The holiday season is one of warmth, gratitude, and connection — a time when families gather, streets glow with lights, and homes fill with laughter. In Vietnam, as Christmas, New Year, and especially Tết approach, many people look forward to reuniting with loved ones. But for those who live or work abroad, that reunion may happen through a carefully packed box — one filled with love, memories, and a little piece of home.
Sending a gift overseas isn’t just about the item itself — it’s about sharing joy across borders. Whether you’re shipping Tết delicacies to family in Australia or sending Christmas presents abroad, careful planning ensures your gift arrives safely and on time.
This guide walks you through practical holiday shipping tips to make sure your gifts travel smoothly — without delays, stress, or customs surprises.
Why holiday shipments face delays in Vietnam
Every year, the weeks from Black Friday through Lunar New Year bring an unprecedented surge in global shipping activity. Millions of parcels move through airports and customs hubs daily, and even the most efficient networks feel the strain. Here are the main reasons behind seasonal shipping slowdowns:
Massive volume: Global e-commerce and cross-border gifting peak during the festive months. With more parcels moving through the system, sorting and clearance naturally take longer.
Stricter inspections: During peak seasons, customs authorities tighten inspections to prevent undervaluation and the import of restricted items — especially electronics, luxury goods, and cosmetics.
Common sender mistakes: The biggest cause of delays often isn’t customs, but incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. Misdeclared values, missing invoices, or vague item descriptions can lead to extended clearance times.
Understanding these challenges helps you plan better — so your gift doesn’t get stuck in transit when it matters most.
Your holiday shipping checklist: 5 steps to avoid delays
1. Declare everything accurately and honestly
Accurate declaration is the single most important part of sending holiday gifts overseas. List every item in your parcel clearly — for example, “3 boxes of cookies” or “1 silk scarf.” Include the true market value for each.
Many senders assume that gifts are automatically tax-free, but taxes may apply depending on the destination country’s de minimis threshold — the value below which imports are typically exempt from duties. This threshold varies by country, so it’s best to check the latest rules before sending. Being aware of this helps avoid surprise fees and prevents delays during customs clearance.
2. Understand what you can (and can’t) ship
Certain products can’t be shipped across borders due to safety or regulatory reasons. Before you start packing, check whether your gifts fall under restricted categories.
Commonly restricted or prohibited items include:
Cosmetics containing alcohol or banned ingredients
Used electronics or power banks
Cash, precious stones, or cultural antiques
Items with strong magnets or batteries not properly labelled
If you’re unsure whether something qualifies, check the updated international shipping guidelines. Or, simply choose DHL Express Vietnam, where a team of customs specialists is ready to guide you through what can and can’t be shipped.
3. Prepare for import taxes and duties
It’s a common misconception that all gifts are tax-free. If your shipment’s total value exceeds the local duty-free threshold in the destination country, customs duties or VAT may apply.
In most cases, the recipient will need to pay these charges before delivery. Letting your loved ones know in advance prevents unwanted delays and ensures a smooth experience on both sides.
4. Pack smart for a smoother journey
Good packaging is key to preventing damage and inspection delays. Here’s how to get it right:
Use sturdy boxes with cushioning to protect fragile items.
Avoid wrapping the outer carton with gift paper as customs officers may need to open it. Instead, wrap individual presents inside the box.
Seal your parcel securely and label it clearly.
A well-packed parcel not only protects your gifts but also reduces the risk of manual checks during transit.
5. Ship early: Master the holiday deadlines
During December and January, shipping times no longer follow the standard schedule. The earlier you send, the better your chances of making it by Christmas or Tết.
While standard postal services may experience extended delays during peak season, express delivery services offer more predictable transit times, helping shipments move faster through busy international networks. For time-sensitive holiday gifts, choosing an express option like DHL Express reduces the risk of congestion, weather disruptions, and last-minute customs backlogs.
Always check your logistics partner’s holiday mailing deadlines and plan your shipments at least two weeks before peak dates. For international gift delivery to destinations like the US or Europe, aim to ship even earlier to beat customs queues and weather-related delays.
How DHL Express Vietnam ensures a happy holiday
When time is short and emotions run high, you need an international shipping partner that truly understands the stakes. Here’s how DHL Express Vietnam helps you send gifts with confidence:
Expert customs brokerage: DHL’s experienced team manages documentation, duties, and tax guidance to minimise clearance issues — helping your gifts get through customs faster.
Express delivery speed: With the world’s largest express air network, DHL connects Vietnam to over 220 destinations — ensuring your parcels arrive quickly, even during peak season.
Real-time tracking and On-Demand Delivery (ODD): Both sender and recipient can track the shipment’s journey and choose flexible delivery options for convenience.
Clear shipping guidance: From packaging tips to restricted item lists, DHL provides detailed instructions to help you ship right the first time.
With DHL Express, your package travels on the fastest, most reliable route — turning the stress of international shipping of gifts into a moment of joy.
Enjoy the smoothest holiday shipments with DHL Express
The key to mailing holiday gifts is simple:
Plan ahead. Declare accurately. Ship with a trusted expert.
Whether you’re sending Christmas presents abroad or Tết gifts to family overseas, DHL Express Vietnam ensures your parcels are delivered safely, swiftly, and with care.
Ship your holiday gifts with confidence. Open a business account today.
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