How much does it cost to send a parcel abroad? How the price is worked out

The price of a parcel abroad isn't one fixed figure. The same box can cost very different amounts depending on how big it is, where it's going and how quickly it needs to get there. Here are the five things that set the price, some worked examples, and a few tips for bringing the price down.

1. The five things that set the price

1. Weight – the actual weight of the packed box.
2. Size – length, width and height. These are used to work out the volumetric weight.
3. Destination – the country, and often the postcode too. A parcel to a big city can cost something different from a parcel to an island.
4. Service – express or standard. DHL Express flies the parcel and often delivers the next working day in Europe. UPS Standard goes by road and is usually cheaper, but takes a little longer. Some routes also offer UPS Express Saver, which flies.
5. Extras – such as insurance, which you can add with DHL Express.

At OhShip we fetch the prices directly from the carriers when you enter your route, so you see the current price for your particular parcel. Prices for private customers include VAT.

2. Volumetric weight: why a large, light box costs more

Planes and vans fill up with space just as quickly as with weight. That's why carriers charge by the actual weight or the volumetric weight – whichever is higher.

Volumetric weight = length × width × height in cm ÷ 5000

A box of 40 × 30 × 20 cm has a volumetric weight of 24,000 ÷ 5000 = 4.8 kg. If the box weighs 2 kg, you pay for 4.8 kg.

Measure the parcel once it's packed, and round up to whole centimetres. If you get it wrong and the carrier finds the parcel is larger or heavier than you entered, the price is recalculated – and you'll have to pay the difference afterwards.

3. Worked examples: 10 kg and a large box

A 10 kg parcel A box of 40 × 30 × 30 cm has a volumetric weight of 36,000 ÷ 5000 = 7.2 kg. If it weighs 10 kg, you pay for 10 kg – the actual weight is the higher of the two.

A large, light box A box of 60 × 50 × 40 cm holding a duvet has a volumetric weight of 120,000 ÷ 5000 = 24 kg, even though it may only weigh 4 kg. You pay for 24 kg.

What that comes to depends on the route and the day's prices. See the current prices by weight and country on Pricing, or open the country guide for your destination, for example send a parcel to Germany (in Danish) or send a parcel to Sweden (in Danish).

4. What's included in the price – and what can come afterwards?

At OhShip you pay the price you see when you book: the label, plus insurance if you choose it. There are no other fees.

Two things can still lead to a bill afterwards:

• The parcel is heavier or larger than you entered. You then pay the price difference the carrier charges.
• The recipient refuses the parcel, or it can't be delivered, and the carrier sends it back. You then pay the return costs the carrier charges.

You can avoid both by measuring and weighing carefully, and by writing the correct address and a phone number for the recipient.

Customs: Within the EU no customs papers are needed. The exception is areas outside the EU VAT area, such as the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla.

5. How to bring the price down

• Use the smallest box your things will fit in. Every centimetre counts towards the volumetric weight.
• Squeeze soft things into vacuum bags.
• Compare DHL Express and UPS for your route. If you're not in a hurry, UPS Standard is often the cheaper option.
• Sending several boxes to the same recipient? UPS can take up to 10 parcels in one booking.
• If your business sends parcels regularly, take a look at a business account.

6. Frequently asked questions

How do I work out the price of my parcel? Enter the sender and recipient countries and postcodes on ohship.dk, and give the size and weight. You'll then see the price from DHL Express and UPS before you pay.

Is it cheaper to send several small parcels than one big one? Not always. It depends on weight and size. Work out the volumetric weight for both options and compare.

Why does my parcel cost more than its weight suggests? Because the volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight. Try a smaller box.

Do prices include VAT? Yes, for private customers. Business accounts see prices excluding VAT, and VAT is added where it applies.

---

Sources: OhShip's own information (as of 4 November 2026): Frequently asked questions (pricing, volumetric weight, fees, VAT, DHL Express and UPS), the country guides (customs). The worked examples use the formula from the FAQ. Check the figures again before the article is published.