For any length of period you’re abroad, your friends and family may want to send you a care package, important mail, debit or credit cards, or even cell phones if you need a replacement.
Sending and receiving mail in Ecuador can be tricky. Packages don’t always arrive and they are often delayed. Shipping something through DHL that you can pick up at one of their locations is usually the most secure. Another option is to use FedEx and have the package shipped with a tracking number. Both of these options are expensive however, so please make sure to look into costs. Using USPS and normal Ecuadorian mail is cheaper, but is unreliable.
We don’t recommend sending any packages to Ecuador before your program begins. If you absolutely must, please contact your program coordinator. Once you are onsite, you will be able to figure out if receiving packages makes sense based on the cost and time it takes as well as be able to supply those back home with your exact address.
Below are some resources you may use and send to your family explaining the mailing process in different countries. The USPS has a great website with the Index of Countries that included postal codes, postage prices, and mailing conditions.
When shipping internationally, please make sure that your envelope or package has everything necessary to ship.
Please note that when shipping cell phones, hefty customs taxes may be added on. In some locations, you may have to go to the airport to pick up your package and pay the import/customs tax before collecting your mail.
Index of Countries and their postal codes, instructions
FedEx International Resource Center
Shipping Internationally with DHL; Customs Support
Traveling after the program for an extended period? Don’t want to carry your semester’s worth of luggage around with you and pay hefty luggage overage charges? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to look into whether luggage shipping services fit your travel needs.
No matter how long you are abroad, you should plan ahead and try to pack light to avoid needing to ship your luggage! You will acquire plenty of souvenirs and gifts while abroad, so make sure you have space for them when you return!
Here’s a list of companies that offer shipping services: