Affordable shipping services to islands
Shipping to an island involves a little more planning than shipping to the mainland and there are a few things to consider when shipping to a remote island with only a few towns or villages. What about customs clearance for island shipping? How might the means of transport affect delivery days and transit times? Find out how to organise parcel delivery to and from an island with Eurosender.
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Place an order to ship to or from an island
What is different when shipping to an island?
Let’s take a look at some of the things that are different when it comes to courier delivery services to an island, and how these things can affect your shipment.
Most standard deliveries go by van, but parcel collection from an island with a vehicle is not possible from every island. In that case, transport by air or by sea is necessary, and this may lead to higher costs.
When the island is a country by itself (for example Cyprus or Malta), customs clearance is also something that can differ. Customs clearance for island shipping differs from shipping to the mainland.
Depending on the size of an island, there might or might not be courier depots. When this is not the case, usually with smaller islands, courier companies often only serve the area once or twice a week. This means that your shipment will take more time and you should be home on this exact day to receive the delivery. This is essential when you want to know how to effectively ship to an island.
Due to extra expenses because of transport, storage or other surcharges that might be charged, rates for delivery to an island could be higher. However, when you book your shipment with Eurosender, you always see the final price after you select the pick-up and delivery address.
Deliveries to an island could be delayed compared to a delivery to a regular address. Reasons for that are the means of transport (for example transport by ship may take longer than by truck), the weather (for instance the island can’t be reached due to severe weather conditions) or the number of delivery days on the island.
How to write the address when delivering to an island
Like with any shipment, writing the address correctly is essential for successful parcel delivery to an island. However, the address is one of the most frequent reasons for failed deliveries. That is why we have prepared an example address field with all the details: follow them to avoid problems or inconvenience when you ship to an island.
- Country
Choose the country of pick-up/delivery.
Ex.: Portugal (Madeira & Azores) - Name & Surname
Add the full name of the consignee.
Ex.: Alejandro Cuevas - Address
Fill out the street name in full and the number.
Ex.: Rua de Gonçalo Bezerra 69 - Additional info – Optional
This area is not always taken into consideration by the courier, so avoid writing essential information here. - Zip code
Add the zip code, please double check if it’s the right one.
Ex.: 9600-559 - Town/city
Add the full name of the town or city.
Ex.: Ribeira Grande - Phone number
Add the phone number, change the area code if needed.
Ex.: +351 21 1234123
BEST SHIPPING OPTIONS
What is the best service for cheap shipping to an island?
At Eurosender, we understand that finding the right island courier service is essential when you want to effectively ship to an island. This is why we offer a range of solutions to suit any type of shipment, saving you time and money. Instead of comparing thousands of quotes for courier services to islands, you can book your low-cost parcel delivery to an island in a few easy clicks:
What to pay attention to when using a courier delivery service to an island?
Besides the beforementioned differences when it comes to shipping to an island, there are also several things you should keep in mind when preparing a parcel collection or delivery to an island.
Shipping documents. Depending on the location of the island, you will have to prepare shipping documents for the customs clearance for island shipping so that the courier can deliver to the island. Usually, this is not necessary when you ship within the EU. However, when you send items to an island that is part of the EU but which is not located in Europe (for example the Canary Islands), your shipment will still go through customs, as this island could be considered a territory outside the EU. Things that you may have to prepare so that customs authorities can quickly assess your shipment, include:
- Commercial invoices;
- Purchase orders;
- Certificates of origin/ declarations of responsibility.
Insurance. All shipments booked with Eurosender are covered with insurance. However, you might feel more at ease with additional insurance for just a little extra.
Packing. When you book a courier delivery to an island, the parcel might be transferred several times, that is why it is really important to pack it correctly. Our detailed packing instructions guarantee the best protection for your package.
Frequently asked questions about parcel delivery to islands
What is the fastest way to ship excess luggage ahead to the Canary Islands?
What is the best way to transport household items when moving to or from an island?
See our dedicated relocations page for expert advice on moving to islands such as the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Cyprus