Keen to make purchases from India to the United Kingdom? Well, Global is the new local now! Having said that, shopping internationally can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to shipping costs and procedures governing customs clearance.
The e-commerce landscape has significantly evolved within the past couple of years, with cross-border shipping becoming a norm. In fact, global e-commerce is projected to reach a staggering USD 5.5 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 14.4%. An array of factors drives this surge which include increasing internet penetration, a wider range of product availability and the convenience of online shopping. While the potential benefits are immense, shopping internationally can still pose some challenges, especially when it comes to getting your hands on the essential commodity and getting products delivered to the right destination.
However, with advancements in technology and logistics, shopping from India to the UK has become much easier than ever before, especially for Indians staying abroad. There are numerous things to buy in the UK from India, like made-in-India aromatic spices, sauces and beverages. From embroidered textiles to handcrafted items like god idols and ayurvedic products, you can import products from prestigious Indian brands from the Ubuy Indian Store. Those residing in the UK and facing issues in buying and shipping items from India must read through the blog to understand more about the procedures governing how to shop and ship globally. In this blog post, we will explore some tips on how you can shop from India to the UK without any hassle. So sit back and relax as we guide you in a stepwise manner.
The international online shopping portals ensure that the world is at your fingertips online. The most common issues you will encounter while shopping from India to the UK on a global scale include:
International shipping fees can significantly increase the order final purchase price. To save money, compare rates from different carriers, such as DHL, OrangeDS and FedEx, before making a decision. In the international marketplace, factors like location, reliability and the type of goods you purchase also impact the goods delivery times. For example, in case you are looking forward to buying fragile items or something time-sensitive, opting for expedited shipping might be worthwhile; otherwise, a slower but more economical option will surely fit in the bracket of your needs.
Know the enemy! Familiarise yourself with UK import regulations and duty fees beforehand so that additional costs aren’t a surprise when your goods arrive at customs. This way, there won’t be any unpleasant surprises waiting for you when they arrive!
Research local laws surrounding imports pays off. Each country has its own unique set of rules governing what goods can enter its borders without issue or penalty. Ignorance isn’t bliss here, folks! Avoid headaches down the line by familiarising yourself rather than dealing with fines later on due to a lack of research prior to making purchases from abroad.
International shipping typically takes longer than domestic deliveries due to the greater distance involved and the additional processing that occurs at customs. Remember to factor in extra time when placing your order, especially if you need items by a specific deadline. The exact delivery timeframe will depend on the shipping method you choose, the location of the seller and the current customs processing times when shopping from India and getting products shipped to the UK.
Not all Indian online stores may offer international payment options. It’s essential to verify accepted payment methods before you shop online for security. Here are some common payment methods accepted by Indian e-commerce platforms, but their availability may vary depending on the specific retail store:
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted but double-check with your card issuer to ensure it supports international transactions to avoid decline in payments. Similar to credit cards, verify if your debit card authorises international online transactions.
PayPal’s secure online payment gateway serves as a popular option for international transactions. If you have a PayPal account linked to a credit card or bank account. This helps make hassle-free payments on Indian websites that accept PayPal.
Now that we’ve addressed the potential challenges, let’s explore the solutions. Here’s a roadmap for a smooth shopping experience.
Don’t forget about bargains hidden around every corner while shopping internationally, too—sometimes products found abroad may cost less than buying domestically, thanks to foreign exchange rates working favourably towards international buyers’ pockets. Keep an eye out for deals while you browse and shop from India to the UK from online retailers located outside Britain!
Explore online Indian marketplaces. Popular Indian marketplaces offer a vast selection of products from various retailers, such as Ubuy.
If you are looking for something specific, browse the websites of Indian stores specialising in that category. For example, if you’re looking for traditional Indian clothing, visit the websites of popular brands like FabIndia or Biba.
Don’t settle for the first shipping option you see! Take into consideration factors like delivery times, courier carriers, reliability, and cost of shipping when making your choice. Here are some additional tips for comparing shipping costs:
Most carrier websites allow you to get instant quotes by entering the package weight, dimensions, and origin and destination postcodes.
Is this a last-minute tussle? If you are planning on sending gifts to the UK from India and need your items delivered quickly, be prepared to pay a premium for expedited shipping options.
Some Indian stores offer combined shipping discounts for orders above a certain amount.
Customs authorities are responsible for regulating goods entering a country, and hence, it is important to recognise the significance of regulations governing these processes. The authorities might impose duties or taxes on delivery from India to the UK. These charges can vary depending on the type of product and its value.
Here are some resources to help you estimate customs charges for your purchases from India:
This website provides a helpful tool for estimating the duty and VAT that may be payable on your imports. You can enter the HS code of the product you are interested in, and the tool will provide an estimate of the applicable charges.
This tool allows you to estimate the import duties and taxes that may apply to your shipment based on the value and type of goods.
Understanding customs clearance procedures can help you avoid any surprises or delays when your package arrives in the UK. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to contact the seller or the shipping carrier for clarification.
Many courier companies, such as DHL and FedEx, offer resources on their websites that can help you understand customs regulations and duty fees. These resources provide information on HS codes, duty rates, and customs clearance procedures.
While this blog primarily focuses on the process of shopping from India to the UK, it is essential to mention platforms that bridge the gap for those seeking Indian products in the UK and eliminate all the hassle. Ubuy is one such platform that offers a convenient solution.
Ubuy is a leading cross-border shipping platform for purchasing items from India and having them shipped to the UK. This platform simplifies the often complicated process of international shipping and offers a user-friendly experience.
Ubuy offers a diverse range of products. Whether you are looking for authentic Indian spices or unique handicrafts, you can have them delivered directly to your doorstep in the UK.
Moreover, Ubuy can be a valuable resource for those looking to send gifts to the UK from India. The platform simplifies the process, allowing you to select the perfect present and have it delivered directly to the recipient’s doorstep. It’s a hassle-free way to share a piece of India with loved ones residing in the UK.
Explore their website to see if they have what you’re looking for!
Yes, there are. Ubuy is one such reliable cross-border platform that offers a myriad of products and allows you to shop Indian products in the UK without any hassle.
The total shipping charges are calculated at the checkout page. They vary depending on the product’s weight and size and the selected shipping option. Shipping charges will change with each additional item added to your cart. Customers can save more on shipping by increasing their basket size instead of making single-item orders.
Ubuy provides convenient order tracking. Upon order confirmation, customers receive a tracking number and ID. This information can be used to monitor the shipment process via the “Track Order” on the website or mobile app.
Ubuy’s ordering process is simple. Customers can choose the products they want, specify the quantities, and add the items to the cart. At checkout, you’ll need to provide shipping and payment details. Returning customers can simply log in, while new customers will need to create an account. After that, you can select your shipping method and complete the payment to finalise your order.
Ubuy content team consist of various writers specializing in different niches. They write blogs about different topics ranging from science, human relationships to the latest technology to share their thoughts, ideas and knowledge with the world.
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