FAQ: Cheapest Courier & Shipping Options for Moving Back to India
Many NRIs moving back to India often wonder about the most affordable and reliable courier or shipping companies. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you choose the right service for sending your luggage back home.
Short Answer: Sea cargo is usually the cheapest method.
Long Answer: Sending luggage via sea cargo can cost up to 50% less compared to air courier. While delivery takes 6–10 weeks, it’s ideal for large shipments and non-urgent items when moving back to India.
Short Answer: Aramex, Seven Seas, DHL, and FedEx are popular choices.
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Long Answer: NRIs commonly use services like Aramex for economy courier, Seven Seas Worldwide for bulk sea shipping, and DHL/FedEx for faster air courier. The best choice depends on your budget, time, and shipment size.
Short Answer: Usually 6–10 weeks.
Long Answer: Sea shipping is much slower than air courier. Depending on the origin country and Indian port, delivery may take 6–10 weeks. Always confirm the estimated timeline with your service provider.
Short Answer: Air courier costs 2–3x more than sea cargo.
Long Answer: Air courier services typically charge ₹400–₹700 per kg, while sea cargo costs around ₹150–₹300 per kg. Air courier is faster but more expensive, making sea cargo a better choice for bulk shipments.
Short Answer: Yes, but only non-perishable packaged food.
Long Answer: Items like spices, tea, coffee, and dry snacks are usually permitted. Fresh, frozen, or liquid food items are restricted. Always check with your courier company and Indian customs rules before shipping food.
Short Answer: Yes, many companies offer door-to-door delivery.
Long Answer: Services like Seven Seas and Aramex provide full door-to-door pickup and delivery, handling customs clearance for you. This saves time and avoids the hassle of collecting shipments from Indian ports.
Short Answer: Passport, visa/OCI, and packing list.
Long Answer: Required documents usually include a valid passport copy, Indian visa or OCI card, detailed packing list, and customs declaration. Some companies may also request proof of address or invoice for valuable items.
Short Answer: Yes, limits vary by courier and mode of shipping.
Long Answer: Air couriers usually charge per kg with no strict upper weight limit, while sea cargo often has a minimum shipment size (50–100 kg). Always check with your service provider for exact restrictions.
Short Answer: Yes, but customs duty may apply.
Long Answer: Electronics like laptops, tablets, or appliances can be shipped but may attract customs charges. Carrying them personally is often cheaper if within your baggage allowance.
Short Answer: Consolidate and compare shipping quotes.
Long Answer: Pack efficiently, combine shipments, and compare multiple courier quotes. Using sea cargo instead of air courier and avoiding unnecessary bulky items will significantly reduce costs.
Short Answer: Use relocation services for bulk moves, couriers for smaller shipments.
Long Answer: Courier companies are ideal for luggage or small parcels. Relocation services (like Writer Relocations or Seven Seas) handle large-scale moves with household items, providing packing, shipping, and customs clearance support.
Short Answer: Mostly no, if used personal goods.
Long Answer: Used personal household items generally don’t attract heavy customs duty if declared properly. However, new or high-value goods (like electronics) may be taxed as per Indian customs rules.
Short Answer: A service for sending extra luggage at lower rates.
Long Answer: Excess baggage courier services are designed for NRIs who exceed airline luggage limits. These companies ship your extra bags to India via air or sea at cheaper rates than airlines’ excess baggage charges.
Short Answer: Yes, with careful packaging.
Long Answer: Fragile items can be shipped, but you must use bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and “fragile” labels. Some companies also provide professional packing to minimize breakage risk during transit.
Short Answer: UK, USA, UAE, and Canada have competitive rates.
Long Answer: Courier companies have strong networks in popular NRI regions like the UK, USA, UAE, and Canada, often offering discounted group shipping rates to India. Compare quotes to get the best deal.
Short Answer: Yes, most couriers provide tracking.
Long Answer: Almost all international courier and sea cargo companies provide online tracking numbers. You can monitor pickup, transit, customs clearance, and final delivery status in real-time.
Short Answer: Contact your courier for updates.
Long Answer: Delays can happen due to customs clearance, weather, or port congestion. Reputed couriers provide regular updates and assist with paperwork to reduce delays. Insurance can cover losses if shipments are misplaced.
Short Answer: Yes, most companies offer optional insurance.
Long Answer: Insurance protects your goods against loss, damage, or theft during transit. While it costs extra, it is recommended for valuable or fragile items when sending shipments back to India.
Short Answer: Couriers are usually cheaper for large shipments.
Long Answer: Airlines charge high excess baggage fees (often ₹1000+ per kg). Courier companies, especially sea cargo, offer cheaper rates for bulk items. For small excess luggage, airline pre-booked baggage may still be economical.
Short Answer: Pack smart, compare quotes, and check customs.
Long Answer: Always consolidate items, avoid restricted goods, compare multiple courier quotes, check customs regulations, and opt for insurance if valuable goods are included. Planning ahead ensures a smoother and cheaper shipping experience.
