Shipping to Hong Kong from NZ can be very cost effective. Sometimes the cost of repurchasing your personal items greatly outweighs the cost of shipping from NZ to Hong Kong. In addition, a lot of items have special memories and are simply irreplaceable.

Click above for a free quote or contact us for more information.

Customs, Quarantine and entry requirements in Hong Kong for personal/household effects and motor vehicles can change frequently; please contact Transworld to verify current information is correct.

• Correct visa, residency documents and passports must be up to date.
• Personal effects – can be imported free of duties and taxes as long as not intended for commercial purposes.
• Wine and alcohol – permitted, but high Customs charges apply when exceeding the duty free limit.
• Motor vehicles – must be right hand drive, undergo emissions testing. High duties, taxes and annual fees
• Firearms – must have licence/permit
• Prescription drugs – permitted with doctors' certificates and in small quantities for personal use
• Food – importing not recommended
• Pets – permits/vaccinations required

Moving to Canada

What you need to know when moving to Canada

The team at Transworld International Removals will make your move to Canada seamless and stress-free. Whether you're moving your whole household or just a few items to Canada, we can arrange the whole process.

We handle all the major logistics right down to the finer details, and are on hand to answer any questions you may have. Our services cover the whole of Canada via both East and West Coast ports.

For your move to Canada, we’ve put together useful tips and advice around:

1. Shipping options
2. Canadian Customs
3. What you can and can't take

Shipping your personal belongings: your options

Shipping your effects to Canada can be quite cost-effective, when compared with replacing locally. Plus of course, you will have items of a personal or sentimental value which are literally irreplaceable.

Whether you are shipping to Toronto, Vancouver  or anywhere else in Canada, Transworld can help you every step of the way.

When shipping to Canada, consider the following options:

SEA FREIGHT

FCL - Full container load

Transworld operates regular FCL shipping services to all major Canadian ports and cities.

If you are shipping a full household you’ll probably need either a 20’ or 40’ sole-use container (FCL).

Depending on the access to your home and Council approval, the container may be able to be loaded at your residence, sealed and taken directly to port for shipping on first available vessel.

In Canada, your shipment will be delivered to residence by our local partners, for unloading, unwrapping of furniture, and unpacking of cartons

Groupage: for when you're happy to share the load

For those with a small household or just looking to ship a few items, groupage shipping is the answer.

This way you share a container with other clients moving to the same destination. Groupage is an economical way of shipping, as you only pay for the space you use. Keep in mind, this service may take a little longer while we wait to fill the container for your destination but it is a very cost effective option.

Transworld regularly ships groupage containers to Vancouver and Toronto.

Air Freight

Air Freight is the fastest option, though the most expensive. Ideal if you’re not taking a lot, or for those extra items you’ll need soon after your arrival.

How long will shipping take?

1. FCL: Approximately 6-7 weeks via Vancouver or 8-9 weeks via Toronto.
2. Groupage: Approximately 12-16 weeks via Vancouver or 16-20 weeks via Toronto.
3. Air Freight: Approximately 2-3 weeks.

Want to know how much shipping to Canada costs? Get a free quote!

We'll guide you through Customs formalities

Under Canadian law, you need to be in Canada when your shipment arrives, and will need to be present at the Customs office to clear your shipment.

We take care of:

1. Making sure you have all the paperwork you need to complete.
2. Advising you which CBSA office (Canada Border Services Agency) you need to attend to clear your shipment.

What you need to do:

1. Complete Form BSF186 before your arrival in Canada. This is essentially a full list of the goods you plan to ship, including value, make, model and serial number (where applicable). Those belongings which have been used for 6 months or more prior to shipping can be brought in duty-free.
2. You need to bring your current passport, visa and residency documents to facilitate Customs clearance.

As there are certain items, such as jewellery, which require a full description, we recommend you study the Customs website before you prepare to pack.

What you can and can't ship to Canada

Prohibited and restricted items

When relocating to Canada it's wise to take into account their shipping restrictions, as there are strict regulations you need to be aware of.

Items which are restricted or prohibited include:

1. Health products and medicines.
2. Fruits and vegetables. Avoid shipping food because of the additional clearance process and costs. If you do, expect delays.
3. There is no restriction on alcohol but taxes will apply, and each province has their own process for importation.
4. Anything contaminated with soil.

These requirements can change frequently, so if you have any questions, give us a ring, we're happy to help!

Bringing firearms and weapons into Canada

If you're planning on shipping firearms or weapons into Canada, there are several things you need to do:

1. Declare them. Make sure our team is aware so they can be included in the inventory of your items.
2. Obtain a permit before shipment, which can be obtained from the Canadian Firearms Centre, Ottawa.
3. Provided you have a permit, your firearm can be included in your shipment.

Shipping motor vehicles to Canada

Because of its harsh conditions, Canada has strict safety regulations for motor vehicles. Each province also has its own licencing and importing regulations for vehicles, so we recommend contacting your soon-to-be local authority. Before you prepare to ship your car, make sure you have met these requirements:

1. Ensure your car complies with Canadian standards. You can see details of these requirements here.
2. You are carrying proof of vehicle ownership when you clear Customs.
3. You are carrying your passport when you clear Customs.

Bringing your pets to Canada

There are no quarantine restrictions in Canada, which makes bringing your pet on your move to Canada a whole lot easier.

1. Pet dogs do not have to be quarantined, nor do they need a microchip. All dogs must have the necessary vaccinations (with certificates) according to their age. Your dog will undergo an inspection upon arrival, for which a small fee applies.
2. Pet cats must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate, or a veterinary certificate which declares the cat is from a recognised rabies-free country.
3. For other pets, some restrictions may apply. Give us a call and the Transworld team will be happy to help!

Our comprehensive Transworld service

Here at Transworld, we pride ourselves on our door-to-door service that takes care of your shipping needs at every step of the journey.

We handle the packing of your goods, the shipping, a smooth transition through Customs and safe delivery to your new home in Canada.

Throughout the process, you will have your own allocated Transworld member on hand to keep you updated, answer your questions and make sure your move is stress-free.

We would love to help you with your move to Canada! Give us a call today for a free quote!

Moving to Singapore

What you need to know when moving to Singapore

Moving - Particularly when it’s an entire household emigration - can be a full-on, time-consuming process. Our team at Transworld are here to relieve the pressure and make the move as easy and stress-free for you as possible.

Certified and knowledgeable moving specialists, we’ll take care of every detail, from start to finish - always available to answer questions, offer advice and keep you up-to-date with what’s going on.

To help make your move to Singapore that bit easier, we’ve compiled some useful tips and advice around:

1. Shipping options
2. Singaporean customs
3. What you can and can’t take

Shipping your personal belongings: your options

We have a range of shipping options for you to consider when relocating to Singapore. To ensure you make the best choice, there are a couple of factors you should evaluate before making a decision:

1. How much do you want to ship?
2. What’s your budget?
3. How fast do you want your goods to arrive?

FCL: for when you’re moving everything

For those moving to Singapore with their entire household, we strongly recommend a full container load (FCL).

An FCL is a fast and efficient way to transfer all of your possessions in one go. As you do not share the container, once it has been loaded and checked, it will be taken directly to the port and shipped on the first available boat. This ensures you get the fastest possible shipping time.

Transworld ships to all locations in Singapore, so wherever you’re based, we’ll ensure you get your items delivered to your door.

Key benefits:

1. Greater capacity: our full containers can generally accommodate a whole household of items.
2. Speedy shipping: with only your items to get loaded and checked, FCL is the fastest way to transport goods. Once they’re loaded, they can get on their way.
3. Shipping to any location: full-containers can be shipped to anywhere in Singapore.

Groupage: for when you don’t mind sharing

Groupage shipping is a wise option if you’re only moving to Singapore with a couple of items, or if you have a smaller sized household.

This option allows you to share a container with other individuals or households making the transition to Singapore. While this service takes longer than the other options - requiring us to hold shipping until we have filled the container - it is by far the cheapest shipping method available.

Key benefits:

1. Cost-effective: as you are sharing a container, rather than using a FCL or air freight, costs are greatly reduced.
2. Space flexibility: as pricing is determined by the cubic volume of your items, you only pay for the space that you use.
3. Ship all over Singapore: our groupage services ship to any location in Singapore.

Air Freight: for when you need it quickly

While air freight is the fastest of the shipping options, it is the most expensive. This service is best for small shipments of essential items that you need immediately (such as extra baggage).

If you are considering this service, ensure you have weighed up all of your options - if the shipping is not particularly urgent, it may not be worth the cost of the air freight.

Key benefits:

1. Rapid delivery: air freight is the quickest way to get your items to Singapore.
2. Ideal for those all-essential items: this option is perfect for flying a small quantity of items that you can’t do without.
3. Fly to anywhere in Singapore: wherever you are, we’ll get your items to you.

How long will shipping take?

1. FCL: with your own container, shipping takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
2. Groupage: with slightly longer shipping times due to the container being shared, transportation takes between 10-12 weeks.
3. Air Freight: the fastest option, shipping typically takes 2-3 weeks.

Want to know how much shipping your items to Singapore will cost? Request a free quote!

We'll arrange all of your customs and quarantine

In line with our door-to-door service, Transworld oversee and take care all of the customs and quarantine requirements involved in relocating to Singapore.

As well as managing your items, we’ll take care of all the necessary paperwork.

We take care of:

1. Packing and checking your shipment, with an inventory of each item
2. Giving you the Singapore Customs form and list of prohibited items

What you need to do:

1. Provide a photocopy of your passport
2. Supply an Employment pass (no longer than 6 months from date of issue)



What you can and can't ship to Singapore

What you can’t: prohibited and restricted items

There are certain items that are prohibited from being shipped to Singapore and penalties if you don’t comply can be very severe. Before you begin planning your move to Singapore, it’s important to be aware of what you can and can’t take with you.

Items that are prohibited from shipping, include:

1. Chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes or vaporisers
2. Chewing gum
3. Firearms
4. Illicit drugs (prescription drugs allowed with doctors certificates)

5. Obscene articles, pornographic material
6. Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, CD’s, DVD’s, records or cassettes

Unsure what you can take to Singapore? Give us a ring - we’re more than happy to answer any questions and offer advice.

What you can: vehicles

Due to the strict rules and regulations and the considerable cost, we don’t generally advise shipping vehicles to Singapore.

Both automobiles and motorcycles are subject to custom duties, at 20% and 12% of market value, respectively. Likewise, there is an additional registration fee of 110% of the market value for automobiles, and 15% for motorcycles.

Imported automobiles are further subject to securing a Certificate of Entitlement - attained with a successful bid in an open bid price auction - which then allows the owner to register, own and use a car in Singapore for 10 years.

If you must take your vehicle, these are some of the requirements:

1. Registration certificate from country of origin
2. Insurance papers
3. Owners passport
4. Inward declaration permit
5. Customs duty payment receipt
6. Certificate of Compliance with Exhaust Emission Control Standard (standard specified in the USA code of federal regulations)
7. Temporary certificate of entitlement (COE)
8. Only cars under 3 years old



What you can: alcohol and videotapes

Due to the slightly different nature of Singapore customs as opposed to other countries, there are some areas that you need to be aware of before shipping your items. These include:

1. Alcoholic beverages: a reasonable amount may be imported for personal consumption, but items must be declared and are subject to custom duties and current GST. Items must be packed together and listed. Due to the high custom duties, we don’t recommend importing alcohol.
2. Video tapes and discs: the import of tapes is allowed but discs are subject to screening (US$4 per hour per tape). Kids tapes are generally passed through screening, but tapes with nudity or violence will be subject to editing (additional charges for this).

Our door-to-door Transworld service

Part of the service we provide is taking care of all of our customers shipping needs, from door-to-door. That means we’ll handle packing up your goods, safely shipping them, managing customs and getting your items safely delivered to your doorstep in Singapore.

Throughout the entire process, you’ll have your own dedicated team member - on-hand to keep you updated, answer any questions you may have and ensure your items are delivered safe and secure.

Our team at Transworld will do everything they can to make your move to Singapore easy and stress-free! Get in touch today for a free quote!

Moving to the USA

What you need to know when moving to the USA

Moving to the USA from New Zealand? Whether you’re relocating to America with the family, or just on your own, the Transworld team are here to help.

Moving doesn’t have to be a drawn out, stressful process. We make it easy. As certified and knowledgeable moving experts, the Transworld team are here to help you work out your options, answer your queries, and make the whole process as simple as possible.

To help with your move to the USA, we’ve put together useful tips and advice around:

1. Shipping options
2. American Customs
3. What you can and can’t take

Shipping your personal belongings: your options

There are a number of different options available. When weighing up these options, consider the following:

1. How much do you want to take?
2. What’s your budget?
3. How soon do you want your goods to arrive?



FCL: for when you need the space

If you are shipping a full household you’ll probably need a sole-use container (FCL).

This is a faster way to ship as you’re not having to share the container with others. Once your container has been loaded, it will be sealed and delivered to the port for immediate shipping.

Transworld operates regular FCL shipping services to all major US East and West Coast ports

Key benefits:

1. 1. More capacity:a full container can typically accommodate a complete household
   2. Faster shipping times:normally FCLs are loaded at client’s residence, delivered  directly to the port and shipped on the first available vessel. 
   3. Ship anywhere in the United States; our full container service covers all major US ports

Groupage: for when you’re happy to share

For those with a small household or just looking to ship a few items, groupage shipping is the answer.

This way you share a container with other clients moving to the same destination. Groupage is an economical way of shipping, as you only pay for the space you use. Keep in mind, this service may take a little longer while we wait to fill the container for your destination but it is a very cost effective option.

Key benefits:

1. Lower cost: pricing is based on the actual size of your shipment, so you only pay for the space your effects take up in the container

2. Flexibility: giving you the freedom to decide how much you want to ship, from a couple of boxes to a small household.

3. Regularity: We regularly ship groupage containers to all major US ports, and from there, deliver to any part of the United States.

Air Freight: for when you need items urgently

Air Freight is the fastest option, though the most expensive. Ideal if you’re not taking a lot, or for those extra items you’ll need soon after your arrival

Key benefits:

1. 1. Fastest option:air freight is the fastest way to get your effects to the US.
   2. Essentials: Perfect for a few essential items you want delivered quickly
   3. Coverage: Our air freight service covers all major cities in the United States



How long will shipping take?

Approximate door to door transit times, including packing and unpacking, are as follows:

1. FCL: Allowing for Customs and quarantine delays at destination,  shipping to the US will take approximately 9-10 weeks.

2. Groupage: Because we need to wait until we have enough consignments to fill the container, shipping can take a little longer. Once it is full, shipping times will be approximately 12 to 16 weeks 

3. Air Freight: As the fastest shipping options, air freight will usually take 2-3 weeks.

Want to know how much shipping to America costs? Receive a free quote!

We handle all the Customs requirements

As part of our comprehensive, door-to-door service, we’ll manage all the formalities involved in moving to the USA.

With a wealth of experience in dealing with US Customs, the Transworld team can help you prepare your items and ensure you have completed all the necessary paperwork for the move.

We take care of:

1. Packing, and completing a detailed inventory of all items
2. Providing the documents you'll need to complete for US Customs



What you need to do:

1. Provide a copy of your passport
2. Be aware that items packed by yourself will be subject to full Customs examination, so we recommend all packing is carried out by our professional team
3. Be in possession of an official Green Card or Residency Visa

What you can and can’t ship to the USA

Prohibited and restricted items

Before moving to the United States from New Zealand, it's important to know what is restricted or prohibited from entry. . Examples of items that can't be imported include:

1. All food
2. Alcohol should not be included due to costs for clearance and duty
3. Drug paraphernalia
4. Merchandise from Cuba, Iran, Burma or Sudan

Firearms and weapons

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulates and restricts firearm and weapon importation.

If you are planning to import firearms or weapons to the USA, you must do so through a licensed importer, dealer or manufacturer. Requests for import must be made with an ATF form and permit.

Shipping vehicles to the USA

There are a number of regulations and requirements around importing vehicles into the US. It is a complicated and costly process and not many private individuals ship their vehicles to the US. All vehicles must comply with relevant safety standards. It is advised that before deciding to ship your vehicle you contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EDA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).

To import a vehicle to the USA, these are some of the requirements:

1. Vehicles must meet the fuel-emission requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the safety, bumper and theft prevention standards of the U.S Department of Transportation
2. Vehicles purchased in foreign countries must be modified to meet American standards - it is unlikely a vehicle obtained abroad will meet all relevant standards
3. Vehicles entering the US that do not comply with the standards are either brought into compliance, exported or destroyed
4. Necessary documentation include the original bill of lading, bill of sale and foreign registration
5. Relevant EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7



If you’ve got a query regarding shipping vehicles to the US, give us a call. We’re here to help!

Shipping pets to the USA

While it is possible to ship pets to the US, there are certain restrictions and prohibitions. Rules differ between states, and it is always wise to check the requirements of the specific state you are moving to.

Unlike other countries, there is no quarantine in the US. Dogs and cats from New Zealand do not require rabies vaccinations, as New Zealand is a rabies-free country.

The Transworld service

The Transworld team provide customers with a door-to-door service, taking care of all the details involved in relocating to America. From packing your items here in New Zealand, to arranging shipping and Customs formalities, to safely delivering your shipment to your new residence in America.

You’ll also have a dedicated team member on-hand throughout the process to answer your queries, keep you informed and make sure your items arrive safely.

The Transworld team are here to make your move to the USA as simple and straightforward as possible. Give us a call today for a free quote!