Question 1

Why does my Indian card get declined at US checkout?

Accepted Answer

Two separate causes usually stack: RBI requires an OTP as a second authentication step that many US checkout flows don't support, and many Indian banks disable international transactions by default. On top of that, a retailer's fraud model trained on domestic US patterns often auto-declines an Indian card and address combination. We buy on a US card with a US address instead, so the order goes through like any other US purchase.

Question 2

Will I pay customs duty and IGST?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on almost everything. There is no duty-free threshold for purchased goods sent by courier. Goods for personal use pay 10% basic customs duty, a 10% surcharge on that duty and 18% IGST: roughly 30% of the CIF value (item, shipping and insurance). Indian customs assesses it on arrival and the recipient pays; it's never charged at Shipbird checkout. Declared value always matches what you actually paid.

Question 3

Do I need KYC to receive my shipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Indian customs needs courier KYC from the recipient before clearance, with one ID: Aadhaar, passport, PAN or voter ID. Have it ready so the parcel isn't held waiting for it.

Question 4

What items commonly get held up shipping to India?

Accepted Answer

Electronics with batteries (power banks, some wireless earbuds), cosmetics and skincare needing ingredient-level documentation, and anything requiring an import licence (certain medical devices, some food items) cause the most friction. Goods can't be sent as a gift by courier except in narrow cases, and a paid order is a purchase, never a gift. Checking the category before ordering avoids a delay later.

Question 5

How long does delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Once your order leaves our Austin hub, FedEx International Economy takes 5–8 business days and Priority takes 3–5 business days to major Indian cities, delivered to your door and tracked. Before that, buying the item takes 1–2 business days, plus a day or two for inspection once it reaches the hub. Customs clearance can add time.

Question 6

Is there a membership?

Accepted Answer

No. Your quote shows the item, any US sales tax, the Personal Shopping fee and FedEx Express freight, with our freight discount as its own line. Paying by card adds a 4% processing fee; bank transfer through Wise doesn't.

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