Delivery to Vietnam from Ukraine: analysis of three giants based on real user reviews

International delivery from Ukraine to Vietnam is always associated with risks. Any mistake can be costly: delays at customs, missed deadlines, unexpected taxes, or even lost parcels. And all this can happen even when you choose one of the global giants.

In this article, we have gathered not advertising promises, but real customer stories, analysis of discussions on logistics forums — including Reddit — and expert commentary. We will take a close look at the three most well-known services — DHL, FedEx, and UPS — to understand how they work in practice. Special attention will be paid to customs clearance, delivery speed, and reliability.

The most important question we will answer is: which of these companies is truly suitable for shipping to Vietnam from Ukraine, and in which situations each of them will be the most appropriate choice.

Customs clearance: who can handle Vietnamese bureaucracy better

Vietnam is known for its strict and sometimes bureaucratic customs regulations. The duty-free threshold is very low — only $40. Any parcel exceeding this value is subject to VAT and customs duty.

What is important to know: All courier services DHL, FedEx, UPS process shipments according to Vietnamese customs requirements, so correct documentation and broker experience are critically important.

Many users note that DHL actively assists with customs clearance and usually gets parcels across the border quickly.

“If everything is legal for import, DHL contacts you to confirm the address and tax… If you agree, DHL delivers the parcel to your door.” – [Reddit]

In Vietnam, FedEx customs clearance is handled not directly, but through local agents. Sometimes this becomes a problem for shippers:

“FedEx does not really operate directly in Vietnam. They deliver the shipment to the country and then hand it over to a local firm, which extracts extra fees from you that no one warned about… If you don’t pay – you’ll never get your package.” – [Reddit]

For businesses, this means that without experience you may face unexpected costs. That’s why it is important to work with reliable partners. GlobalPost knows how to properly prepare documents and organize shipments via FedEx so that customs clearance goes smoothly and without unnecessary issues.

In the case of UPS, user feedback is often mixed. There are stories of delays at the customs clearance stage or even lost shipments.

“UPS makes no sense. One of my shipments got stuck with them for 2 months because the UPS agent turned out to be incompetent… They are not to be trusted.” – [Reddit]

At the same time, not all reviews are that negative. Some users note that UPS takes customs procedures seriously, and with properly prepared documents, delivery goes through without major disruptions. UPS is considered very reliable for commercial cargo.

Customs clearance in Vietnam is one of the riskiest stages of international delivery. This is where delays, unexpected charges, and other complications most often occur. Avoiding this is possible with proper document preparation and cooperation with a reliable logistics partner who knows how to pass customs quickly and without problems.

Transit time: what affects delivery speed

All three companies claim delivery times of 4–10 business days from Ukraine to Vietnam. But the real speed depends on the logistics network in Asia, flight frequency, and local efficiency.

DHL consistently receives high marks for fast delivery to Vietnam. Many users note that parcels arrive quickly, and the company adheres to stated timeframes even on complex routes.

“I always went with DHL — they are fast! And if there were any issues (rarely), they always contacted me directly. Of course, it’s a bit expensive, but they really came through for me.” – [Reddit]

FedEx also receives positive feedback for delivery speed. According to reviews, parcels reach Vietnam in just 3–4 days, and shipments from the U.S. usually arrive within about a week. One user noted:

“I used FedEx once – the parcel arrived in about a week, no problems or complaints.” – [Expat]

UPS is one of the world’s largest companies, but in the Vietnam direction, feedback on delivery speed is less consistent. Some users report longer transit times than competitors, but the company usually provides honest estimates at the booking stage. There are also positive examples where delivery went smoothly within the promised timeframe, proving that with proper planning UPS can be a reliable option.

Reliability: who won’t let you down

Reliability is not only about lost parcels, but also about packaging quality, tracking accuracy, and customer support responsiveness.

In the business environment, UPS is often considered the benchmark of reliability. When it comes to expensive cargo, fragile goods, or important documents, this company provides the highest level of confidence in shipment safety. An additional advantage is fast and efficient support, which resolves client issues promptly and without unnecessary delays.

DHL has a reputation for minimal loss rates and high levels of control thanks to its own warehouses, aircraft, and staff. In the business community, the company is often regarded as the most reliable partner for international shipping, and its position in Vietnam is especially strong.

“My business often sends documents abroad, and we use DHL and FedEx – these services are the most reliable for us.” – [Reddit]

FedEx is a strong global player, but its weakest point, according to reviews, is customer support. Resolving issues can be difficult, with long wait times or the need to deal with overseas call centers.

Advantages of shipping to Vietnam with GlobalPost

Vietnam is one of the most challenging destinations for international shipments. It is important to account for both customs legislation and documentation requirements. The GlobalPost team supports the client at every stage: from choosing the optimal service to final delivery to the recipient. We work with DHL, FedEx, and UPS, but always select a solution individually — depending on the cargo type, deadlines, and business needs.

For our clients, we guarantee:

• Consultation taking into account Vietnamese customs rules and documentation specifics;
• Special conditions thanks to partnership agreements with carriers;
• Full process control — from document preparation to cargo delivery;
• Support for both private clients and businesses.

GlobalPost is a team that takes risks and unnecessary worries off the sender’s shoulders. We handle the complex part of logistics so that your shipment clears customs quickly and safely reaches Vietnam.

What does this mean for a sender from Ukraine?

Here are practical tips on which service to choose for delivery to Vietnam:

• Small personal parcels. DHL is usually faster and more reliable, FedEx may cause delays due to brokers, UPS delivers more slowly but often within the promised timeframe. For valuable gifts, DHL is the best choice, FedEx works as a budget-friendly option, while UPS is suitable if predictability is important.
• Large shipments. For businesses with heavy or bulky goods, reliability and customs clearance are key. DHL has strong infrastructure and experience with large consignments. FedEx is also widely used by companies and often appears more economical in this segment. UPS, however, has limitations: in standard express shipping they accept parcels up to 70 kg, so for truly large shipments businesses choose DHL or FedEx.
• Personal belongings when relocating. In Vietnam, used items are officially considered a complicated import category: customs often requires additional proof that these are indeed personal belongings, which can delay the process. None of the express services guarantees quick resolution of such cases. DHL usually keeps the client updated and communicates actively, FedEx expects the sender to prepare and provide all documents independently, while UPS is less common in this segment due to stricter limitations. Therefore, for relocations, it is more reasonable to use specialized personal belongings shipping services.

Can’t decide? GlobalPost will choose the best solution for your shipment and ensure safe delivery to Vietnam. Contact us — and we will make complex logistics simple.

Conclusion

The choice of carrier to Vietnam always depends on what matters most to you: speed, reliability, or optimal cost. DHL usually becomes the best solution when deadlines are critical. UPS is valued for stability and control when handling expensive cargo. FedEx is suitable for those who want to combine fast delivery with more flexible rates.

At GlobalPost, we help select exactly the option that matches your needs. Need maximum speed — we’ll arrange shipment via DHL with proper document preparation. Looking for cost-effectiveness and reliability — we’ll suggest FedEx. In any case, you’ll receive full support: from preparing the documents to successful delivery in Vietnam.