Don't use Unitrans International or their broker Global Ocean Freight (both out of FL). We had a horrible experience with them - especially Global Ocean Freight, ranging from increased costs after our contract was signed, additional costs (when it was supposed to be all inclusive), our goods were part of a larger consignment instead being in the 20 foot exclusive container we paid for, and a 5 mth arrival time to Australia - we were quoted about 2 mths.

Go with a reputable company, as once they have your belongings, they have you over a barrell the whole way. And be prepared to part with something like $7000-$10000 US for a 20 foot container - it's expensive!

Post a Reply

00abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

Neeper2,

I can tell you that I have experience moving in and out of India and without representation, it is no easy feat. I would start by asking a couple of questions:

Are you heading to India on your own rather than a relo for work which is so common these days? And, are you a US citizen or by chance do you or your wife have an Indian passport?

The latter will make a world of difference, literally.

If you are a US citizen, you are going to need to get the proper visas for long-term stay and then you are going to need a national ID type of document. Until you have the proper paperwork, you will not be able to get your goods out of Customs -- even an air shipment will be a problem unless you can have the things shipped to someone living in India.

I was lucky to move on a great expat relocation package, so I had representation for processing my visa and other documents and someone to facilitate the shipping and receiving and the release from Customs. You do have to show up in person, but having someone with you at Customs and the Police Station is something I would not have done without.

Also note that if you are going in with a US passport and are staying long-term, you are giong to be required to get an AIDS test. I had the relo company arrange for a doctor to come to the hotel I was in (I hadn't moved to my apartment yet) so that I did not have to wade through the process in the very busy hospital. If you can arrange this for yourselves, I would recommend it.

All of this sounds like it could be very expensive, but in reality, it was just a few hundred US dollars. Well worth the expense.

I have moved to other countries and was not required to go in person to sit through the inspection of my household goods, but I have had to go to the police station to get my national ID card/papers. Without someone to accompany me as my representative, I am not sure I would have made it through the process. I was not happy when the Customs Inspector was laying my belongings on the warehouse floor, but when he got to my underwear, I lost my cool.

Electronics are heavily taxed and other goods are taxed as well, but not as much as electronics. Shipping is costly, but it will depend on the container size.

You might want to contact a few relocation companies if you are on your own with this move to see what their processes are and how much they charge. Moving from the US to India will be expensive, but the on the ground work in India is a minimal expense.

Good luck!
Time2Settle

Post a Reply

00abuse

Time2Settle,

Hi! I saw your reply to Neeper's question. Tell me more. I want to live in India. Right now I have a 10 year visitor visa, but I have to leave India every six months to renew.. I am not going because of corporate relocation. I have no packages to go on either... I want to stay in India indefinetly and do business exporting fairly traded goods.

You wrote that without representation this might prove to be really difficult. But with the proper visas....could you please elaborate on this for me? I am really excited at the prospect!!!

In your opinion, if I started a business there, could I get a business visa? Or a longer term visa? And how many years?

I have lived in India before. My child's father has a yellow passport(refugee passport, BUT NOT CITIZENSHIP) our daughter was born here in the U.S.

Do you know of a good advocate or someone who could help us out in Delhi with papers? Who should we talk to?

Thanks so much for your assistance.

Warmly,
Dzomo1

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hi, We will be moving to Delhi in few months thru our company. Does the company usually pay for the duty on electronics or you were responsible for it? If there are things that you think that one should definitely bring to India, please let us know.

Thanks.

Post a Reply

00abuse