🇺🇸Shipping from United States to Bahamas🇧🇸
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)
$10.26/kg
5-10 days
Fastest option
UPS
1-3 days
$34.48/kg
Duty-free under
$50
VAT / Sales Tax: 15%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$7.69
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)
5-10 d
Clothing 2kg
$14.87
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)
Box 5kg
$25.66
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)
Heavy 10kg
$43.08
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)
from $10.26/kgfrom 1 days11 carriersde minimis $50
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
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11 results
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ EstimatedCheapest3.1 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$10.26
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ Estimated3.1 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$10.26
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified3.6 ★postal
Priority Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$16.14
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified3.6 ★postal
First-Class Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
7–21 days
Estimated Price
$16.14
Tracking: No
EMS✓ Verified3.6 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$19.28
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified3.6 ★international
Express Worldwide
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
2–5 days
Estimated Price
$31.21
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified3.6 ★international
Economy Select
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
4–8 days
Estimated Price
$31.21
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified4.1 ★international
International Priority
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$32.52
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified4.1 ★international
International Economy
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
4–6 days
Estimated Price
$32.52
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified4.1 ★international
Express Saver
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$34.48
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified4.1 ★international
Expedited
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
3–5 days
Estimated Price
$34.48
Tracking: Yes
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.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 13, 2026 — May 11, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $50 USD
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| 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 |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Express | $9.64 | $10.26 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Economy | $9.64 | $10.26 | +6.4% |
| USPSPriority Mail International | $16.3 | $16.14 | -1% |
| USPSFirst-Class Mail International | $16.3 | $16.14 | -1% |
| EMSEMS Express | $19.09 | $19.28 | +1% |
| DHL ExpressExpress Worldwide | $32.46 | $31.21 | -3.9% |
| DHL ExpressEconomy Select | $32.46 | $31.21 | -3.9% |
| FedExInternational Priority | $29.27 | $32.52 | +11.1% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: Bahamas
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 5-35% (smartphones 10%, laptops 10%, TVs 35%, appliances 25-35%) |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 15-35% (garments 25-35%) |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 25-45% (all footwear, highest duty category) |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 0-35% (rice 0-10%, meat 5-25%, dairy 5-20%, processed food 10-35%) |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-15% (industrial machinery 0-5%, household 10-15%) |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 15-35% (perfumes 35%, skincare 15%) |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 10-35% (basic toys 10%, electronic toys 35%) |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
Bahamas Customs, Excise and Immigration Department (bahamascustoms.gov.bs). CARICOM member but with many exemptions from CET. High duty rates (up to 45%) as duties are the primary government revenue source, no income tax. VAT at 10% on all imports. Click2Clear electronic system for customs declarations. Nassau (New Providence) is the main port.
Processing time2-5 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for BS: $0. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for Bahamas →Duties very high (up to 45%), Bahamas has no income tax, customs duties are primary revenue source. VAT at 10% adds further. No de minimis, all imports taxed. Nassau port reasonably efficient. Outer islands (Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco) face additional delays. DHL and FedEx available in Nassau. Postal service 3-4 weeks. Strict enforcement, undervaluation risky. Everything imported, high cost of living.
Required Documents
✓For export from US: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading/airway bill
✓Shipper's Export Declaration (for goods over $2
✓500)
✓EEI filing via AES for controlled items
✓For import into BS: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓customs declaration
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: CARICOM Certificate of Origin for regional trade. General certificates from Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC). Import licenses: Required for firearms, ammunition, drugs, live animals, and certain food products. Import permits for agricultural goods from Ministry of Agriculture. Strict biosecurity controls.
Trade: United States & Bahamas
Limited direct trade data between US and BS. Most shipping routes go via major logistics hubs in Europe, UAE, or Singapore.
Key imports into BS: Consumer goods, machinery, electronics. Key exports from US: Electronics, machinery, aircraft, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products, agricultural goods (soybeans, corn). Island delivery can be slow. Limited courier options. Sea freight common for heavy items.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipper reports, delivery from US to BS 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.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from US: Firearms without export license
⚠narcotics
⚠Cuban-origin goods
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠hazardous materials
⚠obscene materials
⚠Prohibited for import into BS: Drugs
⚠weapons
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠certain agricultural products
Special Items Guide
| 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. |
Trade Agreements
US and BS 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
VAT/GST rate: 10%. Applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 10% on virtually all imports.
Shipping from United States to Bahamas: Overview
We found 11 shipping options from United States to Bahamas. The cheapest option is Passport Shipping (Passport Global) (Express) starting from $10.26 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is Passport Shipping (Passport Global) in 1–3 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from United States to Bahamas?
The most affordable option for shipping from United States to Bahamas is typically Passport Shipping (Passport Global) (Express), starting from approximately $10.26 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from United States to Bahamas take?
Delivery times from United States to Bahamas range from 1 to 21 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-3 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from United States to Bahamas?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from United States to Bahamas. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to Bahamas?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to Bahamas. The duty-free threshold is $50. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (15%) and import duties (average 10%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to BS?
Items prohibited for import into BS include: Drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain agricultural products. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from US to BS?
To ship from US to BS you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration. Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between US and BS?
Yes, US and BS share the following trade agreements: WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to BS?
Island delivery can be slow. Limited courier options. Sea freight common for heavy items. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for BS?
The de minimis threshold for BS is $0. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into BS?
VAT/GST rate: 10%. CIF value + duty. VAT at 10% on virtually all imports.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
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