INTERNATIONAL SHOPPING GUIDE
How to calculate the real cost of an international online order
An international product can look inexpensive until shipping, taxes, duties, currency conversion and possible return costs are considered. A simple total-cost check can help you compare an overseas purchase with alternatives available locally.
Start with the product price
Record the actual price of the items you intend to buy. If the store displays prices in a foreign currency, note the currency as well.
Add shipping
Check whether shipping is free, calculated at checkout, or dependent on the destination, order value or delivery method.
Don't compare an international product's sticker price with a local product's final price until shipping has been accounted for.
Check duties and taxes
International orders can be subject to duties, taxes or other import-related charges depending on the destination and shipment.
Some merchants display these amounts during checkout. Others may require the customer to deal with import charges separately.
For example, iHerb's current India shipping information states that a duties-and-taxes charge is collected at checkout for customs clearance. The applicable amount should always be checked on the current merchant page and during checkout.
Consider currency conversion
The amount ultimately charged to your payment method can differ from a simple manual conversion because the payment provider or card issuer may apply its own exchange rate or foreign-transaction charges.
Check your payment provider's terms when comparing prices across currencies.
Don't forget return costs
A return can change the economics of an international purchase. Check whether the merchant provides prepaid international returns, whether return shipping is the customer's responsibility, and how refunds are processed.
A simple comparison formula
For a basic comparison, think of the total potential cost as:
Product price + shipping + duties/taxes + payment or currency costs + other mandatory charges + potential return cost
Not every order will contain every component. The purpose of the checklist is to identify costs that could materially change the comparison.
Before paying: five questions
- What is the final product price?
- What will shipping cost?
- Are duties or taxes included or charged separately?
- Could currency conversion or payment fees change the amount?
- What happens financially if the order needs to be returned?
Related SIGNAL guides
What to check before buying from an international store
iHerb India: customs, duties and KYC explained
Understanding iHerb returns and refunds
International charges vary by destination, merchant, product and payment method. This guide is a decision-making checklist rather than a calculation of the charges for a particular order.