Shipping Options

When shopping with Mandarake there are a few different shipping options for you to choose from. Each their own upsides, downsides and restrictions. Here we talk about our main shipping methods to help you choose the best way to send your items.

If you would like to know estimates for other shipping methods when you place your order, please mention this in the comment section of the checkout. If you wish to change the shipping method, please contact us before you make your payment and await confirmation.

If you would like to know about shipping insurance, please click here.

SAL Small Packet Registered is usually the cheapest shipping method, but it can also be the most unpredictable for delivery times. This is mainly because SAL items are only put on planes as room becomes available. Therefore depending on the airport your items are sent from, they may be waiting for a while until space is allocated for them. In some cases this may take weeks or even months. If you would like your items faster, we recommend selecting a different shipping method.

SAL is not available to all countries. You can check if your country can receive SAL deliveries on the Japan Post website here: "Countries with Economy Air (SAL) Service".

* If your country is not supported by SAL, some stores may be able to send your order by Airmail Registered. If you would like to request this option, please do so in the comment section at the checkout.

SAL packages have a weight and size limit, which includes the packing and not just the item. Though it may vary from country to country, the maximum weight it usually 2kg. The maximum box size is 90cm in its three outer dimensions (length + width + height). The longest dimension can have a maximum length of 60cm.

You can find out more about the SAL Small Packet Registered shipping method, including shipping costs, at the Japan Post website here: "Economy Air (SAL)".

EMS is our most recommended shipping service in most cases due to its high speed, reliability and wider service area. Though more expensive than SAL, your items have a higher priority when shipping so will reach you much faster.

Though EMS is available in most countries, there are certain areas not covered. You can check if your area can receive EMS deliveries on the Japan Post website here: "Express Mail Service（EMS） - List of Countries and Areas".

EMS packages have a much higher weight and size limit than SAL, which includes the packing and not just the item. Though it may vary from country to country, the maximum weight it usually 20-30kg so you can often fit all of your order into a single box. The maximum box size is often 300cm. This size limit is for the longest length ('a' in the image below) plus the remaining circumference ('b' to 'e' in the image below). The longest dimension often has a maximum length of 150cm, though like the maximum size limit this varies from country to country. You can check the size and weight limits for your area on the Japan Post website here: Express Mail Service（EMS） - List of EMS Size and Weight Limits

You can find out more about the EMS shipping method, including shipping costs, at the Japan Post website here: "International Mail (EMS)".

DHL offers fast delivery to many countries across the world. The delivery speed is competitive with EMS and for certain countries it can actually be faster.

DHL is not available for deliveries in the following regions:
　Africa, China, Mexico, Russia, South America.

DHL does not have limits on box sizes and weights (though it does need to be able to fit through the doors of a plane). DHL fees are determined primarily by package size, followed by weight. Therefore if you are ordering a small item DHL could be the cheapest shipping option for you.

Please be aware that DHL does not accept items for deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays or Japanese national holidays. Therefore if you pay for an item on Friday it might not be collected for a few days.