One of the first things you realize after moving to Georgia is that Amazon doesn't deliver here. Neither does most of the internet. No free Prime shipping, no "arrives tomorrow" convenience. If you want anything that isn't available locally, you need to learn how the Georgian package forwarding ecosystem works — and it's surprisingly good, once you understand it.
This guide covers everything: the forwarding services Georgians use to buy from Amazon and other global stores, how customs duties work (and how to legally stay under the threshold), shipping your personal belongings when you move, receiving packages from family abroad, and the local postal system. We've ordered everything from laptops to kitchen scales through these services. Here's what actually works.
How Online Shopping Works in Georgia
Georgia has developed its own clever solution to the "no international shipping" problem: mail forwarding services. These companies give you a US, UK, EU, Turkish, or Chinese warehouse address. You shop online, ship to that address, and they fly your packages to Tbilisi. It typically takes 5–14 days from the US, less from Turkey.
This isn't some niche hack — it's how the entire country shops online. Your Georgian neighbors, your landlord, the barista at your café — everyone uses these services. There are apps, loyalty programs, and pickup points across the city. It's a full-blown industry.
The Basic Workflow
Register with a forwarding service → get your US/UK/etc. address → shop on Amazon, eBay, etc. → ship to that address → declare the contents online → wait 7–14 days → pick up from their Tbilisi office (or pay for home delivery). That's it.
Mail Forwarding Services Compared
There are four main players, and they all work similarly. The differences come down to price per kilogram, flight frequency, customer support, and how well they handle customs declarations for expensive items.
| Service | USA Rate | UK Rate | Turkey Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA2Georgia | $4/kg (air) | £5/kg | — | Frequent flyers, many small packages |
| Onex | $4/kg (air) | — | — | Expensive items needing customs help |
| Inex | $4/kg (air) | £5/kg | Available | China + Turkey routes |
| Camex | ~$4/kg (air) | — | Available | Budget, Turkey route |
USA2Georgia — The Go-To for Most Expats
USA2Georgia (U2G) is the most popular service and the one most expats end up using. They have frequent flights from the US, a solid app, and — crucially — they're smart about how they handle customs thresholds. If you have multiple packages sitting in their Delaware warehouse, they'll try to split them across different flights so that each shipment stays under the 300 GEL customs-free limit.
They also excel at tracking: even packages from obscure eBay sellers without proper tracking numbers get picked up and assigned new tracking at their warehouse. Registration is free, and you get a personal unit number at their US address.
Onex — Best for Expensive Items
If you're ordering something pricey — a laptop, camera, or a set of PC components — Onex is worth considering. Their customs declaration support is reportedly better than the competition. They'll walk you through the process on WhatsApp, handle the paperwork, and guide you through paying the tax. For a $1,500 laptop where 18% VAT matters, having competent support is worth a lot.
Inex — Best for China and Turkey
Inex has the widest geographic coverage, including direct shipping from China ($10.50/kg air, $4.50/kg sea) and Turkey. If you order from AliExpress, Temu, or Turkish sites, Inex is often your best bet. They also have the most physical pickup locations across Georgia — not just Tbilisi, but Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, and smaller cities.
Recent Trustpilot Complaints (USA2Georgia)
Some users reported packages marked as "delivered" by Amazon but never showing up at U2G's warehouse in late 2025. This seems to be an Amazon routing issue rather than U2G, but it's worth knowing. Track your deliveries and contact support quickly if a package doesn't appear within 2–3 days of Amazon marking it delivered.
The 300 GEL Customs Threshold — Explained
This is the single most important thing to understand about receiving packages in Georgia. Get it right and you'll never pay customs. Get it wrong and you'll owe 18% on everything.
Under 300 GEL + Under 30 kg
No customs clearance required. No tax. No paperwork. It just arrives at the forwarding company's office and you pick it up.
Over 300 GEL or Over 30 kg
Must clear customs. You pay 18% VAT on the full value (goods + shipping), plus a 20 GEL customs service fee. You need a Tax ID (free to get).
| Scenario | Customs? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amazon package, 250 GEL | No | Under 300 GEL threshold |
| 2 Amazon packages, 200 + 101 GEL, same flight | Yes | Same sender (Amazon), combined = 301 GEL |
| Amazon 201 GEL + eBay 100 GEL, same flight | No | Different senders — counted separately |
| 1 package, 250 GEL but 35 kg | Yes | Over 30 kg weight limit |
| 5 identical phone cases from Amazon, 200 GEL | Possibly | "Homogeneous goods" rule — looks commercial |
The Smart Strategy
Keep individual orders under 300 GEL from any single source. If you need to buy more, order from different stores or space your orders so they land on different flights. USA2Georgia is particularly good at splitting shipments across flights to help you stay under the threshold. This is entirely legal — you're not lying about values, just managing when things arrive.
Customs Duty Breakdown
When you do cross the threshold — and you will eventually, if you order electronics or anything substantial — here's exactly what you'll pay.
Customs Costs on a $500 Laptop
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VAT | 18% | On CIF value (goods + shipping cost) |
| Import duty (most goods) | 0% | Georgia has very low import duties |
| Import duty (food, dairy) | 5% or 12% | On top of VAT for some categories |
| Customs service fee (300–3,000 GEL) | 20 GEL | Paid to Georgian Treasury |
| Customs service fee (3,000–10,000 GEL) | 100 GEL | Paid to Georgian Treasury |
| Declaration service (online parcels) | 10 GEL | Paid to forwarding company |
| Declaration service (personal parcels) | 15 GEL | Paid to forwarding company |
You Need a Tax ID
To clear customs on anything over 300 GEL, you need a Georgian Tax ID (საიდენტიფიკაციო ნომერი). Go to any Revenue Service center — the Vake-Saburtalo one is convenient — with your passport, and they'll issue one in about 15 minutes. It's free. You only need to do this once. If you already have a registered business, you already have a Tax ID.
Step-by-Step: Ordering from Amazon to Georgia
Here's the exact process, using USA2Georgia as the example (the others work nearly identically):
| Step | What to Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Register | Create account on usa2georgia.com — you get a unit number and a Delaware warehouse address | 5 min |
| 2. Shop | Buy on Amazon (or anywhere) using the U2G address as the shipping address | — |
| 3. Arrives at warehouse | Package arrives at U2G's US warehouse — you see it in your dashboard | 2–5 days |
| 4. Declare | Log into your account, declare the contents and value (upload invoice) | 2 min |
| 5. Wait for flight | U2G ships on their next flight to Tbilisi (usually 1–2x per week) | 3–10 days |
| 6. Clear customs | If under 300 GEL, automatic. If over, pay VAT online or at a bank | 1–3 days |
| 7. Pick up | Collect from their Tbilisi office or pay for home delivery | Same day |
Total time from clicking "Buy" on Amazon to having it in your hands: typically 10–18 days. Not instant, but not terrible for a small country in the Caucasus.
Declaring Your Packages (Don't Get This Wrong)
Every forwarding service requires you to declare what's in your package and its value. This isn't optional — if you don't declare before arrival, your package sits at customs for 5 working days, and after that, it becomes state property. Seriously.
✅ Do This
Declare truthfully. Upload the invoice or order confirmation. Use the actual price you paid. If customs agents see your valuation is reasonable, they won't open the package.
❌ Don't Do This
Don't under-declare values. Customs agents can (and do) revalue packages. A $1,000 item declared at $300 can get revalued to $5,000 — and you'll pay 18% on that inflated figure. The risk isn't worth the savings.
Penalties for False Declarations
As of recent Revenue Service rules, incorrectly declared values can result in penalties. If you're caught under-declaring, customs can reassess the value and charge accordingly — plus potential fines. Always keep your invoices and order confirmations as proof of actual purchase price.
Shipping Your Personal Belongings to Georgia
Moving to Georgia with more than two suitcases? You'll need to ship your belongings separately. This is a different process than ordering from Amazon, and it's where most horror stories come from. But it doesn't have to be a nightmare.
The Inventory List Is Everything
The single biggest factor in whether your shipment clears smoothly or gets held for months is your inventory list. Georgian customs wants to know exactly what's in each box. Not "clothes" — they want "3 blue shirts, 7 pairs of socks, 1 winter jacket." Not "electronics" — they want "1 iPad 10th gen, 1 Kindle Paperwhite, 1 phone charger."
Yes, it's tedious. Yes, every item needs a declared value. But the people who skip this step are the ones posting horror stories in Facebook groups six weeks later, wondering why customs won't release their boxes.
Valuation Rules for Used Items
| Item Type | How to Value | Example |
|---|---|---|
| New / barely used | What you paid for it | New jacket: $120 |
| Used with resale value | Current eBay/secondhand price | 2-year-old laptop: $400 |
| Used, no resale value | Symbolic $1–5 | Old socks, worn T-shirt: $1 |
| Documents, personal items | Symbolic $1 | Photo album, greeting cards: $1 |
Best Shipping Options for Personal Belongings
| Method | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KiwiPost (UK) | £5/kg | 5–7 days | UK → Georgia, handles all customs paperwork |
| USA2Georgia (US) | $4/kg | 7–14 days | US → Georgia, frequent flights |
| DHL Express | $15–30/kg | 3–5 days | Urgent, valuable items, own customs broker |
| FedEx / UPS | $20–40/kg | 3–7 days | Documents, small urgent packages |
| National postal service | Varies | 2–6 weeks | Budget, non-urgent, light packages |
| Sea freight | $1–3/kg | 4–8 weeks | Large volumes, furniture, non-urgent |
Use Specialized Forwarders, Not Big Couriers
DHL and FedEx will deliver to Georgia reliably, but they're 4–8x more expensive than Georgia-specific forwarders, and you handle all customs paperwork yourself. Companies like KiwiPost, USA2Georgia, and similar services exist specifically for the Georgia route and handle the customs declaration for you. Only use DHL/FedEx for truly urgent or very valuable items.
Receiving Packages from Family Abroad
Your mom wants to send you a birthday package from Denmark. Your friend wants to ship you a book from the US. Here's how to handle it.
For small, light packages (under 2 kg), the sender can use their national postal service — USPS, Royal Mail, PostNord, etc. These will be delivered through Georgian Post (საქართველოს ფოსტა). Be warned: Georgian Post is slow and tracking is unreliable. Packages from Europe typically take 2–4 weeks. From the US, 3–6 weeks. They arrive at your nearest post office and you pick them up with your passport.
For anything heavier or more valuable, have the sender ship to your forwarding service address instead. It's faster, cheaper for heavier packages, and you don't have to deal with Georgian Post's "we'll get to it when we get to it" approach.
📮 Georgian Post
Works for letters and small packages. Slow but cheap. Post offices exist in most neighborhoods. You'll need your passport to collect. Don't rely on tracking numbers — they often stop updating once the package enters Georgia.
📦 Better Alternative
Give the sender your USA2Georgia/Onex/Inex warehouse address. Works for any country with a corresponding warehouse. Faster, tracked, and customs declarations handled for you. Costs more for a small letter but saves headaches.
Sending Packages FROM Georgia
Need to send something back home? This is less common but comes up — returning products, sending Georgian gifts to family, mailing documents.
| Service | Speed | Cost (to Europe/US) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgian Post | 2–4 weeks | 15–40 GEL (up to 2 kg) | Letters, small gifts, documents |
| DHL Express | 3–5 days | 80–200+ GEL | Urgent documents, valuable items |
| Inex (reverse shipping) | 5–10 days | Varies by weight | UK/EU returns, medium packages |
For sending Georgian wine, churchkhela, or other gifts: Georgian Post works fine for non-fragile items. For wine bottles, use DHL or a similar courier with proper packaging — glass bottles and postal services are a gamble. Some expats wait until they visit home and just pack it in their luggage instead.
What You Can't Ship to Georgia
Most normal consumer goods are fine. But there are some restrictions worth knowing:
| Category | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | ✅ Allowed | No import duty, just 18% VAT over threshold |
| Clothing, books, household | ✅ Allowed | Standard rules apply |
| Medication (personal use) | ⚠️ Limited | Small quantities with prescription okay, no controlled substances |
| Vapes / e-cigarettes | ⚠️ Restricted | May be confiscated — laws evolving |
| Weapons, explosives | ❌ Prohibited | Including airsoft guns and pepper spray |
| Perishable food | ❌ Not recommended | Will likely spoil in transit; customs may confiscate |
| Batteries (lithium, large) | ⚠️ Restricted | Air freight restrictions apply; check with forwarder |
Local E-Commerce and Delivery
Georgia does have its own online shopping scene, and for many items, buying locally is faster and avoids customs entirely.
| Platform | What It Sells | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| MyMarket.ge | Everything — Georgia's Amazon equivalent | 1–3 days |
| Extra.ge | Electronics, appliances, furniture | Same day – 3 days |
| Zoommer.ge | Electronics, gadgets | Same day – 2 days |
| Alta.ge | Electronics, tech | 1–2 days |
| Wolt / Glovo | Food, groceries, pharmacy, retail | 30–60 min |
For electronics, check Zoommer and Extra first — prices are often competitive with Amazon once you factor in shipping and potential customs. For furniture and household goods, MyMarket.ge has a surprisingly decent selection. The interfaces are mostly in Georgian, but Chrome auto-translate works well enough.
Price Check Before Ordering Abroad
A $200 item on Amazon + $8 shipping + potentially $37 in customs = $245. Check if the same item is available on Zoommer.ge or Extra.ge for a similar price. Electronics in particular are often sold in Georgia at reasonable markups, and you get it the same day with a local warranty.
Practical Tips from Experience
📱 Install the Apps
USA2Georgia, Onex, and Inex all have mobile apps. Push notifications when packages arrive at the warehouse, when they're on a flight, and when they're ready for pickup. Much better than checking the website.
💰 Pay with a Georgian Card
Customs fees and forwarding fees are in GEL. Having a Georgian bank account makes payments smoother. Some services accept online payment, others require bank transfer.
📦 Consolidate Wisely
Order from different stores to keep each sender's total under 300 GEL. One order from Amazon + one from eBay on the same flight = two separate declarations, both potentially tax-free.
📋 Keep All Invoices
Screenshot every order confirmation. If customs questions your declared value, having the actual invoice is your best defense. This is especially important for expensive items like electronics.
⏰ Don't Forget to Declare
If a taxable package arrives and you haven't declared it, you have 5 working days. After that, it becomes state property. Not a theoretical risk — it happens. Set a reminder when you order expensive items.
🔌 Check Voltage
Georgia uses 220V European-style outlets (Type C/F). Ordering US electronics (110V) means you'll need a voltage converter, not just a plug adapter. Many modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers) are dual-voltage — check before buying.
Common Mistakes
Under-declaring values
Customs officers can revalue your items — and they'll err on the high side. A $150 item declared at $30 can end up assessed at $300. Not worth it.
Ordering too much from one store
Three Amazon orders totaling 350 GEL on the same flight = one customs declaration for 350 GEL. Spread large orders across different sellers or time them apart.
Using DHL for routine purchases
DHL works great but costs 4–8x more than local forwarding services. Save it for truly urgent or irreplaceable items. A $10 book doesn't need $40 shipping.
Not getting a Tax ID beforehand
You'll eventually order something over 300 GEL. Get your Tax ID now — it takes 15 minutes and is free. Don't wait until your expensive package is stuck at customs.
Expecting Amazon-level speed
10–18 days is normal. If you need it faster, buy locally or use DHL Express. Planning ahead saves money and frustration.
Shipping personal belongings without an inventory
This is how boxes get held at customs for months. Write out every single item. It's boring but it's the difference between a smooth import and a nightmare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order from Amazon to Georgia?
Not directly. Use a mail forwarding service (USA2Georgia, Onex, Inex) — they give you a US address, receive your packages, and ship them to Tbilisi. Takes 7–14 days total.
How much tax do I pay on packages?
Under 300 GEL + under 30 kg from one sender = zero tax. Over that, it's 18% VAT on goods + shipping cost, plus 20 GEL customs fee. Most consumer goods have 0% import duty.
Which forwarding service is best?
USA2Georgia for most US orders (frequent flights, good threshold management). Onex for expensive items. Inex for China/Turkey routes. All ~$4/kg from the US.
How long does shipping take?
Forwarding: 7–14 days from US, 5–10 from UK, 3–7 from Turkey. DHL: 3–5 days. Postal services: 2–6 weeks. Sea freight: 4–8 weeks.
Can I legally avoid customs duty?
Yes — keep orders under 300 GEL per sender per shipment. Different sellers count separately. USA2Georgia can split packages across flights. This is legal threshold management, not evasion.
Written by The Georgia Expats Team
We've ordered everything from laptops to obscure kitchen gadgets through Georgian forwarding services, shipped personal belongings across continents, and learned the customs threshold rules the hard way. This guide comes from years of actual orders, not research.
Last updated: February 2026.
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