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Send books/clothes to Australia

_shara_ (98 posts) • 0

Hello,

Has anyone sent large amounts of stuff overseas and can recommend which company /companies might be reliable and not too expensive?

I need to send maybe 30 to 50kg of books, clothes and electronic parts (no batteries) plus a few other household items to Australia, and not sure how to do that.

It's fine if it takes a long time so long as it gets there eventually.

Sorry if this is a duplicate thread, I couldn't find another one for large quantities easily. From what I've heard China post would be very expensive?

Thanks!! :)

GoK Moderator (5096 posts) • 0

I don't have your answer, but here are some things you may wish to consider.
When checking freight costs, an important consideration is weight per item. That is, a box of over 20kg may be considered more than one person can lift unaided, and may have additional handling charges applied. It may be cheaper to send two lighter boxes.

If you can find a carrier that will ship it as personal effects, you should not attract customs duty. Some removals companies in UK will handle small home moves, especially for students's personal effects, when returning home. It is possible that other carriers will do this. It might be worth checking Australian websites for companies that do this, and see if they have agents in China that will do a reciprocal service.
Be aware that a lot of couriers (like DHL) will charge you customs duty in your home country, and add a flat fee for handling the customs paperwork. This can add a lot.

_shara_ (98 posts) • 0

@tigertiger, ok thanks very much good to know! will double check that with the company.
Yeah 2 or 3 boxes would also be fine

michael2015 (784 posts) • 0

You may ship via sea - however you must personally ensure your goods are well wrapped (aka waterproofed) and well packaged (aka - maybe wood frames around plastic or heavy cardboard boxes). You may TRY to initiate this at the international post office (as opposed to branch offices). Be sure to bring your passport.

_shara_ (98 posts) • 0

@dolphin, yes I should do that, but I move on average once every two years and it's getting expensive. Also most of the stuff I want to transport I will use more than other people (e.g. Old Chinese notebooks, electronic hobbyist parts, 7 pairs of old jeans which are probably too big for Chinese girls :D)

_shara_ (98 posts) • 0

@Michael hmm ok, thanks!! I can definitely make sure it's well packed. Will look into this. Do you happen to know if it's expensive or where the international post office is (no worries if not, thanks for your help(

I have a friend who sent stuff to Poland and it was I think ¥650 for 10kg and took 3 months but perhaps that was the normal post.

michael2015 (784 posts) • 0

225 Beijing Lu Across from Yunnan 3rd People's Hospital (or something like that).

BRING YOUR PASSPORT!!!

Good luck and hope all arrives intact. Expect the postal and dock gorillas to kick your packages around a LOT - especially the heavy ones, so you MAY wish to also line the boxes with heavy duty bubble wrap. Kunming is NOT the most professional city in China...in fact, I think it ranks down at the bottom.

So (assuming this stuff is important to you)

1. Use HEAVY cardboard boxes.

2. Line the inside with heavy duty bubble wrap.
3. Put an inner liner (large heavy duty plastic bag) inside, then drop your books and things inside, seal the inner liner, should be good to go.

Sounds like overkill - but if it's important...you'll understand why AFTER you receive your stuff - assuming nobody "loses" it.

_shara_ (98 posts) • +1

@Michael hahaha thanks very much!! I will go and ask about the price sometime soon then. I've had some practice wrapping things, I had to wrap outdoor

technical equipment a few years ago to prepare for a hurricane and the scientists trying to unwrap it afterwards said they were glad I didn't buy them Christmas presents :D

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