Gifts, Electronics, and Shipping to the Philippines

Thinking of sending gifts to your OFS? Want to get them a computer because buying it there is cheaper than in the Philippines? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know when buying and shipping gifts and electronics to the Philippines.

Understanding the Risks of Shipping

If you send gifts or electronics to the Philippines, there’s always a risk that they will be stolen. It’s not as prevalent as before because tracking packages is easier now, but the risk remains. The theft usually happens at the last leg or customs. The longer it takes for a package to be delivered, the higher the chances of theft.

Regarding logistics, there are several problems with buying from a shopping platform in your country and having the seller ship your gift. First, not all sellers ship to the Philippines. Second, you could encounter customs issues, especially if you send something expensive. If you’re shipping something that costs less than $200, it’s not a problem. But anything over $200 can cost you up to 32% in taxes, tariffs, and fees, depending on the item and what you’re sending.

The Best Options for Sending Gifts

If you want to send something, the best (and most accessible option) is to order through online shopping platforms with a presence in the Philippines. You’ll find almost anything at Lazada.com.ph, one of the Philippines’ most popular shopping apps. Even sites like Temu, Shein, Ebay, and Amazon are in the Philippines. Giving them a gift card to their preferred site would be the easiest option. You’ll want to access the Philippine mirror sites because these sites have a presence in the country, which more or less guarantees that your gift will be sent to your OFS.

Regional Restrictions and Groceries

Just be aware that you can’t do this with all Philippine online shopping platforms. Some Philippine online stores are region-locked (like Shopee), meaning they won’t take orders from your country, or their online payment system, including credit card processing, won’t allow you to pay from your country. Thinking of sending groceries instead? Check out the local malls in your OFS’ location. Most malls and grocery stores now offer grocery delivery services. SM, the biggest shopping mall in the Philippines, owns Shop Suki. They have stores in most places in the Philippines and an online grocery store. You can choose the food and other grocery items you wish to add to your gift package, then hit the checkout button. Ask your OFS if they have an SM close to where they live or which online grocery store is available in their area.

Buying Computers and Electronics

Computers and laptops are more expensive in the Philippines than in the US. So, at first glance, it makes sense to buy it locally and have it shipped to your OFS. But shipping something expensive to the Philippines, like a laptop, isn’t recommended because it’s easy for thieves to steal. Even if theft is not an issue, you’ll have to deal with customs since most electronics cost more than $200, which means they’re subject to taxes and tariffs.

There is also the issue of warranties, repair availability, and cost of parts. Imported items may not have their warranties honored since some companies have localized warranties based on their SKUs (stock-keeping unit numbers). Some brands may not even be sold in the Philippines, making them more challenging to repair. The best option is to have your OFS purchase the computer from their local store, and you reimburse them. It comes out cheaper if you consider the shipping cost and the risk of it being stolen.