International Courier Service in India – Save Money & Ship Worldwide Without Hassle

Ship Anywhere in the World — Right from India. A mother in Kottayam wants to send a box of homemade snacks and medicines to her son working in Dubai. A young nurse from Thiruvananthapuram needs to courier her original certificates to a hospital in the United Kingdom — urgently. A small business owner in Kochi has orders coming in from customers across the USA and needs a reliable way to ship products without burning through her profit margin. These are not rare situations. For millions of people across Kerala and India, sending parcels, documents, and goods abroad is a regular part of life. And yet, every time someone tries to figure out which courier to use, how much it will cost, or what paperwork is needed — the process feels far more complicated than it should be. That is exactly why this guide exists. Whether you are shipping for the first time or the hundredth, this is the most complete, honest, and practical resource available on international courier services in India. We cover every major provider, how charges are calculated, what you can and cannot send, country-specific rules, step-by-step booking guidance, and the smartest ways to save money on every shipment. And if you are based in Kerala, you already have an advantage — because Transvex, Best International Courier Company in Kerala, is right here to handle the entire process for you, from doorstep pickup to final delivery in 200+ countries.

What Is an International Courier Service — and Why Does It Matter?

An international courier service is a professional logistics solution that transports your documents, parcels, or goods from India to any destination overseas. It is not simply "posting a package abroad." A proper international courier service manages everything — collecting the shipment from your door, completing customs documentation, moving the package through international transit hubs, clearing it through destination customs, and delivering it to the recipient's address.
This is fundamentally different from dropping something at an India Post counter and hoping for the best.
International Courier vs. Regular Post
The differences matter enormously when you are shipping something valuable, time-sensitive, or irreplaceable. With a professional international courier, you get real-time tracking from pickup to delivery, dedicated customs handling, professional packaging guidance, insurance options, and a reliable delivery timeline. With regular post, you get none of these — and very little recourse if something goes wrong.
India Post is suitable for one specific use case: sending small, non-urgent, low-value personal items under 2 kg to countries within its postal network, where cost is the only consideration. For anything else — documents, gifts, commercial goods, electronics, medicines — a professional international courier service is the correct choice.
Types of International Shipping from India
Not every shipment needs the same solution. The main service types available from India are:
Express Courier is the fastest option, delivering in 1 to 3 days to most major destinations. It is the right choice for urgent documents, business shipments, and time-critical personal parcels. The cost is highest, but the reliability and speed justify it when timing matters.
Economy International Shipping takes 7 to 14 days and costs significantly less than express. It is ideal for non-urgent personal parcels, gifts, and items where saving money outweighs saving time.
Air Cargo suits heavier or bulk shipments — typically commercial goods — and delivers in 3 to 7 days. It offers a middle ground between express courier speed and sea freight economy.
Sea Freight is the slowest option, taking 20 to 45 days depending on the destination. It is the most economical for very large, heavy, non-urgent consignments — furniture, machinery, bulk inventory. For most individuals and small businesses, air-based services are more practical.
Door-to-Door International Delivery means the courier handles both ends — pickup from your address in India and delivery directly to the recipient's address abroad. Transvex specialises in this model, with full doorstep pickup coverage across all Kerala districts.

Top International Courier Companies in India — Compared

How to Send a Parcel Abroad from India — Step by Step

The process is more straightforward than most people expect. Here is exactly what to do.

Choose your courier provider.

Match your choice to your destination, weight, budget, and how quickly the parcel needs to arrive. If you book through Transvex, we do this comparison for you and identify the best-value option for your specific shipment.

Pack your parcel correctly.

Use a sturdy corrugated box. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap with at least 5 cm of cushioning on all sides. Fill any empty space inside the box — movement during transit causes damage. Double-box electronics and other high-value items. Label clearly on all sides with the complete recipient address and your return address.

Weigh and measure.

Record the actual weight and all three dimensions. Calculate volumetric weight using the formula Length × Width × Height ÷ 5,000. Your shipping charge will be based on whichever figure is greater.

Complete the customs declaration.

For personal parcels, this is a CN22 form (for values under ₹7,000) or a CN23 form (above ₹7,000). For commercial shipments, attach a commercial invoice and a packing list. Accurate declaration is not optional — it is the single most important thing you can do to prevent delays at destination customs.

Book your shipment.

Book online through Transvex for the best available rate. Schedule your doorstep pickup — available anywhere in Kerala on most working days.

Pay and collect your Air Waybill.

Your AWB number is your shipment's unique tracking reference. Keep it. You will need it to track your parcel, respond to any customs queries, and make an insurance claim if necessary.

Track in real time.

Transvex's tracking portal gives you live updates at every stage — pickup confirmed, in transit, arrived at destination hub, out for delivery, delivered.

Recipient clears customs.

Depending on the destination country and the declared value of the shipment, the recipient may need to pay import duties or taxes before the parcel is released. Transvex's documentation support minimises the risk of unnecessary holds.

International Courier Charges from India — What You Actually Pay and Why

This is where most people feel confused — and where most people overpay. Understanding how international courier charges are calculated is the single most effective thing you can do to take control of your shipping costs.
Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight
International couriers do not charge purely based on how heavy your parcel is. They charge based on whichever is greater — the actual weight on the scale, or the volumetric weight, which measures the space the package takes up in a cargo hold.
Volumetric weight is calculated as: Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 5,000.
Here is a practical example. A box measuring 40 cm × 30 cm × 20 cm has a volumetric weight of 4.8 kg. If the actual contents weigh only 1.5 kg, you will be charged for 4.8 kg — not 1.5 kg. This is why optimising your box size matters enormously. Use the smallest box that safely protects your contents, and you could meaningfully reduce your shipping bill.
Other Charges to Know About
Beyond the base weight charge, several additional fees can appear on an international courier invoice. A fuel surcharge — typically between 10 and 25 percent of the base rate — is applied by all major carriers and fluctuates with global fuel prices. A remote area surcharge applies if the delivery address falls outside the carrier's standard serviceable zone. Customs duties and import taxes are paid by the recipient at the destination and are separate from the shipping cost entirely. Some carriers also apply a residential delivery fee for home address deliveries versus business addresses.

How to Pay Less on Every International Shipment

The most effective way to reduce your international shipping cost from India is to book through Transvex rather than going directly to a carrier counter. Transvex has negotiated rates across multiple carriers that are consistently 30 to 50 percent lower than standard walk-in pricing. Beyond that, packing in the smallest box that safely fits your items reduces volumetric weight. Choosing economy over express when there is no time pressure creates significant savings on heavier parcels. And consolidating multiple items into one shipment rather than sending them separately almost always works out cheaper.

Country-Specific Courier Guides from India

Different countries have different customs rules, prohibited items, and documentation requirements. Here is what every India-based shipper needs to know for the most common destinations.
Courier to UAE from India
The India–UAE corridor is one of the busiest international shipping routes in the world, driven largely by Kerala's large Gulf diaspora. Aramex and DHL dominate this route and both offer reliable 2 to 5 day delivery. UAE customs actively screens all incoming parcels — accurate declaration of contents and values is essential. Currency, narcotics, and any items considered offensive under UAE law must never be included. Transvex handles more Kerala-to-UAE shipments than any other local courier provider, and our team knows this corridor inside out.
Courier to USA from India
FedEx and DHL lead this corridor. All commercial shipments require correct HS commodity codes and a commercial invoice. US Customs and Border Protection may hold parcels for inspection — thorough, accurate documentation is the best protection against delays. The duty-free gift threshold in the USA is USD 100 per recipient per day. For personal parcels valued under USD 800, no import duty applies.
Courier to UK from India
Post-Brexit, all shipments from India to the UK are treated as international imports requiring a full commercial invoice. UK import VAT applies to goods valued above GBP 135. Accurate commodity codes are essential to avoid customs delays. Typical delivery with a premium carrier is 4 to 7 days.
Courier to Canada from India
Canada Border Services Agency requires detailed customs declarations for all incoming international parcels. The duty-free gift threshold is CAD 60. Certain food products, narcotics, and firearms are prohibited. FedEx and UPS offer strong economy options for this corridor.
Courier to Australia from India
Australia enforces some of the world's strictest biosecurity regulations. Food, plant material, animal products, and soil are heavily restricted or outright prohibited. All parcels are scanned by the Australian Border Force. Misdeclaration carries significant penalties — working with an experienced courier partner is strongly recommended for Australian shipments.
Courier to Saudi Arabia from India
Saudi customs prohibit alcohol, pork products, non-Islamic religious material, and certain pharmaceutical categories. All parcels require a detailed packing list with declared values in Saudi Riyals. Aramex has a particularly strong and reliable network for this corridor. Transvex routes Kerala-to-Saudi shipments through Aramex with competitive pricing.

What Can (and Can't) You Send Internationally from India?

Attempting to ship prohibited or incorrectly declared items is the most common cause of parcel seizures, customs delays, and financial penalties. Knowing the rules before you pack is essential.
Documents and Certificates — Passports, academic certificates, and legal papers can all be shipped internationally. No customs duty applies to personal documents. Always use a fully trackable express courier for anything irreplaceable.
Medicines and Pharmaceuticals — A valid prescription is required for most destinations. Quantity limits apply per country. Over-the-counter medicines in original commercial packaging are generally accepted with proper documentation. Controlled substances require prior regulatory approval.
Food Items — Packaged, commercially sealed, non-perishable food items are generally accepted. Homemade foods and fresh produce face restrictions in most countries, and are outright prohibited in some — particularly Australia and New Zealand. Always confirm destination-country rules before shipping food.
Electronics — Declare the full commercial value. Courier insurance is strongly recommended. Destination import duties may apply. Lithium batteries are subject to IATA packaging and labelling regulations.
Clothes and Personal Items — Generally straightforward. Declare value honestly. Personal-use quantities are usually duty-free; commercial quantities attract import duties.
Student Baggage — Economy international shipping is consistently cheaper than airline excess baggage charges, often by 30 to 40 percent. Transvex offers dedicated student courier packages with doorstep pickup from home anywhere in Kerala.
Items You Must Never Send Internationally from India — Currency and negotiable instruments, live animals, human remains, firearms and ammunition, hazardous materials such as flammable liquids or gases, counterfeit goods, narcotics, and any item prohibited under the laws of the destination country.
If you are unsure whether a specific item can be shipped to your destination, contact Transvex before packing. Our team provides pre-shipment guidance as a standard part of our service.

International Courier Services Across Kerala and India

Kochi is Kerala's primary commercial and logistics hub. Transvex provides full doorstep pickup and drop services across Kochi and Ernakulam district, with fast connections through Cochin International Airport for international air cargo routing.
Thiruvananthapuram is a major origin point for professional and medical document shipments — particularly for nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers relocating abroad. Transvex covers all Thiruvananthapuram addresses with same-day pickup on most working days.
Kozhikode is a high-volume origin for Gulf-bound shipments. Transvex covers all Kozhikode addresses with competitive Kerala-to-Gulf rates and strong Aramex routing.
Kottayam, Thrissur, Kannur, Malappuram, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kasaragod, and Wayanad — Transvex's pickup network covers every Kerala district. Wherever you are in Kerala, we come to your door.
For shipments originating outside Kerala, Transvex connects through India's major logistics hubs — Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai — ensuring access to the full depth of India's international air cargo infrastructure.

E-Commerce International Shipping from India

India's cross-border e-commerce sector is growing rapidly, and Kerala businesses are increasingly part of it — whether selling handmade products on Etsy, exporting textiles through Amazon Global, or shipping directly to overseas customers through their own website.
For Indian e-commerce sellers, the essentials are: all export shipments must comply with FEMA regulations and RBI guidelines for receiving international payments. GST and IGST on exports are zero-rated, allowing exporters to claim input tax credit. A commercial invoice with correct HS commodity codes is mandatory for every international e-commerce shipment. Filing a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) with GST authorities allows export without payment of IGST.
Transvex provides dedicated e-commerce shipping solutions for Kerala-based sellers, including bulk shipment discounts, consolidated manifesting for high-volume dispatches, and direct support for customs documentation queries. For growing businesses that need a reliable, cost-effective international shipping partner — not just a rate comparison platform — Transvex is built for exactly that.

Courier Insurance — Protecting What You Send

Standard carrier liability is limited. If your shipment is lost or damaged in transit and you have not purchased insurance, you may receive only a fraction of the actual value of what was inside.
Courier insurance covers loss, physical damage during transit, and confirmed theft. It is strongly recommended for any shipment where the declared value exceeds ₹5,000, for electronics, jewellery, and medical equipment, for irreplaceable documents such as original academic certificates, and for any shipment to destinations with more complex transit chains.
The most important rule: declare the correct value at the time of booking. Under-declaring to save on insurance cost invalidates your claim entirely. Transvex offers shipment insurance as part of its standard booking process — our team will advise on appropriate coverage before your parcel is collected.

Why Kerala Chooses Transvex for International Courier

There are no shortage of options for international shipping from India. What makes Transvex different is not just price — it is the combination of local presence, end-to-end support, and genuine expertise that no national chain or digital aggregator can replicate for Kerala-based senders.
Transvex provides doorstep pickup across all Kerala districts — every one of them. Our negotiated carrier rates deliver consistent savings of 30 to 50 percent compared to standard counter pricing. Our coverage extends to 200+ countries with real-time tracking on every shipment. Customs documentation support is included as standard, not as a chargeable extra. Our customer service team speaks your language — literally — and is available to answer destination-specific questions before you book, not just after something goes wrong.
For Kerala's large Gulf diaspora, Transvex's deep operational expertise on India-UAE, India-Saudi Arabia, India-Qatar, and India-Kuwait corridors means your parcel moves through the most reliable routing available. For Kerala nurses, doctors, and professionals relocating abroad, our document courier service handles your certificates with the care and speed that your career timeline demands.

Conclusion: Ship Smarter — Transvex Makes International Courier Simple

International shipping from India has never been more accessible. The key to doing it well — and doing it without overpaying — comes down to a few things: choosing the right service type for your urgency and weight, packing correctly to control volumetric weight, documenting your shipment accurately for clean customs clearance, and working with a courier partner who genuinely understands your needs. For anyone based in Kerala, that partner is Transvex. We are not a faceless platform or a national chain with no local presence. We are Kerala's international courier specialist — with doorstep pickup across every district, competitive rates to 200+ countries, full customs documentation support, and a team that is here to help before, during, and after your shipment. Your parcel matters. The person receiving it matters more. Let Transvex get it there. Book your free shipping quote today — and experience international courier the way it should be.