Complete Tutorial: How to Set Up International Shipping on Shopify in 7 Steps
Diego Gomes · 2026-10-07
Shipping profile setup
- Create shipping profiles for different regions
Go to your Shopify admin and navigate to "Settings" > "Shipping and delivery". Click "Manage rates" and then "Add shipping profile". Create a profile for each region you want to serve. For example, one for Europe, another for South America, and so on. This lets you customize shipping rates and methods for each location.
- Set custom rates by country
After creating your shipping profiles, click the profile you want and select "Add shipping rate". Choose “Flat rate” or “Calculated rate” and set specific amounts for each country or region. Consider adding different rates for countries that tend to have higher import fees. This helps avoid surprises for customers.
Logistics integration
- Integrate with logistics providers
To optimize the shipping process, connect your store with logistics providers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS. Go to "Apps" in Shopify and search for logistics apps that meet your needs. Set up the app with your credentials and define your shipping rules. This lets you offer real-time shipping options and order tracking.
Notifications and testing
- Enable shipping notifications for customers
In your "Notifications" settings, enable and customize the messages customers receive about their shipment status. This includes shipping confirmation, tracking, and delivery notifications. Clear communication builds trust and reduces questions about order status.
- Test checkout to validate your settings
Run checkout tests to make sure shipping rates are being applied correctly. Create dummy orders from different regions and check that the rates match your settings. Make sure notifications are being sent and the logistics integration is working smoothly.
Monitoring and adjustments
- Analyze performance and make adjustments
After setup, monitor sales performance and customer satisfaction. Use tools like FreeSpy to assess the competition and see how they’re setting up shipping. Adjust your rates and methods as needed, based on sales metrics and customer feedback.
- Review rates and profiles regularly
Review your shipping rates and profiles every quarter. Changes in supply rates or new logistics partnerships can affect your setup. Stay up to date on best practices and adjust your settings to stay competitive.
What shipping rate ranges do you use for different regions?