Balikbayan Box Rates

Balikbayan Boxes has long been a tradition for Filipinos. These are duty and Tax free boxes of personal effects or “Pasalubong” (Souvenirs), sent by OFW’s (Overseas Filipino Workers) or Filipino living and working abroad. Part of the attraction of the balikbayan box is its economic value, as it allows cheaper bulk shipment of items versus sending each individually or in smaller boxes through postal services. The tradeoff though is longer transit time by container ship, which typically requires several weeks. The balikbayan box is a modern manifestation of the general Philippine practice of pasalubong, where travellers within or outside the country are culturally expected to bring home gifts to family, friends and colleagues.