Shipping and Removals in Jeddah
Expats shipping items to Jeddah should take comfort in the fact that the city’s seaport was recently rated the world’s 32nd largest (2007). With a history deeply embedded in the movement of goods, expat household items are a small task in the least, and there is plenty of competition among companies shipping items to Jeddah.
It is recommended to have a number of companies quote on your shipment, and to then compare prices, taking into consideration the organisations reputation and even their ratings among a formal body, like a Better Business Bureau.
That being said, shipping can be expensive and expat accommodation in Jeddah often comes furnished. Furthermore, there are plenty of shopping opportunities available in Jeddah to purchase most of the household items you would need.
Thus expats moving to Jeddah should think carefully before deciding what to bring with them.
For smaller packages with a limited weight, air freight or courier services are recommended. This method is much more efficient, but the costs are proportionately higher.
Furthermore, all shipped items must pass through Saudi Arabian customs; the appropriate forms to be completed by the sender. In Saudi Arabia customs clearance depends on whether goods are either classified as documents with no commercial value or dutiable goods. Dutiable goods are readily taxed if they have a value over 40 USD.
Often time goods can sit in customs for quite sometimes before they are allowed to be claimed, and in some reported cases, the goods recipient is then made to pay for storage during this time period.
Using a shipping company that has a warehouse for storage in Jeddah is often a worthwhile pursuit as you will not have to worry about extra costs incurred if for some reason you cannot claim your goods from customs immediately.
The customs list of prohibited items is long: alcohol, fashion magazines, games of chance, statues, Bibles, binoculars, medicines without a prescription, and even Christmas trees cannot be brought into the country.
It is recommended to have a number of companies quote on your shipment, and to then compare prices, taking into consideration the organisations reputation and even their ratings among a formal body, like a Better Business Bureau.
That being said, shipping can be expensive and expat accommodation in Jeddah often comes furnished. Furthermore, there are plenty of shopping opportunities available in Jeddah to purchase most of the household items you would need.
Thus expats moving to Jeddah should think carefully before deciding what to bring with them.
For smaller packages with a limited weight, air freight or courier services are recommended. This method is much more efficient, but the costs are proportionately higher.
Furthermore, all shipped items must pass through Saudi Arabian customs; the appropriate forms to be completed by the sender. In Saudi Arabia customs clearance depends on whether goods are either classified as documents with no commercial value or dutiable goods. Dutiable goods are readily taxed if they have a value over 40 USD.
Often time goods can sit in customs for quite sometimes before they are allowed to be claimed, and in some reported cases, the goods recipient is then made to pay for storage during this time period.
Using a shipping company that has a warehouse for storage in Jeddah is often a worthwhile pursuit as you will not have to worry about extra costs incurred if for some reason you cannot claim your goods from customs immediately.
The customs list of prohibited items is long: alcohol, fashion magazines, games of chance, statues, Bibles, binoculars, medicines without a prescription, and even Christmas trees cannot be brought into the country.
