.
  • Priority Mail International: A great middle ground, offering delivery in 6 to 10 business days. It includes better tracking and some insurance, with rates for a small package starting around $35. You can also consider USPS Flat Rate boxes for predictable pricing on eligible sizes.
  • Priority Mail Express International: The fastest USPS option, delivering in 3 to 5 business days. It costs more but provides the speed and reliability of a premium service.

UPS: Reliability and Speed

UPS is known for its dependable service and detailed tracking, making it a strong choice for business shipments or valuable items.

  • UPS Worldwide Expedited: A popular service that balances cost and speed, delivering in about 4 to 6 business days. It’s a reliable standard option that’s faster than postal mail.
  • UPS Worldwide Saver & Express: These are the premium options for time sensitive shipments. They can get your package to Italy in as little as 2 to 3 business days, but the speed comes at a much higher cost, with retail rates potentially exceeding $120 for a small parcel.

FedEx: A Great Value Option

FedEx provides a range of services, including an excellent economy option that is often the cheapest way to ship to Italy for small to medium sized packages.

  • FedEx International Connect Plus: This service is a standout for its value, offering delivery in just 2 to 5 business days at a very low price point, often around $20 to $25 for a few pounds. It includes excellent tracking, making it a top choice for many shippers.
  • FedEx International Economy: A solid choice for less urgent packages, delivering in 4 to 6 business days.
  • FedEx International Priority: FedEx’s express service, delivering in 1 to 3 business days to major Italian cities. It’s expensive but ideal when speed is critical.

DHL Express: The Fastest Choice

When your package absolutely has to get there fast, DHL is often the answer. They specialize in international shipping and have an incredibly efficient network in Europe.

  • DHL Express Worldwide: This service can deliver from the U.S. to Italy in just 1 to 3 business days. DHL is known for its excellent tracking and for handling customs clearance smoothly. This premium speed comes at a premium price, often starting around $50 or more for even very small shipments.

Flat Export and Consolidators: The Budget Alternative

For those looking for the absolute cheapest way to ship to Italy, flat export and consolidator services are worth considering. These third party services work by bundling many packages together to get bulk discounts.

  • Flat Export: Services like this can offer rates around $20 for small packages, but delivery takes longer (around 9 to 13 business days) and tracking is often limited.
  • Consolidators: These companies combine multiple shipments into one large one. If you have several items to send, consolidating them into a single box is almost always cheaper than sending them separately.

Key Factors That Determine Your Shipping Cost

Understanding what drives shipping prices can help you find ways to lower them. It’s not just about the carrier you choose. If you’re new to billable weight and DIM, start with our step‑by‑step guide on how to calculate shipping costs.

Weight, Size, and Dimensional Weight

Carriers charge based on a metric called “billable weight,” which is the greater of two measurements:

  1. Actual Weight: What the package weighs on a scale.
  2. Dimensional (DIM) Weight: A calculation based on the package’s size (Length x Width x Height / DIM Divisor).

Carriers like UPS and FedEx use a DIM divisor of 139 for international shipments. A large, light box of pillows could have a dimensional weight of 42 pounds even if it only weighs 5 pounds on a scale. In that case, you pay the 42 pound rate. This is why a compact package is key to finding the cheapest way to ship to italy.

How to Save Money with Smart Packaging

Optimizing your packaging directly reduces your cost.

  • Use the smallest box possible. Don’t ship empty air. A box that’s just a few inches smaller can significantly lower the dimensional weight.
  • Fill empty space. Use lightweight materials like bubble wrap or air pillows to secure your items. A tightly packed box is a cheaper (and safer) box.
  • Consolidate items. Whenever possible, ship multiple items in one box rather than sending several small packages.

The Tradeoff: Delivery Speed vs. Cost

The fundamental rule of shipping is simple: the faster you want it to arrive, the more you’ll pay. Express services can easily cost three times more than economy options. If your shipment isn’t urgent, choosing a service with a 10 day transit time instead of a 3 day one is a surefire way to save money.

International shipping involves more than just a shipping label. You need to account for customs duties, taxes, and rules.

Understanding Italy’s VAT and Import Duties

  • VAT (Value Added Tax): Italy charges a standard VAT of 22% on the total value of the goods plus the shipping and insurance costs. This applies to nearly all imports, regardless of value.
  • Import Duties: These are separate tariffs that vary by product type. The good news is that shipments valued under €150 are exempt from customs duties (but not from VAT).
  • Who Pays? Typically, the recipient in Italy is responsible for paying these fees to customs before the package is released. It’s important to inform them of these potential costs to avoid surprises.

Customs Paperwork: The HS Code and Other Documents

Proper paperwork is essential for a smooth customs process.

  • Customs Declaration: You must declare every item in the package, its quantity, and its value. Be specific. Instead of “clothing,” write “one cotton t shirt.”
  • HS Code: Italy requires a 6 digit Harmonized System (HS) code for each item. This code classifies the product for customs. You can find these codes using online lookup tools.
  • Commercial Invoice: For any commercial shipment (a sale), you must include a commercial invoice detailing the transaction. New to cross‑border forms? Here’s how to ship internationally, from paperwork to drop‑off.

What You Can’t Ship: Prohibited and Restricted Items

Italy has a specific list of items that are either prohibited or restricted. Shipping a banned item can result in it being seized and destroyed. Prohibited items include:

  • Weapons, firearms, and explosives
  • Illegal drugs
  • Meat products, tobacco, and certain spices
  • Perfumes and cosmetics
  • Playing cards and typewriter ribbons

Always check the latest regulations with your carrier or the Italian customs agency before shipping.

The Easiest Way to Find Your Best Rate

With so many variables, from dimensional weight to courier choice, finding the cheapest way to ship to Italy can feel overwhelming. The best strategy is to let technology do the work.

A rate comparison tool is an online calculator that shows you quotes from USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and more, all on one page. Instead of visiting each website, you can see all your options in seconds. These tools often display discounted commercial rates, which are significantly lower than what you’d pay at a retail counter. Learn exactly how to unlock shipping discounts through online label providers.

For a fast and easy way to compare your options, try a free tool like the Online Shipping Calculator. It helps you instantly identify the best shipping deal for your package, ensuring you don’t overpay. Once your label is ready, you can schedule a free USPS pickup from your home or office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the absolute cheapest way to ship a small package to Italy?
For a package under 4 pounds, the cheapest service is usually USPS First Class Package International or a specialized economy courier service like FedEx International Connect Plus, which can sometimes be even cheaper and faster.

2. How long does it take to ship to Italy from the USA?
It varies widely by service. Express couriers like DHL can deliver in 1 to 3 days. Standard or economy services typically take between 6 and 21 days.

3. Do I have to pay customs fees when shipping to Italy?
Yes, almost all goods imported into Italy are subject to a 22% VAT. Shipments valued over €150 may also incur additional import duties. These fees are usually paid by the recipient.

4. Which courier is fastest for shipping to Italy?
DHL Express is generally the fastest option, often delivering in just 1 to 3 business days from the US to major Italian cities.

5. Can I ship food to Italy?
It is highly restricted. Many food items, especially meat products and certain agricultural goods, are prohibited. It is best to avoid shipping food unless you have verified it is allowed.

6. How can I find the cheapest way to ship to Italy for my specific package?
The most effective method is to use a multi carrier rate comparison tool. An online shipping calculator lets you enter your package’s weight and dimensions to instantly see prices from all major carriers, helping you find the lowest rate.