Boxes leave Los Angeles every day for Mexico, Central and South America. The difference between a smooth shipment and a headache is rarely the carrier. It's picking the right method for the weight and filling out the customs form properly.
Which option fits your box
| Your shipment | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Documents or under 4 lb | USPS international mail |
| Urgent (personal medicine, paperwork) | Express: DHL or FedEx, usually a few business days |
| Large box of clothes, gifts or household items | Consolidated shipping by the pound; almost always cheapest for heavy boxes |
At KaspiPost we compare USPS, FedEx and DHL on the spot and tell you which works best for your box. Rates are in the calculator.
Mexico: how customs charges
Mexico has its own rules for courier and postal parcels:
- Up to $50 in value, courier shipments are normally duty-free.
- $50 to $1,000 falls under a simplified regime with a flat global rate. Mexico raised that rate in 2025 for goods from countries without a trade agreement; US-origin goods may qualify for preferential treatment under USMCA if they meet the requirements.
- Over $1,000 counts as a formal import and needs a customs broker.
Declare the real value. If you under-declare and customs catches it, the parcel is held and can end up costing more. More context in duty-free limits for 2026.
Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras
Boxes to Central America tend to be big and heavy: clothes, shoes, toys, household goods. Consolidated shipping by the pound usually wins here. Three tips:
- Use a new, sturdy box. Grocery-store boxes fall apart in transit.
- List everything inside with an approximate value. Customs will ask for it.
- Include the recipient's phone with country code (+502 Guatemala, +503 El Salvador, +504 Honduras).
South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina
Each country has its own limits and quotas for foreign purchases. Some have special categories for small parcels; others charge from the first dollar. Before shipping anything valuable, ask us and we'll check the current rule for that country.
What not to pack
- Loose lithium batteries, power banks, aerosols, perfume in quantity.
- Fresh food, meat, fruit, seeds and plants.
- Large quantities of medicine.
- Cash.
Full list: items you can't ship internationally.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a package from the US to Mexico?
It depends on weight, size and speed. For heavy boxes, consolidated shipping by the pound is usually cheapest; for documents, USPS. At KaspiPost you get the price before you pay.
How much can I send to Mexico without paying duty?
By courier, normally up to $50. Between $50 and $1,000 a simplified flat rate applies, and over $1,000 you need a customs broker.
How long does a package take from Los Angeles to Mexico?
Express takes a few business days to major cities. Mail or consolidated shipping takes one to several weeks depending on the destination.
Can I send used clothes to family?
For personal gifts in normal amounts, generally yes. Large quantities of used clothing can be treated as commercial and face restrictions in some countries.
Customs and carrier rules change often. This article is accurate as of the date above — check with us before you ship.