MOVING TO
AUSTRALIA
A PRACTICAL COUNTRY SPECIFIC
MOVING GUIDE OFFERED BY US
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
MOVING TO
AUSTRALIA
Moving to
another country
Moving to another country, let alone half around the globe always seems a daunting task at first. Let us help you make this transition a smooth one and most importantly let our certified expertise in International Moving, Relocation and Shipping services assist and move you through the entire process. Our clientele benefit from our comprehensive know-how, fair and honest pricing, our in-depth and versatile service solutions in regards to your specific and individual moving & relocation needs!
TRANSIT TIMES
When moving, one should keep in mind the anticipated door-to-door transit time of their shipment as the length of transit might have numerous implications for you. For example, do I need to rent or purchase my new home in advance, shall I opt for a pre-longed hotel stay or have corporate housing? When moving for an employer or being a foreign civil servant on posting, your existing relocation policy will clearly identify your allowances and provide options in terms of residency while your belongings are in transit. Our team of Certified Moving Consultants® will discuss with you our various service and transit time options in regards to your particular moving needs.
U.S. Region to Australia
FCL – SEA Freight
U.S. East Coast
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 10 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
U.S. Midwest
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 10 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
U.S. Gulf Coast
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 10 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 9 -to- 11 weeks
U.S. West Coast
- Expedited Service
- 7 -to- 9 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 8 -to- 10 weeks
AIRFREIGHT
U.S. East Coast
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 12 days
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 16 days
U.S. Midwest
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 12 days
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 16 days
U.S. Gulf Coast
- Expedited Service
- 12 -to- 16 days
- Regular Transit
- 14 -to- 20 days
U.S. West Coast
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 12 days
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 16 days
Consolidation – SEA
U.S. East Coast
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 14 -to- 16 weeks
U.S. Midwest
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 14 -to- 16 weeks
U.S. Gulf Coast
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 14 -to- 16 weeks
U.S. West Coast
- Expedited Service
- 9 -to- 11 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 12 -to- 14 weeks
AUSTRALIA CUSTOMS INFORMATION
IMPORTANT FACT:
Most of the required paperwork for importing used household & personal effects duty & tax free into Australia does not differ much from other nations.
However, the actual import clearance process takes an extended time frame. Sea freight clearance times vary from 12-15 working days depending on mode of sea freight and the destination location.
Airfreight clearance takes approximately 5-7 working days depending on documentation received and destination location. It is also important that the signature on the Australian Customs form B534 matches the one on the passport page!
Alcohol can be imported as part of your household goods shipment, but an inventory of alcohol is required for Australian Customs to assess the duty and taxes payable, which are generally 50% of the alcohol’s purchase value for wine and 150% for spirits.
– Customs duties plus goods and services tax (GST) will apply to alcohol imported into Australia.
– Duty is calculated on the type of alcohol, the volume contained per bottle, the alcohol % per bottle and the value per bottle.
– Ten percent (10%) GST is then added to the duty calculated.
Australia also has an extended list in terms of personal items which are prohibited for importation.
Please refer to enclosed ‘Customs Guide’ for a full listing of prohibited and restricted articles.
MOVING TO
AUSTRALIA
PRACTICAL INFORMATION – ELECTRONICS/HOME APPLIANCES/LAMPS
We are often ask by our clientele for advice in regards to whether or not to ship their electronics or home appliances as part of their move to Australia? The answer is somewhat complicated and a grey area.
Some appliances or electronics might work with a transformer, others will definitely not work such as air conditioners, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, and/or electric clocks, because the appliance does not successfully adapt and a transformer will not be able to change the wattage.
So, which or what electrical appliances should I bring with me?
A general rule: Nothing that is big or consumes a lot of power. Laptops, computers, and small radios are fine to include in your shipment. Kitchen or laundry appliances, microwave ovens, power tools, and TV sets are not. Also keep in mind, if not sure or certain, please do not try! Plugging in a non-conforming appliance or electronic can result in an electrical fire or a severe, potentially lethal shock. Don’t assume a fuse or circuit breaker will protect you if you do something wrong.
If you move often, or know that you will be returning back to the USA within a certain time period, it might be wise to purchase so-called ‘Multi-system appliances and electronics’. These devices are manufactured to operate on either 110-120 volts or 220-240 volts and are referred to as “multi-system”. They are usually constructed with a switch that enables them to be operated on either current. In addition, multi-system television sets are adaptable to the different video systems (USA = NTSC vs. Australia = PAL) and scanning standards and can be used in either country. This way you won’t have to worry about frequent new purchases or trying to sell off under market price your used appliance or electronic item when relocating back home or to another country.
Certain table lamps with normal outside wiring can be used with a plug adapter, but most importantly you’ll have to change the light bulb/s as they are designed for one voltage system generally and do not work well in another plus a wrong light bulb/s can become dangerous. Risks include electrocution and fire (immediate or delayed).
For expensive ceiling lamp fixtures, chandeliers or sconces one might consider taking them along and having them rewired, adapted and made compatible with the local line voltage and frequency by a local specialty shop or retailer in your destination country.
CULTURAL INFORMATION
- Australia is the Sixth Largest Nation in The World.
- Australia is the Driest Inhabited Continent.
- Australia is the Biggest Island & Smallest Continent.
- Australia has the World’s Longest Straight Section of Railway Track.
- Australia’s first inhabitants were the Aboriginals Australians, also referred to as Aboriginal people.