Sri Lanka Shipping Cost Comparison: AliExpress vs Temu vs Local Couriers (2025)

Q: Are there hidden courier charges when importing?

Yes. Apart from platform shipping fees, local courier companies may charge additional customs handling or delivery fees.

🕒 Last updated: July 22, 2025

Why Shipping Fees Matter More in 2025

With tighter customs checks and new VAT regulations, shipping costs now play a major role in your total online shopping bill. In this guide, we compare the real-world costs, delivery times, and reliability of AliExpress, Temu, and private courier companies shipping to Sri Lanka.

📦 Shipping Cost Comparison Table

Platform	Shipping Fee (Avg)	Delivery Time	Customs Handling
AliExpress	LKR 500 - 1,200	18 - 35 days	Moderate (Sri Lanka Post + Random Check)
Temu	Free - LKR 500	15 - 25 days	Light (Currently Few Reports)
DHL/Aramex	LKR 3,000 - 6,000	5 - 10 days	High (Includes VAT + Clearance Fee)

⚡ Our Tips to Save on Shipping

Look for free shipping offers during checkout (especially Temu flash deals).
Use combined shipping or cart bundling when possible.
Be ready for customs: keep invoice screenshots and track delivery regularly.

📲 Should You Switch to Temu?

Temu is rapidly gaining traction in Sri Lanka thanks to aggressive pricing and lower shipping costs. However, its item selection is still smaller than AliExpress. Test small orders first to compare reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which platform has the cheapest shipping to Sri Lanka?

Temu often offers cheaper or free shipping for smaller items, while AliExpress provides more variety but may charge for delivery.

Are there hidden courier charges when importing?

Yes. Local delivery companies might add taxes, handling fees, or customs clearance charges at the time of delivery.

Should I avoid DHL or Aramex?

Only use them for valuable or time-sensitive items. They're reliable but expensive and almost always taxed.