One of the biggest challenges when moving abroad to live as an expat, is how to get your life’s possessions from one part of the world to another, easily and without costing a fortune in both shipping and import charges.
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What to expect when shipping belongings overseas
How much does an international move cost?
The overallcost of an international move can be very high. But this will depend on where you are relocating, how accessible your new location is and how much you are looking to move.
Expats taking on an international move from the US can expect to pay on average, anything from $1,000 - $10,000 and up. While expats moving around Europe have more choices when it comes to shipping their belongings.
Our tips to make moving abroad as an expat simple and affordable:
What should I do before I move abroad to minimise customs charges?
There are a number of things you can do to ensure the customs charges you face are minimal:
- Divide your possessions into things you absolutely need in your new home and those you don’t. The things you don’t need can be left in storage or with family or friends. If you know you definitely won’t need them again, think about selling them.
- Choose an experienced international moving company, research them carefully or get a recommendation from another expat or your company. International movers will have expert knowledge on customs requirements for the country you are moving to. Many will be able to provide you with the forms needed for personal effects to be admitted.
- Speak to your shipping company and research customs in the country you are moving to because regulations vary significantly. If you are moving to the UK from outside the EU you may have to pay tax or duty on your goods however, you may also qualify for relief of this payment. Your shipping company should provide you with the necessary paperwork. If you are moving abroad to Germany you must have lived in your country of origin for over 12 months and owned the items for at least 6 months to avoid import duty. In Hong Kong it is easy to import personal effects, including most household furniture and equipment, once they are not on the list of prohibited items.
Is it possible to bring a car when moving abroad?
Yes, although it does depend on the country you are moving to. Restrictions may apply when shipping your car overseas. If you have a left-hand drive car and wish to bring it to a country that drives on the right-hand side of the road. Almost all countries will require you to register and tax your car once you arrive. It is worth considering the overall cost of bringing a car abroad, it may be more cost-efficient to buy or lease a car when you arrive.
Can I bring food through customs?
If you are moving within the EU then bringing some of your favourite foods from home for personal consumption will not be an issue subject to the usual restrictions on liquids on board. Most food items that are produced in the EU can be carried in hand or hold luggage, however liquids should be stored in checked in luggage if they are greater than 100 millilitres.
If you are moving outside of the EU it is best to check with customs in the country you are moving abroad to. For example Australia and New Zealand have very strict policies on not bringing food in and it is an offence to attempt to do so without declaring it. If you do declare food there is no guarantee it will be allowed in as the unique ecosystems in both countries can be easily damaged by the introduction of new plants (through seeds in food) or animals who may be found in or on food.
What about our family pet?
Most countries have processes in place to ensure you can bring your family pet to your new home.
Relocating a pet usually involves ensuring your pet is:
- Microchipped
- Fully vaccinated (including rabies)
- Treated for tapeworm
They must also have a pet passport or veterinary certificate. Your pet may also have to spend a period in quarantine depending on where you are moving to. In the UK pets that don’t meet certain criteria must spend 4 months in quarantine.
Do I need to be there for my goods to pass through customs?
Again this varies by country, in some countries like Japan you don’t have to be at customs when your belongings are passing through but you do have to be in the country. In France (and many other countries) you need to provide a detailed inventory of what you are bringing into the country. Again your international moving company should be able to advise you on this.
For more advice on moving abroad, explore our guide covering the essential things you need to know when shipping your belongings overseas.
Amongst all the moving administration don’t forget about your health while you are abroad. International Health Insurance allows you to access medical treatment should you need it. Get an individual international health insurance quote today.
Are you moving abroad?
Before venturing to another country, make sure you have a health insurance plan you can rely on.
Meet the author
Allianz
At Allianz Partners, Health, our blog is crafted by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable insights and guidance on global health and insurance topics. With a focus on expatriates, international businesses, and individuals navigating healthcare abroad, our authors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every article.
We aim to deliver practical advice, industry updates, and actionable tips to help you make informed decisions, whether you're exploring international health insurance, managing employee health plans, or staying informed about the latest healthcare trends. Trust our blog to be your go-to resource for navigating the world of global health and insurance.
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