How do I ship my belongings to Cambodia?
The most common options are sea freight ($2,000-5,000 for a 20ft container, 4-8 weeks) and air freight ($3-8/kg, 5-10 days). Full-service relocation companies like Asian Tigers and Crown Relocations handle everything door-to-door for $3,000-12,000. Budget DIY by booking container space through a freight forwarder ($1,500-4,000).
- Sea freight: $2,000-5,000 (full container, 4-8 weeks)
- Air freight: $3-8/kg (5-10 days, best for small shipments)
- Full-service movers: $3,000-12,000 door-to-door
- Customs duties: 0-35% depending on item type + 10% VAT
- Timeline: Plan 3-4 months ahead; ship arrives 6-12 weeks after pickup
Overview
Moving to Cambodia requires careful planning about what to ship, how to ship it, and how to navigate Cambodian customs. The good news is that Cambodia has an established international moving industry, and several global relocation companies have offices in Phnom Penh. The less good news is that customs clearance can be unpredictable, and import duties on certain items (especially vehicles and electronics) can be significant.
The golden rule for moving to Cambodia: ship less than you think you need. Many household items are cheaper to buy locally than to ship. Furniture, appliances, basic electronics, and kitchenware are all readily available in Phnom Penh at reasonable prices. Focus your shipment on personal items, sentimental belongings, specialty equipment, and things that are genuinely difficult to find in Cambodia.
Rule of thumb: If it costs less than $200 to replace locally, don't ship it. Shipping costs per cubic meter ($50-150 sea, $500+ air) plus customs duties often exceed the replacement cost. Ship sentimental items, professional equipment, and specialty goods.
Shipping Methods Compared
Air freight
Best for: Urgent items, small shipments under 200 kg
Pros: Fastest option, reliable tracking, less handling damage
Cons: Most expensive, weight/size limits, no vehicles or large furniture
Sea freight (FCL — full container)
Best for: Full household moves, furniture, vehicles
Pros: Most economical for large volumes, can ship anything (including vehicles), door-to-door service available
Cons: Slowest option, requires customs clearance, potential for damage if poorly packed
Sea freight (LCL — shared container)
Best for: Medium shipments (1-5 cubic meters), not enough for a full container
Pros: Cheaper than FCL for smaller loads, no minimum volume
Cons: Slower than FCL (consolidation delays), higher per-unit cost, more handling = more damage risk
International courier (DHL, FedEx)
Best for: Documents, small packages, urgent personal items
Pros: Fastest, door-to-door, excellent tracking, customs handled by courier
Cons: Very expensive for heavy items, size limits, not practical for household goods
Postal service (EMS)
Best for: Small packages, books, clothing
Pros: Affordable for small items, available from any country
Cons: Slow, limited tracking, weight limits (typically 30 kg max), customs delays possible
Moving Companies
These companies have established operations in Cambodia and handle international relocations regularly. Get at least three quotes before deciding — prices can vary by 30-50% for the same shipment.
Asian Tigers Mobility
Services: Full relocation, door-to-door, storage
Coverage: Global
Estimate: $3,000-10,000 (household move)
Major international mover with Cambodia office. Full packing, customs clearance, and delivery. Corporate relocation specialist. Most comprehensive but most expensive option.
Crown Relocations
Services: Household moves, pet relocation, storage
Coverage: Global
Estimate: $3,000-12,000 (household move)
Premium relocation service. Dedicated move manager assigned to your shipment. Handles everything from packing to customs to unpacking. Insurance included.
Santa Fe Relocations
Services: Moves, immigration, destination services
Coverage: Asia-Pacific
Estimate: $2,500-8,000 (household move)
Strong Asia-Pacific presence. Offers immigration support alongside moving. Good for expats needing visa assistance combined with relocation.
AGS Movers Cambodia
Services: International moves, storage, office relocation
Coverage: Global
Estimate: $2,000-7,000 (household move)
French-owned global mover. Competitive rates. Good European connections. Phnom Penh office handles customs clearance directly.
DIY shipping (freight forwarder)
Services: Container booking, customs documentation
Coverage: Varies
Estimate: $1,500-4,000 (self-pack container)
Cheapest option if you pack yourself. Use a freight forwarder (Freightos, iContainers) to book container space. Hire local labor for packing/loading ($30-50/day). Requires more personal involvement.
Customs & Import Duties
Cambodia's customs duties vary by item category. Used personal effects may qualify for reduced or zero duties if you have a valid work permit and are establishing residency. A customs broker or your moving company will handle the clearance process.
| Category | Duty | VAT | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal household goods | 0-10% | 10% | Used personal items and household goods may qualify for duty-free import if you have a work permit or long-term visa. New items or commercial quantities attract higher duties. |
| Electronics (laptops, phones) | 7-15% | 10% | Personal electronics (1-2 items) usually pass customs without issue. Multiple units of the same item may be flagged as commercial. Keep receipts to prove personal use. |
| Furniture | 7-35% | 10% | Duty rates vary by material and type. Used furniture in a household shipment is typically assessed at lower rates. Antiques and high-value pieces may require appraisal. |
| Vehicles | 35-120% | 10% | Vehicle import duties are extremely high in Cambodia (based on engine size and age). In most cases, buying a vehicle locally is far cheaper than importing one. |
| Books and educational materials | 0% | 0% | Books are exempt from both duty and VAT. This includes textbooks, novels, and educational materials. Good news for those with large book collections. |
| Restricted items | N/A | N/A | Prohibited: drugs, weapons, pornography, counterfeit goods. Restricted (permit required): medicine, food/agricultural products, animals, drones. Check with customs before shipping questionable items. |
Moving Timeline
A well-planned international move to Cambodia takes 3-4 months from start to finish. Here is a recommended timeline to keep your relocation on track.
3-4 months before move
Research moving companies, get 3+ quotes. Declutter and decide what to ship vs. sell/donate. Start gathering documents (passport, visa, work permit). Notify banks, subscriptions, and services of address change.
2-3 months before move
Book moving company or container. Schedule packing dates. Begin packing non-essentials. Research Cambodia housing from abroad. Arrange temporary accommodation for arrival (1-2 weeks minimum).
1 month before move
Final declutter. Confirm shipping dates. Pack suitcases with essentials for 4-8 weeks (your shipment will arrive later). Cancel/redirect mail. Final utility readings.
Moving week
Professional packers arrive (if using a moving company). Supervise packing, note inventory. Clean residence. Final walkthrough. Keep essentials (documents, medications, valuables) in hand luggage.
On arrival in Cambodia
Move into temporary accommodation. Open bank account, get SIM card. Find permanent housing. Customs clearance for shipment (your mover or agent handles this). Receive delivery and check inventory.
Packing Tips
- Inventory everything: Create a detailed list of every item shipped, including photos. This is essential for customs clearance and insurance claims if anything is damaged or lost.
- Label clearly: Number every box and maintain a master list of contents. Mark fragile items. Label boxes by room (kitchen, bedroom, etc.) for easier unpacking.
- Protect electronics: Remove batteries. Wrap in anti-static material. Keep original boxes if possible. Electronics are most vulnerable to humidity damage — use silica gel packets.
- Climate considerations: Cambodia is hot and humid. Leather goods, wooden instruments, and certain fabrics can suffer in transit and storage. Consider climate-controlled shipping for sensitive items.
- Insurance: Always buy transit insurance. Full-value coverage costs 2-5% of declared value. Without it, you are limited to carrier liability (typically $0.50-2.00 per pound — practically nothing for valuable items).
- Essential suitcase: Pack enough in your checked luggage to live comfortably for 6-8 weeks: medications, important documents, basic clothing, laptop, phone, chargers, and toiletries. Your shipment will take longer than expected.
What to Bring vs. Buy Locally
Bring from Home
- Prescription medications (3-6 month supply plus a doctor's letter)
- Professional equipment and specialty tools
- Laptops, cameras, and specialty electronics
- Large-size clothing and shoes (Western XL+ sizes rare in Cambodia)
- Children's specialty items (specific car seats, educational materials)
- Sentimental items, family photos, books
- Specialty food items (dietary supplements, allergy-safe foods)
Buy in Cambodia
- Furniture — widely available at Aeon Mall, IKEA-style shops, and local markets
- Kitchen appliances — fans, rice cookers, blenders, and basic appliances available everywhere
- Bedding and towels — quality options at Aeon Mall and Thai Huot
- TVs and monitors — Samsung, LG, and Sony widely available
- Basic clothing — markets offer very affordable options
- Motorbike/car — always buy locally (import duties make shipping vehicles impractical)
Amazon Thailand delivers to Cambodia: Many specialty items unavailable locally can be ordered from Amazon Thailand with delivery to Phnom Penh in 1-3 weeks via a forwarding service. Several expat groups coordinate group orders to reduce shipping costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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