Sending Mail To Austria: A Simple Guide

Sending mail to Austria from the US is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your package reaches its destination without any issues. Here's an overview of the key considerations when sending mail to Austria.

Choosing a delivery company

When choosing a delivery company to send mail to Austria, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to research the different companies and their respective services and restrictions. Some companies may offer more affordable rates, while others may provide faster delivery times or have specific restrictions on the types of items that can be shipped. It is also worth considering the weight and dimensions of your package, as this will impact the cost of shipping.

• USPS (United States Postal Service): USPS offers several shipping methods, including ePacket, Priority, and Express. They provide discounted rates for certain shipping methods and deliver to both street addresses and post office boxes in Austria. However, there are restrictions on certain items, such as firearms, weapons, and valuable articles.
• FedEx: FedEx provides international shipping services to Austria, including International Economy and International Priority. They offer faster delivery options but may be more expensive.
• DHL: DHL Express Worldwide is a suitable option for those seeking faster delivery. They also offer express shipping options with delivery times ranging from 2 to 5 days.
• Planet Mail: Planet Mail is a package forwarding company that provides affordable shipping rates and convenient doorstep delivery. They offer slower delivery methods at lower prices, making them a cost-effective choice.
• MyUS: MyUS is a shipping company that offers exclusive low rates, fast delivery times, and door-to-door tracking. They have partnerships with major global carriers, including Aramex, DHL, FedEx, and UPS. MyUS also provides package consolidation services, reducing international shipping rates by up to 80%. Additionally, they calculate shipping rates based on package weight rather than dimensions, which can result in cost savings.

When deciding on a delivery company, it is essential to consider your specific needs, such as budget, delivery time, and the nature of the items being shipped. Comparing the services, rates, and restrictions of each company will help you make an informed decision that best suits your requirements.

Filling out customs declaration

Filling out a customs declaration can be a complex process, and it is important to be as detailed and accurate as possible to avoid fines or confiscation of items. Here is a step-by-step guide to filling out a customs declaration for sending mail to Austria:

• Sender and Addressee Information: Provide the name, street, postcode, city, country, and email address or telephone number of both the sender and the recipient. This information is essential for ensuring the mail reaches the correct destination and allows customs authorities to contact the relevant parties if needed.
• Item Data: Describe the contents of the package in detail. Include the article description and indicated content, customs option/item type, country of origin of the merchandise, and the value, net weight, and volume/amount of the merchandise. Be as specific as possible; general descriptions such as "clothes" or "gifts" are not sufficient. For example, describe a shirt as a "men's polyester/cotton shirt."
• Value Declaration: If sending valuable items, you may need to complete a value declaration form, such as the CN 23 customs declaration, which is a standard form for international shipments. This form will include details such as the sender and recipient information, a description of the goods, and their value.
• Commercial Invoice or Pro Forma Invoice: If you are sending merchandise as part of a commercial transaction, you will need to provide a commercial invoice or a pro forma invoice if the merchandise has no commercial value. These invoices should include details such as the quantity, type, and value of the goods, as well as the terms of the transaction.
• Export Declaration: For certain types of goods, you may need to complete an export declaration, particularly if you are sending goods from outside the EU to Austria. This form will include details about the goods being exported and may require additional documentation, such as export licences or certificates of origin.
• Movement Certificate: In some cases, you may need to provide a movement certificate, such as the EUR 1. This document certifies that the goods being sent comply with the rules of origin of a particular trade agreement. It allows for reduced or eliminated tariffs on the goods being sent.
• Review Prohibited and Restricted Items: Before sending any items to Austria, carefully review the list of prohibited and restricted items. Some common examples include hazardous materials, certain types of food products, and cash above a certain amount. It is your responsibility to ensure that the items you are sending do not violate any import or export regulations.
• Complete the Customs Form Online or in Paper Form: You can usually complete the customs form online in advance, which can save time. However, if you do not have access to the online form, you can obtain a paper form (CN23) from your local post office. A fee may be charged for this service.
• Attach the Customs Declaration to Your Package: Once you have completed and submitted the customs declaration, you will receive a reference code. Use this code to post your item at a post office or print out the completed customs form and attach it to your package.

Remember to be as detailed and accurate as possible when filling out the customs declaration. Any incorrect or misleading information can lead to delays, fines, or confiscation of the items. If you are unsure about any aspect of the declaration, it is best to consult the relevant customs authorities or seek advice from a qualified professional.

Prohibited items

When sending mail to Austria, it is important to be aware of prohibited and restricted items. Prohibited items are forbidden and must not be sent, while restricted items are allowed under certain conditions. Prohibitions and restrictions vary from country to country and can sometimes apply to items that you may think are ordinary, so it is important to check the criteria carefully.

• Arms, ammunition, weapons, and parts and accessories thereof, including antique weapons over 100 years old.
• Firearms, firearm parts and accessories, replica firearms, firearm-resembling articles, and toy guns.
• Foreign lottery tickets and related publicity materials.
• Human remains, including organs and tissues, unless cremated and sent to a funeral director, mortician, or cemetery with the appropriate approvals and documentation.
• Live bees, leeches, silkworms, and certain types of flies.
• Live plants and animals.
• Articles made of precious metals (gold, silver, or platinum) that do not meet Austrian regulations for fineness.
• Austrian coins and gold coins, which require permission from the Austrian National Bank.
• Cigars, which may only be imported by businesses with a permit from the Austrian government.
• Meat and animal products, plants and plant parts, fruit, onion and flower bulbs, and other root plants without the appropriate certificates.
• Medicines intended for personal use, which are permitted only under an import license.
• Coins, banknotes, currency notes, securities payable to the bearer, traveller's cheques, platinum, gold, silver, precious stones, jewellery, watches, and other valuable articles.

Please note that specific country restrictions may be enforced or changed at short notice, so it is important to check with the destination country's trade, postal, and customs authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Cheapest shipping options

The cheapest shipping options for sending mail to Austria will depend on the weight and dimensions of the package, the speed of delivery required, and the carrier you choose. Here are some options for sending mail to Austria at a low cost:

• Planet Express: Planet Express offers package forwarding services and provides a US address for receiving mail, which can then be forwarded to your address in Austria. They offer both quick and cheap delivery methods, with prices starting at around $10 for small packages. They also provide package tracking and delivery to your doorstep.
• USPS: The United States Postal Service offers international shipping to Austria with various service levels. Their First-Class Package International Service and Priority Mail International are economical options for sending packages up to 4 lbs. USPS also provides discounted rates through Planet Express.
• Royal Mail: If you're shipping from the UK, Royal Mail offers an International Economy service suitable for heavier parcels that don't need to arrive quickly. This service provides delivery within Western Europe in up to 2 weeks.
• MyUS: MyUS is a package forwarding service that provides a US address for receiving mail and offers exclusive low rates and door-to-door tracking. They calculate shipping rates based on package weight only, which can result in significant savings compared to dimensional weight calculations used by other carriers. MyUS members can ship to Austria from the US for as low as $11.38.

When choosing the cheapest shipping option, consider the trade-off between cost and delivery time. Slower delivery methods are generally more affordable, so opt for economy or budget options if you don't need your package to arrive quickly. Additionally, package consolidation services offered by companies like Planet Express and MyUS can help you save on shipping costs by combining multiple packages into one.

Tracking your package

Firstly, it's important to know that the transit time for domestic shipments within Austria typically ranges from 1-3 days, depending on the service chosen. For international shipments, delivery times can vary significantly, from 3-7 days within Europe to up to 14 days for countries further afield. These times can be influenced by factors such as customs procedures and the efficiency of the local postal system in the destination country.

When it comes to tracking your package, you can use online platforms such as Parcel Monitor, which allow you to track your parcels from multiple Austrian retailers all in one place. This platform provides real-time updates and ensures you don't miss a delivery status change. It also offers tracking support for various carriers, including Austria Post, DHL, TNT, and FedEx. Alternatively, you can go directly to the carrier's website and input your tracking number to get updates on your package's location and delivery status.

Another option for tracking your package is to use a mobile app. The "Parcels" app, available for iPhone and Android, allows you to track your packages delivered by Austria Post. This app provides push notifications when there are updates on the status of your package.

Additionally, some carriers may offer their own tracking services. For example, USPS offers discounted rates on certain shipping methods to Austria, and they have their own tracking system that you can use to follow your package's journey.

It's worth noting that different carriers use different formats for their tracking numbers. For instance, Austrian Post uses a 13-digit alphanumeric code, while DPD typically uses a 14-digit numeric code, and GLS uses a 16-digit numeric code. These tracking numbers are essential for monitoring the progress of your shipment, so be sure to keep them handy.

In conclusion, there are several convenient options available for tracking your package when sending mail to Austria. These tools will help you stay informed about the location and status of your shipment, ensuring a stress-free delivery process.

Frequently asked questions