Shipping items to China???

[nitropuppy]

Has anyone found an inexpensive way to ship personal belongings to China? I plan on staying there for a year, maybe more. But, two overstuffed suitcases on my flight is not enough space. I need to bring a few other items over, that you can't purchase there. I got quotes from FedEx but they were incredibly expensive. 100lbs.=$1600. I need to ship about 150lbs. of stuff. The airlines allow 50lbs. per bag. But, beyond that 100lbs. allowment, I need to bring an additional 150lbs.

Also, what are the ramifications of bringing my computer hard drive with me. Will the authorities want to search my hard drive? There's nothing on it that they would worry about.ie: Pornography, or seditious material. I just don't want the thing held up in customs forever. Idea's anyone??

[zhonghuarising]

I think the easiest way to get your stuff to China would be to check it in as excess baggage on the airplane. Prices, as well as size and weight restrictions, would of course depend on the specific carrier that you use, but will probably be in the neighborhood of $80-$100 per extra box. Call the airline and talk to someone there just to make sure of what their policy is.

[doumeizhen]

Checking the USPS postage calculator, shipping a 70 lb package is going to cost you US$100 and 4-6 weeks, so extra luggage is probably a good bet. The don't weigh carry-on luggage, you know, and I think the heaviest I've ever gotten it was around 50 lbs for a backpack. Massages are readily available, so this might be part of your solution.

As for your computer, mine has been scanned seperately, but they have never searched the contents of it. They did look at all of computer parts (in my carry on) and I lost a power-cable in the process once, so pack tidily and know what you have with you.

Which airline are you flying?

[nitropuppy]

Thanks for the reply. I did not know the airlines would do this. I had inquired with Continental Air. when I visited Chengdu in February. I got the impression then, that I was allowed only two bags + the carry-on. I didn't push the issue then because I was more worried about their regulations on ski equipment. Thanks, I'll check it out.

** on a side note; your screen name reminded me of a hotel in Guangzhou. It was the Zhong Hua Hotel. A very nice hotel. Not far from the airport. They had fantastic rooms at a very reasonable rate. As well as a very curteous and helpful staff. I highly recommend them.

[nitropuppy]

Q. - Which airline are you flying?

Not sure. I'm still in the planning stages. Usually, I shoot for whatever route has the least layover times. But, I also look at the age of the particular aircraft and its maintanence history.

[imron]

I guess the question is, do you really need all that stuff? In my travels I've found that the longer you're going to spend away, the less stuff you should take

I've been in China for the last two years working and studying (I've also been here on previous occasions for similar lengths of time), and pretty much everything I need can fit into one large backpack and one small backpack (total weight of maybe around 70-80 pounds).

Granted everyone has different needs, but really the only thing I can think of that takes up a lot of weight and that can't be bought over here would be books or something similar that you didn't want to be without.

If that's the case you should ask yourself are you really going to need all that stuff, or are you just paying money to ship something that's only going to sit around collecting dust before you pay money to ship it back.

Before I first set off abroad, someone gave me some good advice: when packing, think of all the things you absolutely cannot do without, and then take half of that It's proven to have been useful to me, and perhaps you might find it useful too.

Anyway, whatever you decide, shipping by surface mail is usually the cheapest, but also the slowest option. If you know your address ahead of time (or if you don't mind waiting a few weeks for your stuff to arrive), then that's probably the best thing to do.

Finally, you shouldn't have any problem bringing a harddrive in.

[jbiesnecker]

I'll second imron's comment. The first time I came to China I carried about a metric ton of crap with me, and found that a lot of the stuff I could either 1) get in China for less than it cost me to ship it; or 2) didn't really need once I got settled into my life in China.

[roddy]

Best bet for cost and convenience is to leave it all at home, come out, and after three months get someone to send you the stuff you actually miss. I bet it weighs a lot less than 150lbs. See also here

[md1101]

true true. leave it at home. as for taking it on the plane being cheaper than shipping that sounds surprising to me unless you plan to express post it.

but you shouldnt need so much. i used to go to china for 3 week holidays with a huge 25kg suitcase and then a big carry on back pack. now i just take the backpack.

[choupi]

Yeah, I can't imagine why anyone would need so much junk. You can buy stuff cheaply here. Let's see what you're proposing taking.

[etcetera24]

Speaking as a serial mover (three major relocations in the last two years alone -- and going on my fourth!), I ditto the suggestion to seriously reevaluate luggage contents. Especially if 1) you'll be in a major city, and 2) that city has a Wal-Mart and/or Carrefour. You can purchase almost everything you need in-country, especially if you know Chinese or have a friend to help you.

You'll also inevitably accumulate things (masses of DVDs anyone?) in China which will add to the burden when it's time to move back to where you came from.

The only thing I can think of that might be worth bringing more of are shoes and clothes ONLY if you are very tall/ have large feet - you'd have to look harder to find large enough shoes and long enough trousers.

Also, ditch your toiletries except for anti-perspirant/ deodorant (it's not so commonly used here). Major shampoo/ soap/ toothpaste etc brands are easily available and will save you from bringing all those bottles. Liquid = weight.

Roddy's suggestion is brilliant - it also means you can pack seasonally: If you are arriving in the summer, leave your winter gear and have it mailed to you later.

If you are bringing specialty gear for sports etc, perhaps you can post what they are. Some of us on the forum maybe be able to let you know how easy it is to rent/ purchase said items in China, and if it's worth your while to lug the equipment over here.

Good luck with packing/ planning!

[choupi]

I agree with et cetera. I have size 12 feet and this has been the one source of frustration for me: finding shoes. So if you are larger than size 9, bring your own shoes---and keep in mind that you will be doing way more walking than you probably have ever done before. The antiperspirant is another good bring, like et cetera said, every other item is readily available.

[liuzhou]

I have managed to survive in China for ten years despite only bringing with me a change of clothes, a Swiss Army knife, some honey, and plenty of money, wrapped up in a five pound.

[gamerfu]

I agree with everyone's post here. When I went to Hong Kong, and I will in the next (3) months. I brought only my laptop, under-garments, and deoderant. Everything else, I bought and yes, I found (3) shirts for ~$5USD.

... I wish I could do this at home!

[doumeizhen]

I know we're having a fantastic time discussing our existential luggage, but getting back to the original topic, look into book bags.

This is something I knew of, but didn't find on the postal service's website, and consequently gave up on. Today I spent the day with someone who grew up in a missionary family, and he confirmed that they do exist, with shipping in the $1/pound range, for literature only, although they don't check it too carefully, and there are something that could perhaps be stuck in: Like: heavy sweaters which serve to cushion your precious books!

This is often abused so post offices don't make a big deal of it, but you should be able to ask them, or just find the information online.

[nitropuppy]

Well, there are things that I just couldn't find there. For instance; quality ski boots in my size. When I visited Chengdu in february, I wanted to go skiing at the Xiling ski area. People told me to not be hassled bringing all my gear. The resort advertised modern equipment. So I didn't bring my equipment. They tried to fit me with many boots. After increasing in sizes incrementally, I asked the staff to bring their largest set. Still didn't fit.

To their shock, I took the liners out of their largest boots, and replaced them with the liner from my Sorrels. (Ha Ha nessesity IS the mother of all invention) They were shocked because I don't think they knew the liners could come out. But, it worked. I had a great day skiing.

But, besides my ski equipment, there are other things I must bring. I will still be running my business in the "States". I need my computer and my cost estimate books. And a few other items that are related.

I hear what you are saying though. I am pondering constantly, to try to lighten my load.

But, I also need one other item which I know for sure, I can't find in China. We spend a third of our entire lives.......in bed. I broke my back years ago while skiing. I spent years in pain and discomfort. Then the doctors finally suggested a soft sided waterbed. A true miracle in sleeping bliss. (at least for me) I know I can build the frame there, but I want to bring the mattress setup. It's got some weight to it. Can I find one in Chengdu,Guangzhou, or Beijing? Hmmm..... I doubt it!

I know its a trivial, silly thing. And I may be the only idiot sleeping in a waterbed in China, but my vertebrae are pleading and begging me.

[roddy]

Fair enough, if you are sure you need it all. I just know I carry a lot of stuff around with me which just sits in cupboards.

Computer-wise, I really would look at putting all your data onto a hard-disk or memory card, and then buying one here. You can get some good deals, especially if you are due for an upgrade anyway. Or buy a laptop (assuming you currently have a desktop).

For the waterbed, make sure you let the water out first.