Quick Answer
Cheapest option
SMSA Express
$11.26/kg
1-2 days
Fastest option
iMile
1-3 days
$15/kg
Duty-free under
$150
VAT / Sales Tax: 10%
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Data as of April 2026
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$8.45
SMSA Express
1-2 d
Clothing 2kg
$16.33
SMSA Express
Box 5kg
$28.14
SMSA Express
Heavy 10kg
$47.28
SMSA Express
7 results
Standard
Delivery Time
1–2 days
Estimated Price
$11.26
Standard
Delivery Time
2–5 days
Estimated Price
$15
Standard
Delivery Time
1–2 days
Estimated Price
$15
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$20.65
EMS
Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$34.42
International Parcel
Delivery Time
7–21 days
Estimated Price
$34.42
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Estimated arrival
May 5, 2026 — June 2, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $150 USD
| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMSA ExpressStandard | $10.81 | $11.26 | +4.2% |
| FetchrStandard | $14.1 | $15 | +6.4% |
| Naqel ExpressStandard | $15.75 | $15 | -4.8% |
| iMileStandard | $15.9 | $15 | -5.7% |
| EMSEMS Express | $20.44 | $20.65 | +1% |
| Saudi Post (SPL)EMS | $33.73 | $34.42 | +2% |
| Saudi Post (SPL)International Parcel | $33.73 | $34.42 | +2% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0-8% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 13% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 8-13% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 5-50% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-8% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 6.5-8% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-8% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Korea Customs Service (KCS) uses UNI-PASS electronic system. Personal-use imports under $150 are duty-free. Self-use imports must be declared. Express shipments processed via simplified electronic declaration.
Korean customs is modern and efficient with the UNI-PASS system. Express shipments clear quickly, often same day. Personal imports from the US benefit from KORUS FTA duty reductions. Health supplements and cosmetics may require KC certification, causing delays.
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: KCCI (Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry) issues certificates. Preferential certificates under KORUS FTA, RCEP, Korea-EU FTA, CPTPP. Electronic certificates via FTA-PASS system. Import licenses: Import recommendations/approvals needed for certain agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, firearms, and hazardous chemicals. KC mark certification required for many consumer electronics and products.
Limited direct trade data between SA and KR. Most shipping routes go via major logistics hubs in Europe, UAE, or Singapore.
Key imports into KR: Petroleum, semiconductors, natural gas, electronics, machinery, steel, chemical products. Key exports from SA: Petroleum, petrochemicals, plastics, aluminum, fertilizers, dates, seafood. South Korea charges 10% VAT on imports. The de minimis threshold is $150 for personal imports. Korea Post is reliable for last-mile delivery. CJ Logistics and Hanjin handle many domestic deliveries. Korean customs use an electronic clearance system that is fast and efficient.
Based on shipper reports, delivery from SA to KR takes 7-21 days depending on the service. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer faster delivery in 3-7 days. Accurate customs declarations are recommended to speed up the process.
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
SA and KR are both members of the following trade agreements: WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT/GST rate: 10%. Applies to: CIF value + duty. No reduced rates, flat 10% VAT on all goods.
We found 7 shipping options from Saudi Arabia to South Korea. The cheapest option is SMSA Express (Standard) starting from $11.26 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is SMSA Express in 1–2 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
Duty-free threshold
$150
VAT / Sales Tax
10%
Average duty rate
8%
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
The most affordable option for shipping from Saudi Arabia to South Korea is typically SMSA Express (Standard), starting from approximately $11.26 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
Delivery times from Saudi Arabia to South Korea range from 1 to 21 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-7 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from Saudi Arabia to South Korea. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to South Korea. The duty-free threshold is $150. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (10%) and import duties (average 8%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
Items prohibited for import into KR include: Narcotics, counterfeit goods, materials threatening national security, certain agricultural products, firearms, pornography, products from sanctioned countries. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
To ship from SA to KR you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, import declaration, KC mark certification (for applicable products). Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Yes, SA and KR share the following trade agreements: WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
South Korea charges 10% VAT on imports. The de minimis threshold is $150 for personal imports. Korea Post is reliable for last-mile delivery. CJ Logistics and Hanjin handle many domestic deliveries. Korean customs use an electronic clearance system that is fast and efficient. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
The de minimis threshold for KR is $150. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
VAT/GST rate: 10%. CIF value + duty. No reduced rates, flat 10% VAT on all goods.
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