Almost everything a family uses can go in a balikbayan box: clothes, shoes, packaged non-perishable food, toiletries, toys and personal electronics. What can't go is anything dangerous, illegal or not allowed on a plane, such as aerosols, perfume and loose lithium batteries. And there is one case people rarely ask about that causes more trouble than ham: lots of identical new items, which customs may read as goods for resale.
Our balikbayan box flies from Barcelona to the Philippines, with 7 to 15 days in transit. Before you close it, this is the list we go through with you.
The box is for personal effects and gifts, not for selling
Everything below hangs on this rule. The balikbayan box has its own regime at Philippine customs, designed for what one family sends another, not for merchandise. So customs looks at two things: what is inside and how much of each.
The regime also has a value cap, and it is where people get it wrong most: ₱150,000 per year per sender, spread over a maximum of 3 shipments. It is not per box. If you send three boxes this year, all three count against the same ₱150,000; go over it and your family pays at destination. The full explanation is in the balikbayan box exemption explained.
New clothes, used clothes and lots of identical items
Used clothes and new clothes for the family: yes, no fuss. The delicate point is quantity: ten identical T-shirts with the tags on look like shop stock, even if they are for ten cousins.
- Mix sizes, colours and styles if you are sending new clothes for several people.
- If there are lots of identical items, tell us before you close the box. We will tell you whether to split them into another box or how to declare them.
- Declare it as it is. If something attracts duties, we explain it before shipping, not afterwards.
To fit more clothes in the same box (roll instead of fold, vacuum-pack the bulky items, socks inside the shoes), see how to pack a balikbayan box.
What can go
Clothes and textiles
- New and used clothes, with the caveat above about identical items
- Shoes, bags, belts
- Sheets, blankets, towels
Food
- Packaged and non-perishable: tinned food, chocolate, biscuits, coffee, pasta, rice, powdered milk, spices
- Olive oil, well sealed and protected against leaks
- Vacuum-packed cured meats: covered separately in can I send ham to the Philippines?
Nothing fresh, refrigerated or with a short shelf life.
Personal electronics
- Phones, tablets, laptops, watches, consoles, small appliances
- Batteries inside the device. Loose, no (see below)
If several valuable new devices are going, keep the receipts: it is the first thing customs asks about, and they count towards the ₱150,000.
Toiletries, children and home
- Shampoo, shower gel, creams, make-up (not aerosol)
- Nappies, wipes, toys, school supplies
- Kitchen utensils, well-protected crockery, tools
What can't go
Never
- Drugs and illegal substances
- Weapons and ammunition, replicas included
- Explosives, fireworks, petrol and solvents
- Cash
- Counterfeit brands: imitation clothes, bags or watches can be held at customs
Because it flies
- Perfume, cologne and any aerosol or spray: they are flammable or pressurised
- Loose lithium batteries and power banks: inside the device yes, loose no
- Lighters
Ask us first
- Medicines, prescription or not, and alcoholic drinks: don't pack them without talking to us
- Jewellery and high-value items
- Liquids in quantity: not always banned, but if they leak they ruin the rest of the box
The quick table
| Item | Can it go? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Used clothes | ✅ Yes | — |
| New clothes for the family | ✅ Yes | Lots of identical items: tell us first |
| Packaged non-perishable food | ✅ Yes | Nothing fresh or refrigerated |
| Vacuum-packed cured meats | ✅ Yes | See the ham post |
| Phone, tablet, laptop | ✅ Yes | Keep the receipt if new |
| Non-aerosol cosmetics | ✅ Yes | — |
| Perfume, cologne, sprays | ❌ No | They don't fly |
| Loose lithium batteries | ❌ No | Inside the device, yes |
| Cash | ❌ No | — |
| Weapons, drugs, explosives | ❌ No | — |
| Counterfeits | ❌ No | Can be held at customs |
| Medicines, alcohol | ⚠️ Ask | Before packing them |
How the price is set
The balikbayan price is not on the website: a person agrees it with you on WhatsApp once you tell us how many boxes, what is in them and which island they are going to. That is the moment to ask us about anything on this list you are unsure of. If you bring it yourself, we are at Carrer de Camprodon 21 (Metro Verdaguer), Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 19:00.
If what worries you is customs over there, the guide to Philippine customs for personal shipments explains what the Bureau of Customs looks at and what happens if a box is stopped.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send food in a balikbayan box?
Yes, if it is packaged and non-perishable: tinned food, sweets, coffee, pasta, rice. Nothing fresh, refrigerated or with a short shelf life. Vacuum-packed cured meats can go too.
Is it a problem to send new clothes with the tags on?
Not in itself. What catches customs' eye is lots of identical new items, because they look like they are for sale. Mix sizes and styles, and if there are many identical ones, tell us before you close the box.
Can I pack perfume?
No. Perfume, cologne and any spray are flammable or pressurised, and they don't fly. Non-aerosol cosmetics, such as creams or make-up, can go.
Is the ₱150,000 duty-free allowance per box?
No. It is ₱150,000 per year per sender, spread over a maximum of 3 shipments. All your boxes in the year count against the same cap.
Can I send medicines?
Ask us before packing them, prescription or not. On a plane they are among the first things restricted, and we would rather tell you before you close the box.
Questions about something specific? Message us on WhatsApp at +34 626 78 54 28 before you close the box.