How to Ship Your Belongings to Cambodia
Moving to Cambodia and need to ship your stuff? Whether it's a few boxes or an entire household, here's how to get your belongings to Cambodia without surprises at customs.
How do I Ship Your Belongings to Cambodia?
Sea freight: cheapest for large shipments ($800-2,500 for 1-5 CBM, 4-8 weeks). Air freight: fast but expensive ($5-15/kg, 3-7 days). DHL/FedEx: best for small packages ($50-200). Customs duty: 7-35% depending on items. Use a customs broker for large shipments.
Decide what to ship and what to buy locally
Electronics, sentimental items, and specialty gear are worth shipping. Furniture, clothing, and kitchen items are cheap in Cambodia — often not worth the shipping cost. Make a detailed inventory list with estimated values.
💡 Rule of thumb: if it costs less than $200 to replace locally, don't ship it.
Choose your shipping method
Sea freight (LCL or FCL): cheapest per kg, 4-8 weeks transit. Air freight: 3-7 days, good for medium boxes. Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS): fastest, best for small/valuable items. Excess baggage: cheapest for 1-3 boxes if flying to Cambodia anyway.
Pack properly and create an inventory
Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap for electronics, and moisture-proof bags (important for sea freight in tropical humidity). Create a detailed packing list with item descriptions and values in USD — customs requires this.
💡 Take photos of everything you pack. Useful for insurance claims and customs verification.
Ship and track your cargo
Book through a freight forwarder (recommended) or directly with a shipping line. Get a Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air). Track your shipment online. Most freight forwarders handle door-to-port or door-to-door.
Clear customs in Cambodia
Personal belongings are subject to customs inspection. Duties range from 7-35% depending on item category. Used personal items may qualify for reduced rates. A customs broker ($50-150) handles all paperwork and significantly speeds up the process.
💡 Declare everything honestly — Cambodia customs does inspect shipments. Undeclared items may be confiscated or attract heavy penalties.
Arrange local delivery
From Sihanoukville port (sea freight) or Phnom Penh airport (air freight) to your home. Your customs broker or freight forwarder can arrange trucking. Phnom Penh delivery from port: $100-300 depending on volume.
💰 Costs
| Sea freight (1-3 CBM, LCL) | $800-1,500 |
| Sea freight (5+ CBM, LCL) | $1,500-3,000 |
| Air freight (per kg) | $5-15 |
| DHL/FedEx parcel (5-30 kg) | $50-300 |
| Customs duty | 7-35% of declared value |
| Customs broker fee | $50-150 |
| Local delivery from port/airport | $100-300 |
💡 Tips
- • Get multiple quotes — freight prices vary 30-50% between companies.
- • Ship electronics in carry-on luggage when possible to avoid customs duty.
- • Medications need a doctor's prescription to clear customs — bring the original.
- • Avoid shipping alcohol — high duty rates (35%+) and strict limits on quantity.
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