Expat Mall - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I buy from stores that aren't listed in the ExpatMall?

A. Yes, you can buy from virtually any online store in the U.S. If you don't see the store listed on the ExpatMall simply click the "Non-Mall Stores" link and then type in the web address of the store you want to shop from.

Q. How long will it take for to get my ExpatMall order?

A. Domestic shipping times vary from store to store. Most U.S. online stores will provide a variety of shipping options for delivery in the U.S. Once we rcieve all of your items at our warehouse shipping time to Japan is approximately 5 business days.

Q. Are their restrictions on what you can ship?

A. Yes there are cetain items that cannot be shipped due to import restrictions. Restricted Items:
Meat Products- includes baby food with meat, jerky, sauces with meat, pet food, etc.
Bird seed or seeds of any kind
Aerosol items
Flammable items such as kitchen torches
Rice (exception- Minute Rice)
Flour
Any Dried Fruit
Oatmeal (exception- Instant Oatmeal)
Cornmeal
Any pornographic material
Cosmetics and Supplements can only be ordered in a quantity of less than a 2 month supply.
Note* This list is not all inclusive. We have only listed items that you might not be aware are restricted. If you have any questions about an item you might purchase, please check with us before you purchase it so that it is approved first. If you do order something that is restricted, it is your responsibility to pay for return shipping to the vendor.
Also, please know that multiple same items weighing more than 22 lbs will be split and shipped on different days.

Q. Will I have to pay duties and taxes?

A. Depending on the country of import and the items purchased you may have to pay duties and taxes on your order. Where possible these charges will be collected C.O.D. upon delivery of your package. If this is not possible they will be charged to your ExpatExpress account once delivery is completed.

Q. Will you consolidate orders from multiple stores into a single shipment to reduce shipping costs.

A. Yes, this is one of the best features of our service. We will always try to pack your order into as few boxes as possible based on reasonable size and weight limitations. The more stores you buy from the more you will save. In order to ensure that your items are shipped together, please make sure to enter them into one order form.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Orders containing:
10 items or less: $15.00.
11 or more items: $15.00 plus $1.00 per item greater than 10. The additional $1.00 charge will be capped at 40 items.
$7.50 for every additional box shipped.
We will make every effort to fit your order into as few boxes as possible.
Shipping charges are based on the greater of the actual weight or the dimensional weight of the package to be shipped. The dimensional weight is claculated by taking the (H x W x L) / 166. This will give the pound weight of the package which you can reference to the shipping table to get your actual shipping cost. Note: For multiple box orders the weight is not aggregated and each box will be charged the per pound rate according to the shipping table. (Click here to view our shipping rates) These charges will be conveniently charged to your ExpatExpress account when the order is shipped from our warehouse.

Q. Are there any size and weight restrictions?

A. Yes, each individual package must weigh 65 lbs or less and have a maximum package size of 63 inches in length and girth combined. For larger items that don't meet these requirements please contact ExpatExpress for rates and fees prior to purchasing.