Moving your entire home from Canada to Saudi Arabia is a big change that needs careful planning. Riyadh Warehouse Solutions can help you with this big move. Shipping your belongings overseas is a detailed process, from picking the right transport method to navigating complex customs rules. Understanding these steps in advance can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shipping your household goods from Canada to Saudi Arabia.
Choosing Your Shipping Method
The best way to ship your belongings depends on how much stuff you have, what your budget is, and how quickly you need everything to arrive.
Full Container Load (FCL)
- What it is: Your belongings get a whole shipping container all to themselves, either a 20-foot or 40-foot one.
- Best for: Moving a whole house.
- Why it’s good: It’s the safest and most budget-friendly choice for large moves. Your items aren’t mixed with anyone else’s, which means they are very secure and less likely to get damaged.
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
- What it is: Your items share space in a container with other people’s belongings, and you only pay for the space you use.
- Best for: A smaller home, a studio apartment, or just shipping a few things.
Why it’s good: It’s a good alternative if you don’t have enough stuff to fill a whole container. Professional movers use special packing to keep your items safe, even though they are with other people’s things.
Transit Times And Scheduling Your Move
To make sure your belongings arrive when you need them, you should plan your schedule carefully.
Shipping by sea (Ocean freight)
- How long it takes: Shipping by sea from Canada to Saudi Arabia usually takes about 20 to 28 days on the water. The exact time depends on which ports the ship uses.
- Example: A shipment from a port in Eastern Canada, like Halifax or Montreal, might take 20 to 25 days to reach a Saudi port like Jeddah or Dammam. A shipment from Vancouver on the West Coast might take a bit longer, around 22 to 28 days.
- Extra time to consider: Don’t forget to add more time for other steps:
- Before shipping: Add 3 to 6 days for packing your things and getting them to the Canadian port.
- After arriving: Allow 4 to 8 days for your items to clear customs and be delivered to your new home in Saudi Arabia.
Shipping by air (Air freight)
- When to use it: This is the best option for things you need right away, like important documents or a few essential outfits.
- How long it takes: It’s much faster, taking only 4 to 8 days to get from Canada to Saudi Arabia. Direct flights are quicker (4 to 6 days), while flights with layovers might take a little longer (6 to 8 days).
Customs Procedures And Required Documentation
Customs clearance is a vital part of shipping cargo from Canada to Saudi Arabia. It directly affects how long it takes for your items to arrive and what the final costs will be. To avoid delays or extra fees, all shipments must follow both Canadian export rules and Saudi Arabian import rules.
What you’ll need
Saudi customs officials will need specific documents to approve your shipment of household goods:
- A detailed list of everything you are shipping, including what it is, the quantity, and its value.
- Proof that you are a legal resident, such as a valid work visa or residence permit.
- The professional packing lists created by your moving company.
- Copies of your passport and other forms of ID.
Customs duties and clearance
- Used household items and personal belongings are usually exempt from customs taxes as long as you are a legal resident.
- The items must be for your own personal use, not for business or commercial purposes.
- Customs clearance typically takes about 3 to 6 business days.
- Be aware that if your paperwork is incorrect or incomplete, it can cause significant delays.
Shipping Service Options: Port-to-Port vs. Door-to-Door
You can choose a service level that matches your preference for convenience and cost.
Port-to-port shipping
- With this option, you are responsible for getting your items from your home in Canada to the departure port.
- You also have to arrange for transport from the port in Saudi Arabia to your new home.
- This can be cheaper, but it adds more work and responsibility for you.
Door-to-door services
- This is a full-service option where the moving company handles everything from start to finish.
- They will professionally pack and pick up your belongings from your home in Canada, transport them to the departure port, manage and track the shipment, handle all customs clearance in Saudi Arabia, and deliver and even help with unpacking at your new home.
- This service takes away the stress and ensures everything is handled professionally.
How To Save Money On Your Move
We at Riyadh Warehouse Solutions have ways to lower your shipping costs without lowering the quality of their service.
- Smart packing: Expert packers know how to fit as much as possible into a container. This helps you use the space efficiently, which lowers your shipping volume and cost.
- Shared shipping: If you don’t have enough to fill a whole container, using a shared service (LCL) allows you to pay only for the space you use, making international moving more affordable.
- Smooth customs: Movers with experience in customs know how to prepare your documents properly to avoid delays and unexpected fees.
Prohibited And Restricted Items
Saudi customs impose strict rules on certain household goods. Prohibited items include:
- Alcohol and pork products
- Non-Islamic religious items
- Certain magazines or books
- Weapons and gambling items
- Products with inappropriate images
- Household items containing alcohol, like vanilla extract
Restricted items (may require special permits or inspection) include:
- Prescription drugs
- Electronics
- Certain books
- Makeup and supplements
- Anything with batteries
- Some kitchen appliances may also need special electrical certifications
Conclusion
Moving your household from Canada to Saudi Arabia requires careful planning and the right expertise. Understanding your shipping options helps you choose the best way to get your belongings there safely and on time.
With Riyadh Warehouse Solutions, you will get all the required support you need for a smooth move. They handle all the complicated parts of international shipping, so you can focus on starting your new life in Saudi Arabia. With the right planning and expert help, your international move will be a successful start to your new adventure. Get a free personalized moving quote from one of the award-winning international movers.