International Buying FAQ
International Buying FAQ
Everything you need to know about purchasing original artworks and fine art prints from Pakistan and having them delivered safely to your door anywhere in the world.
Shipping & Delivery
How long does international shipping take?
Delivery times vary by region:
- Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar): 5-8 business days
- Europe (UK, EU): 8-12 business days
- Asia-Pacific (Singapore, Australia, Japan): 7-10 business days
- North America (USA, Canada): 10-14 business days
- Other regions: 12-18 business days
These are estimates from dispatch date. Allow 2-3 business days for packaging and preparation before dispatch.
Do you ship to my country?
Yes! We ship original artworks and prints worldwide via DHL Express and FedEx International. If you're unsure about delivery to your location, contact us at support@arfiras.com with your country and postal code.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on artwork size, weight, and destination. Many artworks qualify for free international shipping—look for the "Free Shipping" badge on product pages.
Can I track my shipment?
Absolutely. You'll receive a tracking number via email as soon as your artwork ships. Track your package in real-time through the carrier's website (DHL or FedEx) from our facility in Karachi to your door.
What if I'm not home when delivery is attempted?
International shipments require a signature. If you're not available, the carrier will leave a notice and attempt redelivery or hold the package at a local facility for pickup. Contact the carrier directly using your tracking number to arrange redelivery or pickup.
Customs & Duties
Do I have to pay customs duties or import taxes?
Yes, in most cases. Import duties, taxes, and customs fees are the buyer's responsibility and are determined by your country's customs authority. These charges are NOT included in your order total and vary by country and artwork value.
How much will customs duties cost?
Estimated duty rates by region:
- USA: Original artworks typically duty-free; prints may incur 0-5%
- Canada: 0-7% GST/HST
- UK: 5% VAT on artworks over £135
- EU: 5-20% VAT (varies by country)
- Australia: 10% GST on imports over AUD 1,000
- UAE & GCC: Typically 5% VAT
Contact your local customs office for exact rates. We provide all necessary documentation to facilitate smooth customs clearance.
When do I pay customs duties?
Customs fees are typically collected by the carrier (DHL/FedEx) at the time of delivery or shortly after. You may receive an invoice from the carrier, or they may collect payment before releasing the package.
What value do you declare on customs forms?
We declare the full purchase price of the artwork on all customs forms. This is required by law and necessary for insurance coverage. We cannot undervalue shipments or mark items as "gifts" to avoid duties.
Packaging & Protection
How is my artwork packaged?
Every artwork is packaged to museum-grade standards:
- Corner protectors and edge guards
- Glassine paper and bubble wrap protection
- Double-boxed with cushioning material between boxes
- Moisture-resistant barriers
- Fragile and orientation labels on all sides
- Fully insured for declared value
Is my artwork insured during shipping?
Yes, fully. Every international shipment is insured for the complete purchase price. If your artwork is damaged or lost in transit, you're completely protected—we handle all insurance claims on your behalf.
What if my artwork arrives damaged?
While rare thanks to our museum-grade packaging, if damage occurs:
- Take photos of the outer box, inner packaging, and damaged artwork
- Keep all packaging materials
- Contact us within 48 hours at support@arfiras.com
- We'll file the insurance claim and arrange a replacement, repair, or full refund
You will never be financially responsible for shipping damage.
Authenticity & Certificates
Is the Certificate of Authenticity recognized internationally?
Yes. Our Certificates of Authenticity follow international gallery standards and are recognized by insurance companies, customs authorities, auction houses, and art appraisers worldwide.
What's included in the Certificate of Authenticity?
Each certificate includes:
- Artist signature (hand-signed)
- Artwork title, medium, dimensions, and year
- Unique identification number
- Official Arfiras gallery seal
- Provenance documentation
- Date of sale
How do I verify my Certificate of Authenticity?
Email authenticity@arfiras.com with your certificate serial number and a photo. We'll confirm authenticity within 48 hours.
Do you work directly with the artists?
Yes. We maintain direct relationships with every artist in our collection. All artworks are acquired directly from artists or their authorized representatives, with complete documentation and verification.
Returns & Refunds
Can I return an artwork if I change my mind?
We do not accept returns for buyer's remorse or subjective reasons (color, style, size). We encourage you to carefully review all artwork details, dimensions, and photos before purchasing. Contact us with any questions before ordering.
What is your return policy?
Returns are accepted for:
- Shipping damage
- Undisclosed condition issues
- Authenticity concerns
- Significant discrepancy from description
You have 14 days from delivery to report issues. Contact us first before returning anything.
Who pays for return shipping?
If the return is due to shipping damage or our error, we cover all return shipping costs. For other approved returns, return shipping is the buyer's responsibility.
Are customs duties refundable if I return an artwork?
Customs duties are charged by your country's customs authority, not by us, and are generally non-refundable. You may be able to claim a refund from your customs authority—contact them directly for their process.
How long do refunds take?
Once we receive and inspect your return (2-3 business days), refunds are processed within 5-7 business days. The refund will appear in your account 5-10 business days later, depending on your bank.
Buying from Pakistan
Why should I buy art from Pakistan?
Pakistan has a thriving contemporary art scene with incredible emerging talent. By buying directly from Pakistani galleries, you get:
- Direct access to South Asian artists before they reach international markets
- Gallery-backed authenticity and provenance
- Competitive pricing without intermediary markups
- Support for artists in a dynamic, growing art market
- Unique perspectives and cultural narratives
Is it safe to buy art internationally from Pakistan?
Absolutely. We've successfully delivered hundreds of artworks to collectors in over 30 countries. Every shipment is fully insured, tracked, and packaged to museum standards. You're protected at every step.
Where do shipments come from?
All artworks ship from our gallery in Karachi, Pakistan. Karachi is a major international shipping hub with excellent DHL and FedEx service to destinations worldwide.
Payment & Security
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), debit cards, and other payment methods through Shopify's secure checkout. All transactions are encrypted and PCI-compliant.
Is it safe to enter my payment information?
Yes. All payments are processed through Shopify's secure, encrypted checkout system. We never see or store your complete payment information. Your transaction is protected by industry-standard security.
What currency are prices in?
Prices are displayed in Pakistani Rupees (PKR). Your credit card or payment provider will convert to your local currency at checkout using current exchange rates.
Artwork Details
Are the colors accurate in the photos?
We photograph all artworks in professional lighting and color-correct images for accuracy. However, minor color variations may occur due to screen calibration and lighting conditions. If color accuracy is critical, contact us for additional photos or video.
Are artworks framed?
Framing details are specified in each artwork's description. Canvas paintings typically ship stretched and ready to hang. Works on paper may be framed or unframed—check the listing. We can arrange custom framing for an additional fee.
Can I request additional photos or information?
Absolutely. Email support@arfiras.com with the artwork title and your questions. We're happy to provide additional photos, videos, close-ups, or detailed information about any piece.
Do you offer custom commissions?
Yes! Many of our artists accept commissions. Contact us with your concept, preferred artist, size, and budget. We'll connect you with the artist to discuss feasibility and pricing.
Support & Contact
How can I contact you?
Email: support@arfiras.com (24-hour response time)
Authenticity questions: authenticity@arfiras.com
WhatsApp: [Your number]
What are your business hours?
We respond to emails within 24 hours, typically much faster. Our team is based in Karachi, Pakistan (PKT timezone, UTC+5).
Can I visit your gallery in person?
We primarily operate online, but private viewings can be arranged in Karachi by appointment. Contact us at support@arfiras.com to schedule a visit.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Email us at support@arfiras.com and we'll respond within 24 hours.
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