Frequently Asked Questions

Does FOREX use Third Parties to deliver boxes in the Philippines?

Absolutely not! Forex take great pride in the fact that we DO NOT use any third parties when having our customers boxes delivered no matter which part of the Philippines it may be going to. This is to ensure the safety and security of the boxes we handle as well as the speed of our delivery. It means our costs may be higher doing it this way, but the security of our customer's goods is more important to Forex.

Can I send Air Freight through Forex?

Yes we do! If you are interested to learn more about our Air Freight service click here

Can we send food in the Forex box?

Yes you sure can, as long as the food items you are sending are non-perishable goods. For example: Canned goods and any food items which are not perishable such as confectionery and other dry foods (not containing dairy and not of animal origin) such as chocolate, cookies, biscuits & potato chips. Make sure you look at the best before dates on the food items and keep in mind that the goods you place in the box will have to travel a few weeks.

Food that are NOT allowed includes fresh or frozen meat, fresh fruits, fresh fish, these may NOT be brought into or sent to the Philippines as per the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines.

What are the sizes of the Forex boxes?

We have 2 sized boxes. One is the REGULAR box and the other is PREMIUM box.

The dimensions of these boxes are as follows:

 

REGULAR Box: 60cm x 53cm x 45cm

PREMIUM Box: 60cm x 53cm x 61cm

For view images of these boxes click here.

How much would it be to send a Forex Box to the Philippines?

We have 2 sized Forex Boxes for you to choose from, a REGULAR and a PREMIUM box. Price would depend on a couple of things:

Where you are sending the box from?

Where you are sending the box to?

What size box you are sending? Regular, Premium or a non-Forex Box?

To get an indication on pricing click here: Sea Freight Price and Air Freight Price.

Why are some of the other Door-to-door company's prices cheaper than Forex?

I am glad you asked! I would urge you to not compare Forex to other door-to-door companies on price alone. Compare us on value, same as you would when buying a car or even a pair of shoes. It's like this. You would not compare a cheap vehicle (without naming names) to a premium vehicle such as a Mercedes or BMW on price alone would you? And yet, they both have 4 tyres on the road and have seats inside the cabin. We all know that is pretty much where the similarities end and the whole range of differences begin.

Value is dependent on what is important to you, the customer.

Is knowing the items you are sending to your family and loved ones are safe and secure?

Having peace of mind for the weeks the box is in transit important to you or maybe you don’t mind worrying for the duration of that time if the box would get there at all? With Forex, because we do not have third party contractors delivering our customers’ boxes, you can have peace of mind that your boxes will be delivered on time and will be handled with care. Employees in the Philippines are well compensated and looked after which adds to the security and care of each box.

Is efficiency and speed important to you?

At Forex we ship out containers every single week, which means no boxes are left stored at the warehouse waiting for a period of time as they would with other companies. Processing and loading of boxes into container are efficiently done using barcodes which help with real-time tracking where you can be notified of any update or change of box status; or you can track the box at your own convenience through our website or phone app.

We also have a strong relationship with brokers and customs in the Philippines which means any issues that may occur are addressed and actioned quickly which makes it simpler and quicker for us to deliver.

Is convenience valuable to you?

We have invested heavily in setting up our very own call centre serving only Forex customers and our team are always eager and ready to assist you. This call centre is available between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

With Forex, you are dealing with a company with a 5 STAR RATING when it comes to caring for our customers and providing highest level of safety, speed and convenience. It is easy for any business who has not invested in providing you (the customer) the ultimate value to simply lower their prices. After all, how else can they compete? So, like the buying a car scenario. Ask yourself - What is important to you?

How often do you ship to the Philippines?

Forex ships a minimum of one container every week. All boxes are bar-coded for faster processing and loaded carefully onto pallets and into containers at our Sydney Head Office. After the container is sealed, the container is picked up and delivered to the Forex Philippines warehouse where boxes are sorted and prepared for delivery around the Philippines. Vessels that leave Australia tranship to another port before reaching the Manila port as there are no vessels currently that travel direct to Manila..

What can I send in a Forex Box?

Great ideas to send to your loved ones are Personal goods groceries such as:

  • Canned goods such as Corned Beef, Tuna, Salmon, Baked Beans (check out specials at the groceries)
  • Noodles
  • Cereals
  • Snacks such as Chocolates, biscuits (you know they loooove Tim Tams), Potato Chips
  • Drinks such as Coffee, Tea, Powdered Milk
  • New and used clothes. Don’t throw them away, we know that many times we give away or get rid of clothes locally which often still have tags on them. Give them to family and friend in the Philippines where you know they will be appreciated!
  • New and used shoes.
  • New and old computers, laptops, TV’s, gifts, ornaments, gifts, souvenirs (just to name a few) is valued and go a long way.

What can't I send through Forex Cargo?

Forex will not accept the following: Illegal drugs, Firearms, Explosives, Motor vehicles, Motorbikes, Stolen goods, Flammable items, Cash, Very fragile items, Lewd, obscene and pornographic materials, People (Alive or Dead

Where is the head office/warehouse of FOREX Australia

Address: 18 Broadhurst Rd INGLEBURN, NSW 2565
Tel. NSW/ACT Phone: 02 8777 0000, SA/NT/WA Phone: 08 6393 7200, QLD Phone: 07 3463 8809, VIC/TAS Phone: 03 8736 7687
Fax. 02 9826 7133
Email: customercare@forexcargo.com.au
Contact: Any of our friendly staff
Feel Free to come and visit, especially during our loading days, to see how we operate and handle Forex Boxes.

What are other services does Forex offer apart from Door-to-door boxes?

Forex offers a secure and reliable Money Remittance service allowing you to send money to the Philippines fast, at a competitive rate and a low fee. From Credit to Accounts, Door-to-door and Billspay to Cash Pick Ups and more. To find out more about our money remittance service click here.

Forex has recently opened our very own Travel Agency where you and your friends can call us whenever you are thinking of travelling anywhere in the World. Please see our latest Stunning Deals for flights, accommodation and many more at Forex Travel Pty Ltd.

Forex is always looking for new and innovative products and services we can offer our valued customers and their friends, so please take a moment to register on this website and be a member so you don't miss out on our promos, specials events and more.

Do you accept boxes which are not Forex?

Most definitely we do! We accept custom boxes, no name boxes Kennards boxes or boxes from any competitor. We also accept goods which already have their own packaging (such as washing machine or TV for example). These are what we call CUSTOM SIZE boxes. We simply require dimension and item description to provide you a quote.

How can I get a price on my CUSTOM Size box?

Because our charges are based on the volume of the item, we would need to know the 3 basic measurements to determine price (Length x Width x Height) in centimeters. We would also need to know the item, where the item is coming from and where you are intending to send it in the Philippines.

If I send CUSTOM Size item, can Forex package it for me?

We accept CUSTOM size items, and yes, we can consolidate the items for you to ensure your items safety. For price of Forex packing service, feel free to call us on 02 8777 0000.

Can I send a TV through Forex? If so, what do I need to know?

Yes, you sure can. We send lots of TV's for our customers all the time. Just note that before you do, make sure that the TV is Multi region system to ensure it will play back NTSC signal also. Most new TV's are compatible, but it is your responsibility to get the accurate information from the manufacturer. Although we handle these items all the time with the utmost care, we would require you to sign a waiver form.

 

Note: If you live outside of Sydney, it would be best to contact Forex to ensure the Forex representative in your local area accepts bigger items such as this. Transportation to Sydney may be an issue.

Can I send White Goods to the Philippines through Forex?

Absolutely! Many of our customers send white goods such as Fridge and Washing Machines to the Philippines. Simply ensure these goods are usable and the power will be compatible.

 

Note: If you live outside of Sydney, it would be best to contact Forex to ensure the Forex representative in your local area accepts bigger items such as this. Transportation to Sydney may be an issue.

Can I bring my goods to the Forex office and pack it there?

Yes, come in and say hi. Feel free to use our packing equipment to pack your goods at our office. While you are here have a coffee on us. Click here to see our office address and operating hours.

What is the weight limit when sending a Forex Box through Sea Freight?

There is no weight limit placed on boxes we accept from our customers. Simply keep in mind that the backs of our Forex representatives are also breakable, so let's be reasonable when sending goods that may be too heavy. Normally, for as long as you can move the box, our rep and his trolley should be able to manage.

Note: For very heavy boxes, we may need to ask for assistance from a male in the house.

How do I order a Forex Box?

If you would like to order a Forex Box for delivery to your home, simply use our Online Box Ordering System, use our Forex Cargo App or call us on NSW/ACT Phone: 02 8777 0000, SA/NT/WA Phone: 08 6393 7200, QLD Phone: 07 3463 8809, VIC/TAS Phone: 03 8736 7687 to speak to one of our Forex Box specialists.

Please note: A deposit of $10 per box is required (Regular and Premium Box) prior to or at the time of delivery of empty cartons. This deposit will be deducted from the balance to be paid upon pick up of your Forex Boxes.

When sending Furniture, White good or other electrical, do we pay a tax on these?

No tax will be charged by customs in the Philippines is if you declare the goods to be used and not brand new and if the item is deemed to be for personal use not for sale or commercial items. Otherwise, yes there may a small tax incurred by Customs Philippines. If there is a charge, Forex will be notified by customs and we will contact the sender to settle the this before the box or item will be released.

Can I get your Manila office contact number to follow up info on our boxes?

As we are one group of Companies, Forex globally all use the one integrated system, so anything you need to know regarding your box can be answered here in our call centre. Besides, our Manila office is busy unloading containers, loading trucks and delivering our customers boxes and cannot be taking calls. Any questions which cannot be answered immediately will be followed up by our call centre staff and we will get back to you within the day.

What if Forex deliver to our consignee in the Philippines, but there is no one home at the time?

Firstly, we suggest to always include a contact number (preferably mobile) so that our delivery team can contact the consignee if this occurs. Having this information on your declaration form and your box will alleviate any delays that will be caused by a non-delivery. If a contact number is unavailable, Forex will automatically try to re-deliver the box.

If after our team has tried to deliver 3 times without any luck, our office will contact the sender and advise them of the situation and ensure we deliver the box soonest.

Do you ship boxes from the Philippines to Australia?

Forex specialises in cargo which is sent only into the Philippines. If you need goods sent from the Philippines to Australia we would suggest for you to contact FedEx, UPS, or TNT.

Do I have to itemize all the goods in the Packing List/Declaration Form you provide with the box?

We suggest you to be as detailed as possible when filling in the Packing List as this is your record of what is in the box, and this is what you are declaring to be the true contents to Forex and to Customs. We suggest that you have the Packing form next to you when packing the box and list down the contents as they go into the box.

Can I send fragile goods in the Forex Box?

Although we handle every box with care, there is always danger of breakage which may be due to stresses on the box during handling and transportation, therefore breakage of fragile may occur if not packed properly therefore items will not be covered by Forex. In saying that, many of our customers often include fragile goods in their boxes and have never had an issue. We label the box as fragile with our fragile packing tapes, we also ensure boxes are always handled with care both here in Australia as well as during delivery in the Philippines.

I have a Forex box but can't find my Packing Form to fill up. How can I get one?

That is fine. We have made the box Packing List/Declaration available for you right here. Simply click here to download the form. Sea Freight Declaration Form & Air Freight Declaration Form. This will need to be filled and provided to our representative upon pick up of your box. Each Box must have one Declaration form per box.

Are their areas in the Philippines where Forex does not deliver?

Yes, as the Philippines is made up of thousands of islands, there a few places where it is simply too difficult or dangerous to get to. See this page which show the places currently not serviced by Forex

Will my box make the next scheduled Forex container?

We always do our best to ensure all our customer’s boxes are loaded into the containers as quickly as possible. In saying this, please note that to be fair to all our customers, we load our containers in a ‘first-in, first-out’ basis. Because there is a high volume of boxes that arrive into our warehouses daily, containers fill up fast therefore boxes which arrive later than others may be allocated to the next scheduled shipping container automatically. But don’t worry, because we ship more frequently and containers are shipped on a weekly basis, these boxes will also be leaving quickly.

How can I get a price on my CUSTOM Size box?

Because our charges are based on the volume of the item, we would need to know the 3 basic measurements to determine price (Length x Width x Height) in centimeters. We would also need to know the item, where the item is coming from and where you are intending to send it in the Philippines.

Does Forex Cargo use Third Parties to deliver the packages in the Philippines?

Absolutely not! Forex take great pride in the fact that we DO NOT use any third parties when having our customers boxes delivered no matter which part of the Philippines it may be going to. This is to ensure the safety and security of the boxes we handle as well as the speed of our delivery. It means our costs may be higher doing it this way, but the security of our customer's goods is more important to Forex.

What are the rates for your Air Freight Service?

Currently our rate is $3.75/kg (plus handling and distance charges for deliveries outside of Metro Manila). We charge by Actual weight per box. Some light bulky items may be charged in Volumetric Weight. For more information please click the link Air Freight Rates

Are there any additional charges or fees when sending Air Freight?

Apart from the per kilo charge, there is a $10 handling fee per shipment per customer (1-4 boxes picked up from the same address and is delivered to the same address and consignee). In addition, boxes being delivered outside of Metro Manila will incur distance charges. Click this link to see full table of areas and associated distance charges.

Is there a minimum weight for Air Freight?

There is no minimum in the weight that you can send as Air Freight, but our minimum chargeable weight is 20kgs which means if your box weighs less than 20kgs you still that package will be charged as 20kg weight.

Is there a maximum weight limit for each box sent by Air Freight?

Yes, there is a maximum weight limit of 32kgs per box accepted by the Airlines.

Are there items which are prohibited to send via Air Freight?

Airlines have very stringent rules and policies in terms of the types of goods being shipped by Air Freight. There are quite several items that have been prohibited by the Airlines which we have to strictly enforce, or it may affect our future shipments sent through them. We have created a comprehensive list of items which are Illegal, Dangerous and Prohibited to be shipped through Cargo. We encourage you to thoroughly go through this list if you are thinking of sending Air Cargo through us.

What is considered Commercial Quantity?

The definition of Commercial Quantity as per Bureau of Customs Philippines is; “refer to the quantity for a given kind or class of articles which are in excess of what is compatible with and commensurate to the person’s normal requirements for personal use”.

Philippine Customs considers goods which are the same or similar sent at quantities of 6 pieces or more of non-consumable goods (example: bags, shoes, electronics) or 12 pieces or more of consumable goods (example: shampoo, chocolate, canned goods) to be Commercial Quantity. Items seen to be sent in commercial quantities by Philippine Customs are subject to Custom taxes and duties. Any charges made by Customs regarding the sender’s package will have to be settled by the sender before package will be released by Philippine Customs.

Please note that any delays to the delivery of a box due to the package being held by Customs is out of Forex Cargo’s control. To avoid this does not happen, do not send goods in Commercial Quantities.

Where is the Forex Cargo Air Freight service available?

Forex Cargo Air Freight service is currently available in Sydney but will be available all-around Australia soon. Feel free to call us on 1300 136 739 or 02 8777 0000 for more info.

How frequently does Forex Cargo ship Air Freight?

At Forex Cargo, our Air Freight shipments leave every week so you if miss a shipment, no need to worry because another shipment is scheduled next week. To view our shipment schedules, click here

What is considered Commercial Quantity?

The definition of Commercial Quantity as per Bureau of Customs Philippines is; “refer to the quantity for a given kind or class of articles which are in excess of what is compatible with and commensurate to the person’s normal requirements for personal use”.

Philippine Customs considers goods which are the same or similar sent at quantities of 6 pieces or more of non-consumable goods (example: bags, shoes, electronics) or 12 pieces or more of consumable goods (example: shampoo, chocolate, canned goods) to be Commercial Quantity. Items seen to be sent in commercial quantities by Philippine Customs are subject to Custom taxes and duties. Any charges made by Customs regarding the sender’s package will have to be settled by the sender before package will be released by Philippine Customs.

Please note that any delays to the delivery of a box due to the package being held by Customs is out of Forex Cargo’s control. To avoid this does not happen, do not send goods in Commercial Quantities.

Where is the Forex Cargo Air Freight service available?

Forex Cargo Air Freight service is currently available in Sydney but will be available all-around Australia soon. Feel free to call us on 1300 136 739 or 02 8777 0000 for more info.

How frequently does Forex Cargo ship Air Freight?

At Forex Cargo, our Air Freight shipments leave every week so you if miss a shipment, no need to worry because another shipment is scheduled next week. To view our shipment schedules, click here

What day of the week is your cut – off per Air Freight shipment?

Forex Cargo deliver our shipment of Air Freight boxes from our Sydney warehouse to the Airlines every Tuesday (unless there are flight schedule changes made by the Airline), this means that all Air Freight boxes collected from our customers until Monday will be included in that week’s shipment. Boxes pick up from our customers or dropped off to our warehouse from Tuesday will be included into next weeks’ Air Freight shipment.

Can I send batteries via Air Freight?

Loose batteries of any kind must not be included in your Air Freight shipment, even those found in their original blister packaging. Australia does not currently permit any batteries to be sent to or from the country within unaccompanied luggage.

Can I send white goods?

White goods such as washing machine, clothes dryer, microwave, freezer, fridge, oven, cooking plate, water heater, air conditioner) are not permitted to be shipped by Air Freight, however these items can be sent via our Forex Sea Freight Service.

Can I send food?

No Fresh or frozen unprocessed foods are permitted to be sent. This includes fresh or frozen meat, fresh fruits, fresh fish, may NOT be brought into or sent to the Philippines as per the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines.

Generally, non-perishable foodstuffs can be sent via Air Freight. Foods such as confectionery and other dry foods (not containing dairy and not of animal origin) such as chocolate, cookies, biscuits & crisps are typically permitted.

Philippines Customs authorities have the right to reject/dispose and return packages containing any food products not permitted for entry into the country at their discretion.

Can I send laptop, tv, phone, printer or other electrical items?

Electrical items can be sent using our Air Freight service but may need additional packaging when packed into a box.

Can I send toiletries & other liquids?

Liquids, pastes & gels such as shampoos, conditioners, make up, face cream, moisturiser, toothpastes can be included into your Air Freight shipment if it does not contain alcohol. Items such as mouth wash containing alcohol or hand sanitisers not permitted.

Can I send car or motorcycle parts by Air Freight?

Sending of any car or motorcycle parts by Air Freight are prohibited. Small car or motorcycle accessories (not parts) can be sent via our Air Freight Service.

Will custom check my box when it arrives into the Philippines?

Yes, Philippine Customs inspect all packages via x-ray (and if required, manually) and declaration forms before releasing each shipment.

Will I pay custom duties?

If the items in your package falls under the normal classification of ‘Balikbayan Box’ there are no taxes or duties. If Customs deem your shipment to contain commercial goods or commercial quantities, Customs will contact Forex Cargo and advise us of the appropriate tax/duty amounts to be paid by the sender. In this event, the package will be held by Customs until payment of duties/taxes are received before package is released back to Forex Cargo for delivery.

How long is the transit time?

Transit times to Metro Manila is approximately 3-5 business days and approximately 8-10 business days (from the point of departure) for deliveries to Luzon. Please note that any delays due to changes in Airline schedules are outside of Forex Cargo’s control.

What could affect the transit & delivery time?

There are many factors that could affect transit times. Factors such as change of Airline flight schedules, natural disaster or calamities affecting the originating or destination Countries, road closures, flooding, etc.

In addition, occurrences where prohibited items are found in a package by the Airline within the Cargo shipment, all boxes within that shipment is rejected and returned to Forex Cargo for further inspection and processing. In this instance the shipment will be bumped off to the next shipment date (the following week).

What happens if I did not declare all the goods I am sending properly?

We suggest to always declare good you are shipping appropriately to ensure safe and efficient processing and delivery of your box. Instances where items are undeclared or mis-declared may result in delays, fines, and rejection of your shipment.

Note that shipments which are returned to Forex Cargo due to undeclared items or sending of prohibited items could affect the whole shipment which will result in a $200 fee to be paid by the sender.

Does Forex Cargo inspect the box/s?

Forex Cargo inspects all boxes being sent as Air Freight. Due to the stringent rules by the Airlines regarding prohibited items we have set up an internal inspection bay where Air Freight boxes are inspected under full surveillance.

What happens if Forex Cargo finds prohibited items in your Box?

In instances where a prohibited item is found by Forex Cargo, Forex will remove the item from the package and customer will be notified. Item can be sent back to the customer for a minimal delivery charge. If illegal items are found such as firearms or drugs, items will be confiscated and reported to the authorities and this will be the responsibility of the sender.

Will my box make the next scheduled Forex container?

We always do our best to ensure all our customer’s boxes are loaded into the containers as quickly as possible. In saying this, please note that to be fair to all our customers, we load our containers in a ‘first-in, first-out’ basis. Because there is a high volume of boxes that arrive into our warehouses daily, containers fill up fast therefore boxes which arrive later than others may be allocated to the next scheduled shipping container automatically. But don’t worry, because we ship more frequently and containers are shipped on a weekly basis, these boxes will also be leaving quickly.

Please select the service you want to know more about to view our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Forex Cargo

Forex Cargo is the leader in cargo shipping services from Australia to the Philippines since the 90's. We are proud to be the bridge that binds families from two distinct countries, and that is why we handle each box you send to your loved ones with care.

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Contact Us

18 Broadhurst Rd INGLEBURN, NSW 2565
NSW/ACT Phone: 02 8777 0000
SA/NT/WA Phone: 08 6393 7200
QLD Phone: 07 3463 8809
VIC/TAS Phone: 03 8736 7687
02 9826 7133
customercare@forexcargo.com.au
www.forexcargo.com.au

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