Freight UK to Doha: Advice please

gsxeff
By gsxeff

Hi,
In about 6 weeks time I am moving with my family over to Qatar, from the UK. Since were are moving into furnished accommodation, we won't take large items with us, but simply 4 to 6 boxes... not a container load.

From experience has anyone got a company to recommend?
What are the custom charges or taxes we need to pay in Qatar?
Can companies deliver directly to the accommodation or do we always have to pick up from the airport/port customs in person?
Are there restrictions as to what we can bring in the country in terms of food? (The only official cite I found was in arabic...)

Any advice much appreciated.

By gsxeff• 18 Feb 2011 22:34
gsxeff

I would be surprised that BA only charges £40 per 23kg... it is probably per extra single kg...

But we will surely stock up to the max of our allowance!

Thanks.

By Floss• 18 Feb 2011 22:34
Floss

Wish I had bought more books, magazines and chocs at the airport as they are more expensive here.

By Floss• 18 Feb 2011 22:16
Rating: 3/5
Floss

Not detailed - Toys would be fine. No need to put the inventory on each box, the company type it up from your e.mail and sort it. They collected my boxes on the Friday (was worth paying for that)and they got here the following Wednesday but you can decide on that with the company. I would advise sending as much as possible unaccompanied. I ended up having a suitcase weighing 25kgs but luckily Qatar Airways did not charge me excess (£25 PER KILO) but my colleague who arrived a week later was charged for a few extra kilos even though the plane was half empty.

Give the company a call and ask to speak to Stephen, he will fill you in on the exact details.

By gsxeff• 18 Feb 2011 21:26
gsxeff

This is most useful!

Does the inventory need to be very detailed or quite generic?

We will be bringing lots of toys which I would hope to simply put as toys rather than: x cars, X puzzles, x board games...

By Floss• 18 Feb 2011 21:24
Floss

I did not require a No Objection Certificate. It was all surprisingly straight forward.

By Floss• 18 Feb 2011 21:19
Rating: 5/5
Floss

I arrived in Doha 3 weeks ago from Hampshire, UK. My company paid for 50kgs unaccompanied baggage but I actually brought 112kgs. Qatar airways in London recommended James Cargo Services Tel 0044(0)1753 687722 e.mail [email protected] and I found them to be very efficient. I dealt with a guy called Stephen who was most helpful. In total I had 7 boxes and 2 packages.Majority household items, books, pictures etc - no foods or liquids allowed but they will advise.Total cost including vat was £310. You need to e.mail them an inventory of each box e.g. books, crockery etc. They collected my cargo for a charge of £45 or you can bring it to Heathrow yourself. They will hold them for free for a certain period.

The boxes arrived the day after me and I received a phone call from customs at Qatar cargo (opposite family food centre. I went there and paid 201QR to clear. Clearing can take anywhere from a few hours but I did not have to stay for that. I did not have my own transport so arranged through the agent to have it delivered. This cost 250QR but was brought to the flat. Your company may be able to do this for you. Everything was intact and I would definately recommend and use this company again.

Hope this is of some help.

By gsxeff• 18 Feb 2011 21:08
gsxeff

We will be flying with Qatar Airways... I will look at the charges for excess...

Depending on price I was open to either air or sea transportation.

By brakepad• 18 Feb 2011 21:00
Rating: 4/5
brakepad

How are you sending your belongings over...air or sea?.

Companies can deliver to your door but you will need a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your employer before you can get customs clearance.

I never paid any customs on my belongings when I came here.

I don't think you will have any problems bringing food that don't contain pork, but you might think about buying locally, there is a good variety here.

There are quite a few companies that can ship your goods....Crown, Allied Pickfords, or try this link http://www.qatcom.com/listings/qatar-search/international-moving-and-shipping

Hope this helps.

By wnder• 18 Feb 2011 20:58
wnder

bring it as excess on BA

40 pounds per 23

easier....oooh so much easier

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