So I just learned a lesson about international shipping that I thought I’d share. Maybe it’ll save someone else from the same surprise charges.
I recently bought an OWC external SSD from their US website. Paid for international shipping to Singapore, got my package, was happy. Then a few days later, FedEx sends me an invoice.
Wait, what? I already paid for shipping!
Turns out when you ship internationally with FedEx (or DHL apparently), they don’t just collect customs duties for the government. They also charge you their own fee for the “privilege” of handling your customs paperwork.
In my case:
- GST on my $400+ package: Expected ✓
- FedEx’s Duty Disbursement Fee: $20 extra 😤
They even have a FAQ page explaining this fee. Basically, they’re charging you for handling the customs payment on your behalf.
FedEx can pay the duty and tax charges on your behalf to ensure delivery of your shipment as quickly as possible. As part of our ancillary charges, the service incurs an administration fee, also known as a Disbursement Fee / Advancement Fee / Duty Handling Fee.
Could I refuse to pay? Maybe, but then they’d probably keep chasing me for it. Since I had to pay the GST anyway, I just paid everything and chalked up that extra $20 as tuition for life’s university.
Lesson learned: When ordering from overseas, if the seller uses FedEx or DHL, budget for extra fees on top of shipping and taxes. If possible, look for sellers who use other shipping methods.
That $20 is not much, but that surpise stings, but at least now I know. And now you do too.