The Cheapest Way to Ship a Package to Greece in 2026

Greece is a popular destination for US shipments, driven by a large Greek-American diaspora and tourism-related shipping. As an EU member, Greece follows EU customs rules, but its island geography adds unique delivery considerations.

Carrier Rate Comparison: US to Greece

Small Package (2 lbs, 10" x 8" x 4")

Medium Package (5 lbs, 14" x 12" x 8")

Heavy Package (15 lbs, 20" x 16" x 12")

Greek/EU Customs & VAT

EU Import Rules Apply

• VAT: 24% on all imports (one of the highest in the EU)
• Customs duty: Applies on items valued over €150
• IOSS: Sellers can register to pre-pay VAT for orders under €150

Greek VAT (FPA)

Note: Certain Aegean islands enjoy reduced VAT rates (17%/9%/4% respectively).

Common Duty Rates (over €150)

Greece-Specific Tips

Address Format

Recipient Name
Street Name Number
Postal Code City
Region/Prefecture
GREECE

Example: Odos Ermou 42, 105 63 Athina

Island Delivery Challenges

Greece has approximately 6,000 islands (227 inhabited):

• Athens, Thessaloniki: All carriers deliver with standard timelines
• Major islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini): DHL and ELTA (Greek Post) deliver, add 1-3 days
• Smaller islands: Only ELTA (Greek Post) may deliver; expect 3-7 additional days
• Ferries: Packages to islands travel by ferry — weather can cause delays

ELTA (Greek Post)

• Handles final delivery for USPS shipments
• Charges a customs clearance fee (€5-15) for packages requiring duty
• Reliable in mainland cities; slower to islands
• ELTA parcel lockers available in major cities

Budget Strategies

USPS Priority Mail International is cheapest for most sizes

Books ship with 6% VAT instead of 24% — declare correctly

Island surcharges: Some private carriers add island delivery fees

DHL Express for urgent items — strong Greek network including major islands

Compare rates with atoship for up to 89% savings

FAQ

How long does shipping to Greece take?

USPS First-Class: 7-21 days. USPS Priority Mail: 6-10 days. DHL Express: 2-4 days. Add 1-7 days for island delivery.

Is Greek VAT higher than other EU countries?

Yes — at 24%, Greece has one of the highest VAT rates in the EU. Some Aegean islands get a 30% reduction on VAT rates.

Can I ship to Greek islands?

Yes — all carriers can ship to Greek islands. Major islands (Crete, Rhodes, Santorini) have reliable delivery. Smaller islands may only be served by ELTA (Greek Post) with longer delivery times.

What is IOSS and should I use it for Greece?

IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) lets sellers pre-pay EU VAT for orders under €150. This eliminates customs handling fees for the recipient and speeds up delivery. Recommended for e-commerce sellers.

Are there special duties on Greek food products?

Importing food to Greece follows EU regulations. Olive oil, wine, and certain agricultural products have specific import rules. Personal quantities of food are generally fine.