Shipping personal belongings to Israel

If you are staying for a year or more, you might ship some of your things ahead. OPTIONS • International shipping companies: Offer door-to-door service and handle customs. • Freight forwarders: Good for large shipments. • Postal service: Cheap for small packages but slower. • Couriers: Fast, but expensive. STEPS • Get quotes from several providers. • Make a detailed packing list with item descriptions and values. • Ask what is covered by insurance. • Track your shipment. • Be ready to clear customs when it arrives. TIPS • Ship items you really need. Buying cheap things in Israel can cost less than shipping. • Do not ship items that are valuable or irreplaceable unless you insure them. • Ask about delivery to your address or pickup point. • Allow several weeks, sometimes months. WATCH OUT FOR New items and large shipments are more likely to be charged customs and VAT. Used personal belongings may be treated differently. Ask the shipping company about the rules for your status.