Hi all,

I'm trying to decide if I should import personal effects from the US using a freight company or a moving company. The volume of goods would be small. I'm thinking that it might be better to just send some large boxes with DHL or UPS or whatever rather than bothering with movers.

Has anyone explored this before? Any thoughts on the crossover point where movers would become a better option?

Any ideas on which freight company ships US to CH for the least $$$?

Thanks!

I sent a Lazy Boy type of chair from Houston to Zurich.

It cost me about 600.00. Are you talking about many
boxes or just a couple?

Thanks for your reply.

It's hard to say. I have no emotional attachment to my stuff and I would happily leave it behind then replace it in CH if it's more economical.

There's no point spending $100 to ship a $100 item that I can get at IKEA.ch for $100.

The question to ask yourself is: How long do you plan to stay
in Switzerland?

If you are planning to stay for a short period of time, just
buy everything at Ikea and Conforama.

If you plan on buying nice furniture, buy it in the US and
ship it over. Nice furniture is extremely expensive here.

[deleted due to irrelevance]

Bumping back to the top with a new question...

I'm headed over as a tourist to help with a project while my work permit application is being processed. I'll be around for two months or so. I obviously cannot fill out an 18.44 and hire a moving company yet. Any suggestions on the best way to get some of my things into the country?

On my last trip, I entered with two heavy suitcases and left with two light ones. It's a start but this is obviously not going to be enough.

I know that I might end up paying duty on some of my own things but of course I'd rather avoid it if possible. I see on the FCA site that that 300CHF duty-free limit only applies to items which are carried into the country personally. I could pack extra suitcases but excess baggage fees are exorbitant! Are there any freight services that deliver to GVA where I could then carry the parcels across the border?

Oh yeah, to further complicate matters, I'd like to get two bicycles into the country. One can wait until the official 18.44-declared move but the other I'd like to have with me right away. SWISS charges a flat 220CHF for this!

Greetings all,

When I moved to Zürich 3 months ago, I sent my cargo with DHL from Kenya. It cost only 500 US dollars for 100 kilos. Very worth it and I got it in a couple of days. Since it was personal effects, I didn't pay any fees, duties or taxes.

I picked it up from the Cargo terminal at the airport myself. If you want it delivered to your doorstep, it costs another 300-500 dollars. Pick it up yourself.

If you are taking sports equipment with you, I know airlines give you an extra allowance. Check it out with them.

ciao ciao