- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Bengaluru Guide (PDF)
Infrastructure in Bengaluru has developed over the years to meet the city's growing demands, and this includes options for shipping and removals. Expats should consider the urgency for shipping goods into the city and the related costs.
With the obvious exception of airfreight, shipping routes include shipping to an Indian port and then overland to Bengaluru. This can be time-consuming and possibly work out more expensive for expats moving to Bengaluru.
Hiring an international removal company
We recommend comparing quotes and prices from a selection of reputable removal companies. Check that each firm offers the desired services, such as helping with packing and unpacking as well as temporary storage.
Often, expats working in Bengaluru, particularly those moving as part of an intra-company transfer, will receive a relocation package with support services provided by a relocation company. This may include an allowance for shipping – a perfect opportunity for an expat to save money when they move to Bengaluru.
Shipping duty-free to Bengaluru
When shipping goods to Bengaluru, there are some general customs regulations to be aware of, such as what is allowed, restricted or prohibited from importation. There is a limit on the amount of household goods and items that expats are allowed to bring into India duty free, and we recommend thinking carefully what to ship, as most items and furniture can be acquired in India quite affordably.
Indian citizens and expats planning on becoming formal residents of India may be granted greater exemptions and duty-free shipping allowances on personal items and household goods.
There are many options for furnished accommodation in Bengaluru, and buying the odds and ends and electronics in the city that can't be shipped over is often more cost effective. For smaller items, airfreight is a faster means of shipping to Bengaluru although it is more expensive than sea-route shipping.
Shipping pets to Bengaluru
Pets can be shipped to Bengaluru as long as their health checks and vaccinations are in order. Regulations must be followed carefully, however, and the process may be best left to a pet relocation company to avoid any hassles with customs.
Further reading
►See Shipping and Removals in India for further advice
►For more on delivery and postal services in the country, see Keeping in Touch in India
Are you an expat living in Bengaluru?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Bengaluru. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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