FAQ
What to know before you ship to the DR.
Prices, timing, customs and tracking, answered directly.
Prices and payment
How much does it cost to ship from New York to the Dominican Republic?
Documents cost US$ 60, regardless of weight. Packages are charged by the pound: US$ 50 up to 3 lb, plus US$ 8 per additional pound. Customs taxes are not included. We confirm the price when we weigh your shipment at the office. See the full price table.
Do you charge by the pound or by the box?
By the pound, and by whole pounds: 4.2 lb is charged as 5 lb. Some items have their own rate, such as TVs, computers, phones and items 3 feet tall or more, so ask us before bringing them.
How can I pay?
At our office, or online by card from your account. Online payments are processed by Stripe; RV Courier never sees your card details.
Can there be extra charges?
Yes, in three cases: if the actual weight is higher than the approximate weight on your online request, you pay the difference; wrong recipient details can lead to carrier charges; and Dominican Customs may charge taxes, which are not part of our price.
Timing and delivery
How long does a shipment to the Dominican Republic take?
The estimated time is 4 to 6 business days. It depends on the carrier, flights and the Customs review, so we can’t guarantee a delivery date. You can follow every status online.
Do shipments go by air or by sea?
By air, with an outside carrier. That’s why the estimated time is measured in business days, not weeks.
How is it delivered in the Dominican Republic?
An outside courier delivers to the address you give us, or contacts the recipient to arrange delivery or pickup. The recipient may need to show their cédula or passport.
Do you pick up packages from my home in New York?
No. We receive shipments at our office in the Bronx, so you need to bring them in. You can register the shipment online first to save time at the counter. Office address and hours.
What you can ship
What can I ship to the Dominican Republic?
Documents, clothing, gifts, online purchases, shoes, and personal and household items. Some items are only accepted under certain conditions, so ask us first. See restricted items.
What can’t I ship?
Weapons, explosives, flammable liquids, illegal drugs, counterfeit goods and damaged lithium batteries, among other items. We don’t accept them under any circumstances. See the full list.
Can I ship things I bought online?
Yes. Bring your purchases to our Bronx office with the invoice and we ship them to the Dominican Republic with an RV reference.
Do I need to pack my shipment before I bring it?
Use a sturdy box with padding so the contents don’t move, and put documents in an envelope. We can check and reinforce the packaging at the office before labeling it.
Customs
Does the recipient in the Dominican Republic need a RUA?
For packages, yes. Dominican Customs (DGA) requires anyone receiving courier shipments to be enrolled in the Customs Registry (RUA). It’s done online, once, and the recipient is the one who enrolls. How to register for the RUA.
Do I pay taxes when shipping to the Dominican Republic?
It depends on the value and use. Personal shipments up to US$200 may enter tax-free if the recipient has a RUA, though a per-kilo fee may apply. Over US$200, taxes apply. Dominican Customs makes the decision, not RV Courier. See how customs categories work.
What if my package is held at customs?
Customs can hold a shipment if the RUA, invoice or a permit is missing, or if it questions the value. We tell you what is needed so the recipient can resolve it.
Tracking and claims
What is the RV reference?
It’s the number we give you when we register your shipment: RV followed by 10 digits. Use it to check the status on our website, no account needed. Track a shipment.
Do I need an account to ship?
No, you can come straight to the office. With an account you can register shipments before you come in, pay online and get a notice with every status change.
What do I do if my shipment arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive?
Contact us as soon as possible with your RV reference, because the carrier has its own claim deadlines, which can be short. We review our custody record and follow up on your claim with the carrier. How claims work.