Sending balikbayan box from SG to Pinas is a Filipino tradition. 2026 rates and rules have shifted — eto ang up-to-date guide.
The big cargo companies in SG
Forex Cargo Singapore
- Box sizes: Small (~50x40x40cm), Regular (~60x50x50cm), Jumbo (~70x60x60cm).
- Rates 2026: SGD 130-180 (Small), SGD 160-220 (Regular), SGD 200-280 (Jumbo).
- Door-to-door: included to most major PH cities and provinces.
- Transit: 30-50 days (ocean freight).
- Pickup in SG: door-pickup available in most areas for SGD 20-40 extra.
LBC Express
- Sizes: Standard balikbayan box.
- Rates: SGD 120-200 depending on size + destination.
- Door-to-door: yes, with LBC's extensive PH network.
- Transit: 30-45 days ocean.
- Pickup: various LBC SG branches; door pickup additional.
2GO Express / 2GO Travel
- Rates: SGD 140-220 range.
- Transit: 30-50 days.
- Door-to-door: yes for major cities.
Atlas Shipping / JRS Express / Aerocargo
- Smaller players, often cheaper for specific routes.
- Rates: SGD 100-180.
- Transit: variable, sometimes 45-60 days.
- Door-to-door: check by destination.
Customs limits (BOC / PH side)
Per BOC ruling for balikbayan box duty-free privilege (Sec 4 of RA 10863 — Customs Modernization and Tariff Act):
| Limit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual value cap (duty-free) | PHP 150,000 per qualifying Filipino |
| Box weight | No hard weight cap, but cargo companies max 50-70kg per box |
| Number of boxes per shipment | Up to 3 boxes per OFW under privilege |
| Frequency | Up to 3 times per year per OFW |
| What qualifies | "Personal effects" — gifts to family, food, toys, clothes |
| What doesn't | Resale items, dangerous goods, used cars, restricted (drugs, weapons, large alcohol/cigarettes) |
Above PHP 150,000: the excess is subject to duties and taxes (~15-25% range typical).
Note: customs increasingly inspect 100% of balikbayan boxes randomly. Don't try to hide prohibited items.
What to pack (and what NOT to pack)
Pack these freely:
- Clothes (new or used)
- Canned goods (FairPrice, Cold Storage)
- Chocolates, candies, biscuits
- Toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo — small quantities)
- Toys for kids
- Used electronics (single units typical)
- Vitamins, OTC medication (in original packaging)
- Linens, towels, household goods
- Pasalubong souvenirs
Don't pack these:
- Alcohol over 1 liter (limited, declarations needed).
- Cigarettes over 200 sticks.
- Fresh meat, dairy, fresh fruit, vegetables (biosecurity).
- Plants, seeds, soil.
- Cash over PHP 50,000 / USD 10,000 equivalent (declarable).
- Weapons, ammunition, knives over 4 inches.
- Counterfeit branded goods.
- Loose batteries (some packaging required).
- Spray cans / aerosols.
