Problems with package tracking: Cypriots get lost in the sea of couriers and customs delays

Online shopping in Cyprus has become the norm, but many consumers complain about difficulties tracking their orders — especially when packages move through multiple courier services and get stuck at customs.

The problem begins even before the product arrives in Cyprus: it may first be shipped by a Chinese service (e.g., Yanwen, YunExpress, or 4PX), then handed over to a regional partner in Europe, and only afterward reach Cyprus Post or a private courier for the final leg. Each of these participants has its own tracking system, which often only displays vague statuses such as “in transit” or “arrived at facility,” and when the carrier changes, tracking information can simply “disappear.”

Another pain point: lack of transparency during customs clearance. Packages may sit in warehouses for several days while taxes and duties are calculated, and tracking often provides no additional information. During peak periods — Black Friday, Christmas — the situation worsens significantly.

Tips for buyers:

• Use global trackers such as Ordertracker or 17track, which aggregate information from hundreds of couriers in one interface — this greatly simplifies monitoring delivery.
• Learn Cyprus customs rules in advance: knowing potential taxes and duties helps understand why a package is delayed.
• Consider delivery times when ordering during sales: ordering early minimizes stress from waiting.
• Once a package is in Cyprus, check the updated tracking number on Cyprus Post or private courier websites (e.g., ACS) — they can provide more accurate delivery information.