Shipping Electronics as a Student: What You Need to Know

Shipping electronics is a common thing for students relocating for studies, returning home, or simply managing life across borders. 

From smartphones, laptops, and tablets to game consoles and headphones, electronics nowadays are essential when traveling as a student. 

This article gives you practical advice on how to ship electronics safely, what the rules of shipping electronic devices are, how to pack electronics, and much more. 

How to ship electronics safely? 

When it comes to shipping electronics, one of the most important aspects is choosing the right courier and making sure you pack your items properly. 

You always need to make sure that the courier company you choose will offer the best international shipping solutions for electronics. 

Check the courier’s website to make sure they offer: 

• Proper lithium battery compliance – This helps prevent delays or rejected shipments. 

• Safe handling of fragile electronic devices – Not all couriers are experienced with electronics, so look for one that is. 

• Reliable tracking and support – Look for real-time tracking, responsive customer service, and insurance options to protect your shipment. 

• Worldwide delivery options – If you’re studying abroad, choose a courier that operates in both your home and destination countries. 

If your courier offers all these services, you can feel confident that your electronics will be shipped safely and without issues. 

When we looked into the most efficient and budget-friendly ways for students to ship electronics, one platform stood out—Eurosender. It consistently offered the best mix of convenience, pricing, and service options by comparing multiple carriers and routes all in one place. That’s why we reached out to them directly and secured a special deal just for students: use code AMBER10 for 10% off your shipment. 

Rules of International Shipping of Electronics 

Devices that contain lithium batteries must meet international safety standards. To understand how to ship electronics safely, here are 5 key rules every student should follow: 

1. Devices with non-removable lithium-ion batteries can be shipped if they meet the following limits: 

• Up to 2 cells or 20Wh (watt-hours) for single-cell batteries 

• Up to 4 cells or 100Wh for multi-cell batteries 

2. Batteries must be inside the device when shipped. 

3. Devices exceeding these specifications cannot be shipped by air—only by road or sea. 

4. Batteries should be shipped at no more than 30% charge to avoid overheating risks. 

5. For shipping electronics internationally, as it has the same search volume as international shipping electronics, always check customs requirements and ensure the correct documentation is included. 

Devices with older batteries, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCad) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), aren’t affected by the same shipping restrictions that apply to lithium batteries. 

Electronics Packing: How to Ship Electronics Safely 

Electronics packing is the most important part of the entire process.  

Proper packing ensures that devices remain undamaged throughout their journey. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Use the original packaging whenever possible. 

2. Seal the box with strong adhesive tape. 

3. Wrap the box in bubble wrap to protect it from bumps and drops. 

4. Double-box the item - Place the wrapped box inside a larger box filled with packing peanuts. 

5. Fill all gaps, so so the inner box does not move. 

6. Seal the outer box securely with tape on all edges. 

7. Add clear labels – Mark the package as "Fragile" and "Handle with care." 

If original packaging is unavailable: 

• Use a padded protective case. 

• Choose a high-quality cardboard box. 

• Fill all empty spaces with crumpled paper or foam padding. 

Also, avoid reusing boxes. It’s always better to use durable materials when shipping electronics to reduce the risk of damaging the devices. 

Should you insure the shipment? 

Most couriers provide basic insurance, but students often benefit from extended coverage. 

When shipping electronics internationally, keep in mind these: 

• Basic insurance is often included. 

• Extended coverage is available at low rates. 

• Keep proof of value (invoices, serial numbers). 

Some services do not insure used electronics, so always check the insurance terms before you send electronics abroad. 

BONUS: How to save while shipping electronics internationally? 

Shipping electronics can be quite expensive, especially when you want to ship heavy items fast. If you are living on a student budget, don’t worry – we have you covered. 

Here are 5 ways to save on shipping electronics internationally: 

1. Use shipping comparison platforms 

Comparison platforms like Eurosender.com can be a real saver, if you would like to save yourself time comparing the prices between couriers. They simply do that for you and give you the cheapest option. And you also get live tracking, customer support, insurance & more. 

2. Book early to avoid rush fees 

It’s always smart to book your shipment in advance. Even though some couriers can offer same-day deliveries, these options can be less affordable than booking in advance. 

3. Choose non-urgent options for lower costs 

Another great option to save while shipping electronics internationally is by choosing cheaper shipping options, which normally take more time but are often a lot more affordable than others. So, think about whether you really need this shipping urgently. 

4. Ship during off-peak seasons 

Couriers may be charging you more if you ship during peak season, like during holidays. So, if it’s not an urgency, look for dates which are more affordable to ship. 

5. Look for courier promotions or student discounts 

If you are a student, go to student organizations and ask them if they offer any student codes for shipping services. Oftentimes, you can get a discount on your shipment, so it’s probably worth asking.