Have had no luck this end (Australia) trying to find out exactly what attracts customs duty and more importantly at what rate. Voltage no problem as we are the same here as in Shanghai so was considering bringing TV/speakers/DVD, PS2, coffee machine, mixer, food processor, iron etc rather than spend the first couple of weeks in Shanghai trying to source similar replacements. TV and coffee machine are quite new so we would lose alot on the sale but to store them for 3 or more years would be more than they are worth. Removalist also told me that he "heard on the grapevine" that books are now attracting an entry tax? Where do you go to get accurate information about this!! Please can anyone help to point me in the right direction??

Its not easy. Different rates to different types of items, different rates depending on the day, the week, the whoever the inspector is that is reading your bill of lading and itemized list document and how much they want to go out of their way to chase down the value. Also.. CDs and DVD past a certain number supposedly. Also, the rates change often and might change depending on what country is coming from.

It could very easily drive you crazy. What you can do is pay attention to the way you describe things in your shipping document and walk a fine line for insurance claimed value ( and actually value for have your stuff covered ). As long as your are NOT shipping a car, a motorcycle or other really high value items.. it should not amount to more than a few thousand. You will have a lot more to think about.. so don't try to second guess their valuation unless its really really outrageous. Just -pay the bill, get your stuff out of customs, unpack and start living.

From my own experience and that of other work mates, it simply is not worth bringing the items you mention.
Most recently a work mate was slugged nearly 3000rmb for personal belongings that fitted into 2 tea chest boxes. The items were moslty clothes! As Michael points out it can be very hit and miss as to how your shipment will be treated and there is no arguing the point about it either.
Also, although the voltage is no problem the plugs will not always fit. You will need adapters for all of your 2 pin plugs anyway.
Every apartment I have ever looked at here in Shanghai has always come with a TV and in alot of cases a DVD also.
I bought a Blender the other day and it set me back only 250rmb and an Iron wont be anymore than that either. With the Aussie dollar buying 6.8rmb at the moment my advice is just buy new stuff when you get here.

Another option is to negotiate with your employer (after getting a few quotes to removalists) to pay YOU the cost of relocations. This will be adequate to cover your lost in selling your stuffs back in Oz and to buy new stuffs here.

A few movers have had their people come to my house to do the in-home survey. I don't know how big/heavy my shipment will (or will not) be or how expensive these movers are but I know I'd like to move these belongings:

* HP computer and Officejet and accessories [not brand new but work great]

* Down comforters (light duty), blanks, and throws [good quality but not high end]

* Musical CD's [all US bought]

* VHS [kid's old movies, US bought]

* DVD's [a half of the collection were copies brought from India and China. Trouble?]

* Suits and dresses [good quality but not high end]

* Handbags and backpacks [mostly new, no expensive brands, no fakes.]

* Books [lots of them!]

* Small framed arts/pictures [nothing from famous artists]

* Lots of toothpaste, skin lotions, and cream.

* Vitamins and dietary supplments [family's 1+ year supply]

* Dry foods [Yes, I heard one could buy almost everything in Shanghai.][One of the movers said this would be trouble as all foods are considered agricultural items.]

* Kitchenware, toys, art supplies, light furniture, floor lamps, etc.

Which of the above would you think could attract customs duty? Which is not worth taking? Any suggestions or recommendations? THANKS!

jkahv wrote:A few movers have had their people come to my house to do the in-home survey. I don't know how big/heavy my shipment will (or will not) be or how expensive these movers are but I know I'd like to move these belongings:

* HP computer and Officejet and accessories [not brand new but work great]

* Down comforters (light duty), blanks, and throws [good quality but not high end]

* Musical CD's [all US bought]

* VHS [kid's old movies, US bought]

* DVD's [a half of the collection were copies brought from India and China. Trouble?]

* Suits and dresses [good quality but not high end]

* Handbags and backpacks [mostly new, no expensive brands, no fakes.]

* Books [lots of them!]

* Small framed arts/pictures [nothing from famous artists]

* Lots of toothpaste, skin lotions, and cream.

* Vitamins and dietary supplments [family's 1+ year supply]

* Dry foods [Yes, I heard one could buy almost everything in Shanghai.][One of the movers said this would be trouble as all foods are considered agricultural items.]

* Kitchenware, toys, art supplies, light furniture, floor lamps, etc.

Which of the above would you think could attract customs duty? Which is not worth taking? Any suggestions or recommendations? THANKS!

I'd leave the printers att home as they are 110v items that need new adapters. Also, the VHS tapes...unless youa re bringing a multisystem NTSC/PAL and multivoltage 110-240v VHS player over, I'd leave them at home orget them transferred to DVD as you may be hard pressed to find a VHS player here for less than a few hundred USD.

Floor lamps? so long as they are 220-240v rated otherwise you may have some hot wires and risk factor going...

The rest dont look troublesome, just burdensome...try and trim down as much as possible as really its amazing how much less stuff we can all learn to live with... (that said I ended up filling my apt here with NEW junk anyhow )

When I came here I packed a lot but have not had the time to arrange the shipment. More or less I arrived in Shanghai only with a few things. I got 2 small boxes sent by express later (paperwork, clothes, books) and finally I didn't miss all the rest.

I am not telling you to come here with empty hands but finally I would be surprised to meet people who still uses everything they moved. Just bring what is valuable in your heart, here is a new life, with new things as well

yu888 wrote:...
Floor lamps? so long as they are 220-240v rated otherwise you may have some hot wires and risk factor going...

Thanks for your suggestions!

One of my children has poor eyesight and this special kind of lamp (I actually own one table and two floor models) works well when she uses it for reading. I thought a floor (27 wattage) or table lamp (24 wt) didn't use up much electricity and would be easily to convert. Is this not so?

As for the printer, even if its adapter says 110-240V, is it still no good there?

As long as it says 110-240V AND 50-60hz....it will be fine.

It's not just the voltage that is different, also the frequency.

Worst that can happen is it blows up...and you buy a new one here. They are very inexpensive.

HP printers work fine here. Bring some extra ink cartridges - they are a little cheaper in the US and some sizes are tricky to find here.
Lamps should be fine too - just put a 220 bulb in them and use an adapter if needed to plug them in - we found that a lot of our US plugs will fit the outlets with a little jiggling.
I'd consider leaving the down comforter at home and replacing with a silk comforter here - they are warm but lightweight and inexpensive. Most of my expat friends end up buying several to take home.
CDs and DVDs will definitely draw customs charges. We brought CDs anyway because we didn't want to be without them for 5 years. Leave the VHS tapes at home - you can pick up DVDs for a lot of kids movies