Unlike Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are served by every major carrier, FedEx and DHL included. The real question is how to avoid overpaying and how to stay under the customs limit.
Who ships to Central Asia
- USPS handles mail to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Cheaper than express, but slower; the local post office (Kazpost and others) does the final delivery.
- FedEx, DHL Express, UPS are fast, usually a few business days to major cities, door to door. Expensive for heavy boxes.
- Consolidated shipping groups many parcels into one shipment and charges by the pound. For boxes over 10–15 lb it's usually the cheapest way.
Our rates for Kazakhstan and other destinations are in the calculator. For a price comparison of methods, see the cheapest way to ship internationally.
Customs in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (EAEU)
Both countries are in the Eurasian Economic Union and share rules for online purchases. Since July 1, 2026:
- the duty-free limit is €200 per parcel;
- the 31 kg weight cap has been removed;
- above €200, duty is 5% of the full value, minimum €1 per kg, plus VAT;
- in Kazakhstan, the carrier or e-commerce operator now files the declaration instead of the buyer.
Personal parcels from family (not store purchases) go through the rules for international postal items, which have their own details. Ask us before shipping anything valuable.
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
Neither is in the EAEU, so each has its own customs rules. Uzbekistan charges individuals a single customs payment above the limit, and the government has announced it will drop from 30% to 20% starting in 2027. Limits were revised in 2025–2026, so we check current terms before shipping valuable items.
What you can't pack
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan aren't under US sanctions, but export controls still matter. US authorities watch electronics and components headed to Central Asia closely, because these countries have been used to route goods into Russia. Sending a laptop or phone to a relative in Almaty for personal use is normally fine: declare it honestly and keep the receipt. Routing items through Kazakhstan that are banned for Russia is illegal, and we don't accept those shipments.
General restrictions (lithium batteries, liquids, medicine) are covered in items you can't ship internationally.
Writing the address
- City and country in Latin letters: Almaty, Kazakhstan, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- Postal code is required. Kazakhstan uses six digits, e.g. 050000 for Almaty.
- Full name as on the ID or passport, plus the IIN (individual ID number) for Kazakhstan if the carrier asks for it. Customs clearance often requires it now.
- Mobile number with country code: +7 for Kazakhstan, +996 for Kyrgyzstan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a package take from the US to Kazakhstan?
By express carrier (FedEx, DHL), usually a few business days to Almaty or Astana. By mail or consolidated shipping, two weeks or more. We give you the exact time for the current route when you drop off.
What is Kazakhstan's duty-free limit in 2026?
For online purchases, €200 per parcel. Since July 1, 2026 there's no 31 kg weight cap, and above €200 you pay 5% of the full value (minimum €1 per kg) plus VAT.
Does the recipient need an IIN?
Often yes. Kazakh customs and carriers use the IIN for clearance, so include it along with the recipient's phone number.
Can I send a phone to Kazakhstan?
For personal use, generally yes, but electronics get more scrutiny. Declare the real value and keep the receipt.
Customs and carrier rules change often. This article is accurate as of the date above — check with us before you ship.