Shipments to Qatar
Hello All;
We are moving to Qatar in August. Need advice on sending 2 separate household goods shipments. Any comments on that? What are the documents required to send a shipment, what is required to receive a shipment. Any information on household shipments and regulations would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Fitri
Hey there,
For sending your household goods, here’s what you need to know:
Documents You’ll Need:
- Passport Copy: To prove who you are.
- Visa Copy: To show your residency.
- Inventory List: A detailed list of what you’re shipping.
- Bill of Lading: This is given by your shipping company.
- Proof of Purchase: Sometimes needed to show the value of items.
Receiving Shipments:
- Customs Declaration: Usually handled by your shipping company.
- Delivery Address: Make sure it’s spot-on.
- Customs Duty: Be ready for any duties or taxes.
If you have doubts, I’d suggest checking out DocShipper Qatar (https://qatar.docshipper.com/en/). They’ve helped me a lot with shipping and dealing with all the paperwork. They can make things a lot easier for you!
Hey Jude.
Fitri started this thread in 2006!
Hi Fitri,
With regarding to your mail above, I would like to take opportunity to handle of this. Please kindly let me know the full details of this shipments sap. Then will can offer you, our best charges sap.
Best Rgds/
Jude Perera
Integrated Logistics.,
Tel. +974 678 9072 , 43 11122
Anybody moving from Lahore, Pakistan to Doha
Ash_w, we brought all of our furniture with us and are so glad we did. It made us feel at home right away and the quality and style of furniture here is nothing like what you are used to. Not that it's necessarily bad, it's just different. It seems to fall into two catagories - modern and sleek or extremely ornate. We were fortunate in that my husband's company paid for the shipment, so I realize that it's not an option for everyone. But if you can do it, I think you'll be happy. Especially if you have children, it kind of eases the transition to have familiar things around.
We used Clover movers and were very happy. Not a single thing arrived damaged and the staff were extremely helpful at every turn.
Feel free to pm me if you'd like to talk more. We've been here since the end of March, so we are still finding our way ourselves, but so far it's been a fairly positive experience.
DOES ANYONE KNOWS OF A SHIPPING COMPANY THAT SHIPS CARS FROM SAUDI ARABIA? I HAVE A CAR WHICH IS 4 YEARS OLD. A GOOD INFORMATION WITH A TELEPHONE NO. WILL BE APPRECIATED. THANKS
Yeh, we're pretty much in the process of getting estimates from various shipping companies, and so far the rates we've received range from 5000-7000 USD.
Now, Im not even sure if I should spend all this money on bringing old furniture...what do you suggest?
Instead, I have come across this other company by the name of Toberlogistics that specializes in shipping boxes, and I'm thinking maybe I should just bring all of my stuff that can fit in boxes( decorative items, wall frames, clothes, dish packs, linens, toys etc.) and sell off the rest.
Lets see how it works out....
I'd actually like to know about ur experience...as well as, any advice on what to bring and what not to.
Moving to an unknown place, with a new job, and all sorts of uncertainties is taking its toll on both my husband and I, so we'd really appreciate all opinions!!!
Yeh, we're pretty much in the process of getting estimates from various shipping companies, and so far the rates we've received range from 5000-7000 USD.
Now, Im not even sure if I should spend all this money on bringing old furniture...what do you suggest?
Instead, I have come across this other company by the name of Toberlogistics that specializes in shipping boxes, and I'm thinking maybe I should just bring all of my stuff that can fit in boxes( decorative items, wall frames, clothes, dish packs, linens, toys etc.) and sell off the rest.
Lets see how it works out....
I'd actually like to know about ur experience...as well as, any advice on what to bring and what not to.
Moving to an unknown place, with a new job, and all sorts of uncertainties is taking its toll on both my husband and I, so we'd really appreciate all opinions!!!
Ash-W
For Shipping stuff from USA the big names may be too expensive. Allied, Global, Etc.... these gus makes thrir money on the packing and unpacking not on actual shipment. so they out a lot of money in estimates for packing and unpacking and they scarepeople off based on that premise.
you have to educate yourslef about this business . regarding who you hire, there will be three or four parties involved:
1- The packer
2- the transatlalic shipper
3- the clearing agent
4- the storage and delivery unpacking and setting
you can save a lot of money on item No. 01
item 2 is very competiev market and prices are per 40 foot or 20 containers.
item 3 can be critical in getting the stuff in and out of the port.
Item 3 can be same as No. 3.
We used:
Relogistics Worldwide Inc. ( look them on the net)
Budd Cardone - operation Manager
He contracted with LTV in Mianai for packing.
he quoted based on GULD AGENCY AS clearing agent.
we shipped 40 foot containers from Miamai to Doha included furniture and a minivan. the total price was about $12,000. I recommned using soomeone other than GULF AGENCY fopr clearing they are expensive.
you must be very carefull if you need storage for several month in doha. Stirage prioces can be very expensive or very cheap depending on the local compnay in doha
The good news ... there are a lot shippers in Houston and the Houston Doha route is popular
I would start by looking into SHIPPER in the yellow pages or net rathen than MOVER ( ALLIED etc..) and once you pick one agree on the clearing agent on this end.
Normally little or no damages occurs with these containers, but it is safe to buy the insurance
Should you need more help post again with questions.
I can tell you my epxpeience, what to bring, what not to bring, etc....
Regards
Instead you may use
Sorry to hear about your experience in Qatar. My husband has joined QA and we're in the process of moving from Houston. Somewhere above in this thread you have mentioned that you used "allied" movers...were they "allied vanlines", and how was your experience with them? We're in the process of evaluating a couple of shipping companies who would safely ship our stuff to Doha. Would appreciate it if anyone can refer us to some reliable movers!!
Thanks
Hi All,
First thanks for the good information. Please I have a question related to importing cars to Doha, and here is the case:
Last Week I was in Dubai, and I saw the new PAJERO, the full option cost 125000 UAE Drham (about 126000 QR), yesterday I was in PAJERO show room in Doha, beleive me the same care they ask for 155000 QR.
I thought any one know if is it possible that I buy the car from Dubai and imported here in Doha, I understand both countries (Qatar and UAE) are members of the Gulf Countries Customs Union.
Please help me with info or hints, it is saving a 30,000 QR.
Thank you very much
Life is Sweet, espicially in Qatar "Thanks God"
We would like to thank all of you for your help and tips for relocating from USA to Doha.
We came in in the middle of the Asian Games and that was a mess. Few months later the reality sunk in. Housing costs, salary levels, expenses, kids, daycare, etc.
After 6 months we are re-evaluating the relocation and thinking of going back to the US.
Again
Thanks
Hi, I am sending clothing and childrens toys to Qatar from the United States (midwest). It will be mostly clothing and childrens toys. Some packages will be large,(double baby stroller with infant carseats). Any suggestions on what companies to use will be appreicated. I know that I want to ship them by air so that they get their the quickest way. I have looked on line but it wasn't very helpful. Thanks!
http://www.aramex.com/
A lot of people use Aramex and here's the info for the person you are sending it to:
Aramex International
Aramex House, Opposite Gulf Times Newspaper C-Ring Road,
P.O.Box: 491
Doha, Qatar
Phone: +974 (4) 426101
+974 (4) 441524
Fax: +974 (4) 426101
+974 (4) 419405
We're in the process of getting quotes to move our goods from Dubai to Qatar when one of the moving company reps shocked us by saying that our shipment will be charged with a 5% duty, based on the customs dept. estimate of its value. The rep said this was a new policy by the Qatari govt.
In looking at Banker's comment above on 17 May, it seems they routinely give an exemption on household goods, but the shipping agent needs to work with customs.
Can anyone advise what the real scoop is? Is there a new policy in effect? Do household goods get charged with duty?
Try Qatar Logistics
http://www.qatarlogistics.com/
Tyres are the same the world over. However check that yours are not winter tyres.
If you have tyres from one of the major reputable manufacturers you won't have a problem.
Hi Karamix,
Were you able to ship you minivan from the states? I want to ship my car from Canada.
- How much did it cost you in total including clearance at the port.
- What company did you use to ship?
- How long did it take to get your car shipped from port to port?
-I have been told that Tires in N/America might not stand the heat, have you heard this?
I am doing some research to see how much it will cost to get my car here. It's 2005 Toyota Matrix.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.
Katra
Yes...If your car is more than 5 years old..Sell it off in Saudi....It will not get registerd in Qatar..
Hi, TG,
Just want to clarify this: cars older than 5 years are not allowed to ship to Qatar?
If this is true, I shall not proceed this from Saudi Arabia as i do not have any info from the agent here.
Thanks a lot.
My honest Suggestion...
Please do not bring your car....You will get an interest free Loan from QP and that will suffice for buying a New Mini Van here..Whatever you will loose in terms of lost value could well be accumulated in terms of a buying a local popular model and hence gained value...
By the way when you prepare your export papers ..a temp number plate is accorded to you..thats the export plate..It is discarded on arrival...
I have always heard of "maintenance issues" with US Spec. cars in the Gulf (am no expert)...The extreme heat in the GULF forces NISSAN to have 132 design changes in their Altima Model according to their own admission..
I read somewhere you want to ship furniture as well..Best avoided..Certain guys in my "group" have faced loads of hassle and resent their decision now..(Others' experiences will be helpful..)
What I know for Sure...is that your interest will shift..to a bigger SUV...LOL...
TG
I am shipping a Minivan from USA
I read your advice to IItan
I am dealing with a mover "Allied" but they are confused. They have not moved anyone to qatar before..
Can you walk me through your advice for this puspose.
I was told I need to get a clear title in USA
and an original invoice for the car.
Then send those two documents to Embassy of qatar for endorsement
Question
The export number plate... Do I get this in the USA? or in Qatar?
Somehow I get the feeling that there two process one for shipping a personal( used) car for folks
like us relocating for employment and one for shipping new cars for sales????
If you are coming from another GCC country you could most probably drive it in. The one condition there is that you would have to keep the old license plate and would not be able to exchange it. I wanted to do the same thing as I have a very nice but very old BMW in Dubai but I would not be able to bring it in over sea cargo and would have to drive it with the old license plates. However, my biggest problem here is being a woman as women are not allowed to drive through Saudi - women drivers are forbidden.
I received this information directly fron the horses mouth. lol
Car more than 5 Years Old can't be imported in Qatar...
Is is true that vehicles more than 5 years cannot be brought into Qatar? I'm currently in Abu Dhabi and transferring to Doha, Qatar this August and planning to bring in my trustee 1998 Honda Civic. Is it still allowed? Thanks.
Hi,
The posting by tg answers all my questions and is very valuable to me. Thanks tg for the information. I shall contact you if anything further is required.
Fellow IITian
There is absolutely No problem in bringing a 3 year Old Car in Qatar..First you get an export number plate..You contact a local agent there...Best in UAE ASTECO..Other countries I dont know...
Important: At this stage you also contact the Car Dealer in Your current Country and ask for ORIGINAL Custom Invoice for the Car..Its the Custom duty on the car paid and responsiblity of the Car dealer to give you that document rests with him..If you are able to receive that Document you will be exempted from Customs Duty at Qatar Border or Port (It will take a couple of days for Dealer to get you that Paper which is released by local customs..)(You will save 5% of Current Valuation of the Car)
DO ALL THIS ONLY IN THE LAST FEW DAYS OF YOUR STAY THERE..After the Car arrives and gets custom cleared at Doha..You are allowed to drive the Car with the Export Number plate for ONE month..However the moment you are out of Customs..Go to Qatar Technical Inspection and get your car cleared and get insurance..then Drive for One month with Export plate ...All local insurers do it with an export Number plate..and convert it when you get local plate...
After you get your residence permit (About 6 Weeks from Landing date)..then you can get your car registered at Doha...Also you can drive with your GCC License for Sometime..IF you want to safe on this...get a temporary license for a month for QR 150..You company will help you in all the formalities...
contact [email protected] for further queries..By the Way I am an IITian Too....
Hi,
I am moving to Qatar from another GCC country and wishes to take my car which is 3 years old. Is there any restriction that I have to have the resident permit stamped in my passport to clear the car from customs or the restriction applicable only to register the car in my name? An answer would help me a lot.
Thanks in advance :)
IITian
Hi BBetzinQat:
Just read about your experience with the DVDs but am not sure I understand....are you saying it is better to NOT label well and then the stuff won't be as likely to be quarantined...or vice versa?
Thanks! Am going to be packing up this summer!
Aeroquilter
Hi everyones,thank you for the reply.
We've been talked with the HR Services Representative of my husban company and there is no problem to shipped our goods from two different country.
and they will take care of everything.So one problem is resolves and wait for the next.thanks again,Fitri
Hi Fitri. i am from India and have come in to Doha 8 days back. The delay in the process is only at the level of the directore I'm told. Apparently once the goods arrive in Doha, the local agent contacts customs and sets a date with them to inspect the goods. This takes up to a week. after customs goes through ALL items, they give their estimate and clearance. There is a tax of 5% on the goods being brought in levied. However household goods are exempted from the tax and the agent applied to the directorate for exeption. This is where takes time and I'm told can take upto 20 / 25 days to gte the clearance. Thus the option seems to be to either pay 5% of the valuation they have done or wait.
as far as I know certain items are not allowed in the country and won't clear customs. eg. gambling items, fur, playing cards
as far as I know certain items are not allowed in the country and won't clear customs. eg. gambling items, fur, playing cards
Unless things have changed, you will need a residence permit before you can bring in freight
I believe that the shipping company in the states coordinated with one of the local moving companies and handled most of the paperwork. When our shipment arrived we simply had to find the moving company here and give them a map on where to deliver the goods.
There may have been other steps handled by my wife or her company, but it seemed fairly straightforward. Your employer and/or moving company should give adequate instructions.
Be aware that they may quarantine and return later anything that they think needs to be reviewed for content, like DVD's, VHS tapes, books, CDs etc. It seems our labeling of boxes helped them in this effort and so some of our DVDs that were in the labeled boxes arrived after quarantine while others that were just haphazardly packed were delivered on the first shipment.
http://www.xanga.com/BBetz
thanks for the info. We will be sending a shipment from China and then later another from Houston. Any idea what documents are required for shipping to and receiving in Doha?
Hey fitri,
We moved here Oct 2004 from Dallas and it took roughly 60 days for our furniture and household goods to arrive.
I'm not sure about your second question. As far as I know the shipment made its way to us shortly after it arrived and had cleared customs, so we never stored it. I suppose it would have been nice to send it 2 months in advance of our arrival though.
Follow up the to previous ... any idea the transit time for a container from Houston to Doha? How about the advisability of storing shipments in Doha - security an issue?
Thanks.