How to Ship from the US to Vietnam: Complete 2026 Guide

Vietnam's 100-million-plus population, booming economy, and young, internet-savvy consumers make it one of the most promising markets in Southeast Asia. American products — particularly electronics, fashion, cosmetics, health supplements, baby products, and educational materials — are in strong demand. The large Vietnamese diaspora in the United States adds a steady flow of personal shipments, with families regularly sending goods to relatives back home. Logistics infrastructure in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi has improved dramatically, and commercial ties between the two countries are stronger than ever.

Choosing a Carrier

USPS is the go-to carrier for most personal shipments to Vietnam, largely because of the massive volume of packages flowing between the two countries. First-Class Package International handles items up to 4 pounds with transit times of 14 to 30 days — the wide range reflects the reality that Vietnam Post's domestic delivery network is reliable in major cities but slower in rural areas. Priority Mail International is the most popular choice for packages up to 70 pounds, typically arriving in 6 to 10 business days. Express International gets shipments there in 3 to 5 days for urgent needs.

One thing to note: USPS tracking tends to go quiet once a package enters the Vietnam Post system. Packages still arrive, but the tracking updates may not reflect real-time status after the handoff. This generates customer inquiries, so setting expectations upfront about limited tracking visibility after the package leaves the US helps reduce support volume.

UPS and FedEx both operate in Vietnam with facilities in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Express services deliver in 2 to 3 business days with continuous tracking and customs brokerage included. DHL Express is particularly strong in Vietnam, often preferred by businesses for its consistent customs clearance performance and reliable 2-to-4-day delivery.

Pricing varies significantly by carrier. A 5-pound USPS Priority Mail International package to Vietnam costs roughly $50 to $65. The same package via UPS or FedEx Express runs $90 to $130 or more. For commercial sellers with high-value goods where guaranteed delivery dates and full tracking matter, the premium is justified. For personal shipments and lower-value goods, USPS offers the best value.

Customs and Import Regulations

Vietnam's customs process has modernized considerably but can still surprise first-time shippers. The de minimis threshold for duty-free imports is approximately 1 million Vietnamese dong (roughly $40 to $45 at current exchange rates). Shipments valued above this threshold are subject to import duties (which vary widely by product category, from 0 to 50 percent) plus a 10 percent value-added tax.

Customs declarations must be thorough and accurate. Vietnamese customs officers examine declarations carefully, and vague descriptions trigger inspections that can delay delivery by days or weeks. List each item with its specific description, quantity, and value. "Clothing, 3 items, $45" is much better than "personal items, $45."

The Vietnamese dong is not freely convertible, and customs values are sometimes disputed. Declaring values in US dollars with a reasonable conversion to VND on the customs form reduces confusion. If you're shipping frequently to Vietnam, developing a consistent approach to declarations helps build a smooth track record with customs.

Restricted items include pharmaceuticals (which require import permits), certain food products, cultural materials, and electronics that need compliance certification. Supplements are generally importable for personal use in reasonable quantities, but large commercial quantities attract regulatory scrutiny. Cosmetics have fewer restrictions than in some other Asian markets but should be clearly labeled.

Addressing and Delivery

Vietnamese addresses follow a hierarchical structure: house number, street name, ward (phuong), district (quan), city, and postal code. A Ho Chi Minh City address might read: "Nguyen Van A, 45 Le Loi, Phuong Ben Nghe, Quan 1, TP Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam." Vietnamese names place the family name first, so "Nguyen Van A" has the family name Nguyen — make sure the shipping label reflects the name exactly as the recipient provides it.

Including a phone number is essential for Vietnam shipments. Delivery drivers routinely call recipients to coordinate delivery, especially in apartment buildings and narrow alleys where finding specific addresses can be challenging. Without a working phone number, packages may end up returned to the Post Office for pickup rather than delivered to the door.

Delivery in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is generally reliable and reasonably fast once the package clears customs. Smaller cities and rural areas take longer, and in some remote regions, recipients may need to pick up packages from the nearest Post Office rather than receiving home delivery.

Packaging Considerations

Vietnam's tropical climate means packages encounter heat and humidity throughout the year. Products sensitive to moisture — supplements, cosmetics, electronics, food items — need moisture barriers or desiccant packets. Use waterproof inner bags for anything that could be damaged by humidity.

Sturdy packaging is important because handling during the Vietnam Post leg of delivery is not always gentle. Double-boxing fragile items and using generous cushioning material pays for itself in avoided damage claims. Labels should be printed clearly and protected with clear tape, as moisture can smear ink during transit.

For cost-conscious sellers, keeping packages as light and compact as possible matters even more for Vietnam shipments than domestic ones. International shipping rates jump significantly at weight thresholds, and removing excess packaging to drop below a bracket boundary can save $5 to $10 per package. atoship's rate comparison tool shows pricing from all available carriers, helping you find the most economical option for each shipment's weight and speed requirements.