The Cheapest Way to Ship a Package to Chile in 2026

Chile is South America's most e-commerce-friendly market, with a stable economy, strong consumer demand for American products, and well-developed logistics infrastructure. Shipping from the US to Chile is more straightforward than many Latin American destinations.

Here's your complete guide to the cheapest shipping options.

Carrier Comparison: US to Chile

Small Packages (Under 4 lbs)

Medium Packages (4-20 lbs)

Large/Heavy Packages (20+ lbs)

Best value: USPS Priority Mail International for packages under 20 lbs. For heavier items, compare commercial rates through atoship.

Chile Customs & Import Rules

Tax & Duty Information

• VAT (IVA): 19% on all imports
• Duty-free threshold: Goods under $30 USD are exempt from customs duties
• Standard duty rates: 6% flat customs duty on most goods over $30
• Total import cost: Up to 25% (6% duty + 19% IVA on value + duty)

Chile's flat 6% duty rate is one of the simplest in Latin America, making cost calculations straightforward.

Required Documentation

Commercial invoice — Value, description, origin country

CN22/CN23 — For USPS shipments

HS codes — Product classification

Packing list — For multi-item shipments

Customs Tips

• Chile has efficient customs processing, especially in Santiago
• Correos de Chile handles USPS shipments' customs clearance
• Items over $30 require the recipient to complete an online customs declaration at correos.cl
• Technology products may require SAG (agricultural service) clearance if they contain wood packaging

Correos de Chile — Last-Mile Delivery

USPS shipments are delivered by Correos de Chile:

• Urban delivery: Generally reliable in Santiago and major cities
• Rural areas: Can take additional 3-5 days
• Tracking: Available via correos.cl
• Customs payment: Recipients pay duties online before delivery
• Package pickup: Available at local Correos offices

Money-Saving Tips

1. Stay Under $30 for Small Items

Chile's $30 duty-free threshold means small, low-value items ship essentially tax-free. If you're sending gifts or small products, keeping declared value under $30 avoids all duties.

2. Use USPS Flat Rate Boxes

• Small Flat Rate Box: ~$30
• Medium Flat Rate Box: ~$58-62
• Large Flat Rate Box: ~$82-90

Great for heavy, compact items.

3. Compare Commercial Rates

atoship provides access to discounted commercial rates from all major carriers, typically saving 40-89% compared to retail prices.

4. Consider Consolidation Services

For regular Chile shipments, consolidation services in Miami can bundle multiple packages for cheaper forwarding to Santiago.

Packaging for Chile

• Use moisture-resistant packaging — Chilean customs warehouses may not be climate-controlled
• Secure all items well — packages go through multiple handling points
• Include a packing list inside the box (helps with customs)
• Ensure labels are clear and waterproof

FAQ

How long does shipping from the US to Chile take?

USPS Priority Mail International takes 6-10 business days. FedEx and UPS express services deliver in 2-5 business days. Add 1-3 days for customs processing. During Chilean holidays, expect additional delays.

What are the customs charges for shipping to Chile?

Chile charges a flat 6% customs duty on goods valued over $30 USD, plus 19% IVA (VAT). For a $100 item: $6 duty + $20.14 IVA = $26.14 in total import taxes. Items under $30 are duty-free.

Can I ship food to Chile?

Chile has extremely strict agricultural import controls through SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero). Most fresh foods, dairy, meat, and plant products are prohibited. Commercially packaged, sealed processed foods may be allowed but require SAG inspection. Check regulations carefully before shipping.

What's the cheapest way to ship a 5 lb package to Chile?

USPS Priority Mail International is typically cheapest at $45-65 for a 5 lb package. Use atoship to compare this with FedEx and UPS commercial rates, which may be competitive for certain package sizes.

Is tracking reliable for packages to Chile?

UPS and FedEx provide end-to-end tracking. USPS tracking works until the package reaches Chile, then Correos de Chile tracking takes over. Santiago-area deliveries have good tracking; remote areas may have less frequent updates.