Often Cheaper Than the Excess Baggage Fee! Ship the Overflow Home—Post Office Air, Sea and EMS vs. Courier, What Can’t Go, and the Tax-Refund Order

You’ve bought more than you planned and the case won’t shut. It happens in the second half of most trips.

Pay the excess baggage fee or ship it? Here’s the thing: depending on weight and contents, shipping is often cheaper.

“So which way do I send it?” There are two routes: the post office and private couriers. Here’s what each is good for—let’s get into it.

Air Mail for Speed, Sea Mail for Weight! Using the Post Office

✔ Several service levels at different speeds and prices
Post offices handle international shipping. Air mail for speed, sea mail when the parcel is heavy and you’re not in a hurry.

Boxes are sold at the counter in a few standard sizes, and using them keeps pricing straightforward.

You fill in a customs form listing contents and values in English. Noting these on your phone in advance speeds things up. Bring your passport.

✔ This one comes first, in order. Skim “Korean Souvenirs Are 90% About Where You Buy” and the rest of this page lands better.

Pickup From Your Hotel? Using a Courier

✔ Private couriers suit bulky parcels or collection from your accommodation
They usually cost more but save effort.

Some front desks will arrange it for you, which is the easiest route of all.

Tracking tends to be more detailed and delivery dates more predictable.

Liquids, Aerosols and Batteries Need Checking! What Cannot Be Sent

✔ Check the restricted list first
Liquids, aerosols, devices containing lithium batteries, fresh food. Rules vary by destination country as well.

Fermented foods such as kimchi can sometimes go if commercially sealed, but homemade versions are often refused.

Some cosmetics count as liquids. It depends on volume and packaging, so ask at the counter.

Mind the Tax-Refund Order! Ship or Carry?

✔ Compare the excess baggage charge against the shipping cost
Heavy items usually favour shipping; light but bulky ones favour carrying.

Goods bought under a tax refund scheme may need to be shown at departure. Shipping them ahead can void the refund, so mind the order.

Parcels take days to weeks. Don’t put anything you’ll need soon inside.

The airport also has courier desks. Worth knowing as a last resort so you can decide on the day. Before you wrestle the suitcase, do the maths.

FAQ

How long does it take?

It varies. Air mail is a few days to a week; sea mail is weeks.

Where do I get boxes?

From the post office, in standard sizes.

Can I send food?

Commercially sealed items sometimes. Check the destination country’s rules too.

Can I track it?

Depends on the service. Choose EMS or a courier if tracking matters.

Can I ship tax-refund purchases?

It can affect the refund process at departure. Mind the sequence.