- Download our Guangzhou Schools Guide
Shipping household goods to Guangzhou is easy thanks to the city's status as a large port city and an air hub. Still, we recommend carefully weighing the pros and cons of importing personal items.
Much of the popular expat accommodation in Guangzhou comes already furnished, and it is often more expensive to ship furniture from overseas than to buy completely new pieces or live in furnished accommodation in Guangzhou.
The city is a manufacturing hub, and you can sometimes find great deals on electronics, so you should choose carefully when considering what possessions need to be shipped to Guangzhou.
Shipping goods to Guangzhou

We advise getting quotes from several moving and relocation companies, as costs and service options may vary significantly. Some service providers can completely pack up a house in one country and unload the contents in another, while others offer assistance with only part of the moving process.
Airfreight is pricier than sea freight, so it is recommended for shipping smaller items. Larger, less essential items should be sent via sea.
It's important to budget for all moving expenses, including import taxes and insurance costs. These can add up quickly and increase the initial cost of moving to Guangzhou.
Useful links
Shipping pets to Guangzhou

As with all shipping and removals in China, bringing pets into Guangzhou requires extensive documentation. This includes health and rabies vaccination certificates for cats and dogs. Your furry friend must also be implanted with an electronic microchip, and you must have an official quarantine certificate from the veterinary authority in your home country.
If your pet does not meet health and documentation criteria, it may have to be quarantined for up to 30 days upon arrival. Once in the city, you must contact your local police department for information on registering your pet.
We highly recommend enlisting the services of a relocation company that specialises in pet relocations.
Further reading
►For more customs info and an overview on shipping pets into the country, see Shipping and Removals in China
►See Areas and Suburbs in Guangzhou for information on the most expat-friendly neighbourhoods in the city
Photo credits: Service dogs travelling by flight by Jeswin Thomas from Pexels.
Are you an expat living in Guangzhou?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Guangzhou. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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