Practical guides for sending home
Detailed answers about packing, paperwork, shipping providers, collection, family payments and staying connected.
What not to pack in a balikbayan box
Understand Philippine customs restrictions, transport safety rules and carrier exclusions before packing food, electronics, batteries, liquids or valuables.
What is a balikbayan box?
A practical introduction to sending household gifts to the Philippines, from choosing a service to recording the final handover.
How to pack your first balikbayan box
A step-by-step packing method that protects the contents, makes the declaration easier and leaves you with a useful record.
How to choose a balikbayan box service
Compare responsibility, total price, documentation and support before trusting anyone with your family’s box.
Box sizes, measurements and packed weight
Choose a box around the operator’s limits and the safe handling of your contents.
Customs and declarations for your box
Prepare a clear contents record, understand who submits the paperwork and check the rules for your circumstances.
Cargo insurance and carrier liability
Two different routes to compensation can apply to a shipment. Understand what is being offered before paying for cover.
Staying connected with family while living abroad
Practical ways to coordinate gifts, conversations and deliveries without making family life feel like a shipping checklist.
Using an eSIM when travelling between countries
Check your device, destination coverage and activation rules before choosing a travel data plan.
How to compare money transfers to the Philippines
Compare the amount your family receives, the delivery method and the complete cost of a transfer.
Using Wise from Türkiye: what to check
Understand the difference between funding an international transfer and using Wise account features as a Türkiye resident.
GCash and family payments: a planning checklist
Questions to check before using a wallet as the receiving method for a family payment or a future referral reward.
Shipping from Türkiye to the Philippines: a planning checklist
Work through the collection, payment and documentation questions before choosing a Türkiye-to-Philippines box service.
Shipping from United States to the Philippines: a planning checklist
Work through the collection, payment and documentation questions before choosing a United States-to-Philippines box service.
Shipping from United Kingdom to the Philippines: a planning checklist
Work through the collection, payment and documentation questions before choosing a United Kingdom-to-Philippines box service.
Shipping from United Arab Emirates to the Philippines: a planning checklist
Work through the collection, payment and documentation questions before choosing a United Arab Emirates-to-Philippines box service.
Shipping from Japan to the Philippines: a planning checklist
Work through the collection, payment and documentation questions before choosing a Japan-to-Philippines box service.
Shipping from Canada to the Philippines: a planning checklist
Work through the collection, payment and documentation questions before choosing a Canada-to-Philippines box service.