Relocating to Indonesia
Many expats in Indonesia prefer to settle in the busy metropolis of Jakarta, while others may opt for remote mining areas. And others seek a more relaxed lifestyle on popular islands like Bali. Whatever the case, your destination will depend on your desired lifestyle, family obligations and professional commitments.
To streamline the process, start by listing tasks that need to be considered before relocating to Indonesia.
This list includes the following:
- A visit to the doctor to discuss medical requirements
- Checking passports
- Renting or selling your home
- Getting international insurance
- Determining if you want your furniture be shipped to Indonesia, stored, sold or donated?
Hiring a moving company
When it comes to shipping your belongings to Indonesia, go with a professional moving company in Indonesia, preferably one with a good reputation. Most large companies can provide door-to-door delivery. Others can provide on-site storage facilities.
Most of the time, movers provide packing material and can inform about and assist you with customs regulations.
In order to find a reliable moving company to meet your needs, check out reviews on the internet, or ask for advice on forums and from expats already in Indonesia, where possible. Members of our Indonesia forum will be happy to assist you. Prices will vary depending on the
company or the scope of services. You will need to provide details such as the volume and weight to be transported, the desired mode of transportation, and the origin and destination addresses. Most companies provide a free estimate, which will allow you to prepare for your move with peace of mind.
Requirements for shipping your belongings to Indonesia
All shipments are physically inspected by Customs at the airport or port. By choosing a reliable moving company, you will have all the necessary documents to make the process seamless. For air shipments, it takes an average of 5 to 8 business days to receive clearance, compared to 10 to 12 business days for maritime shipments.
When moving to Indonesia, foreigners must submit the following documents for customs clearance:
- Work permit (IMTA), valid for at least 12 months, or a copy of the electronic residence permit (ITAS), which must be obtained within 14 days of arrival
- Passport, showing arrival and residence stamps
- A copy of the boarding pass
- Bill of lading
- Inventory list of belongings
Each family is entitled to a single shipment by air and sea. Items sent must arrive within three months of moving to Indonesia, as duties and taxes will be applied beyond that time. All items must have been in use for at least one year, so any new or prohibited items will incur customs fees. You can find out more about these fees through the Indonesian customs portal.
Getting your belongings insured before moving to Indonesia
During an international relocation, accidents and breakage can occur. It is therefore important to take out insurance to cover your belongings in case of an accident, mishandling, or other damage that may occur during transport.
Make sure that the insurance policy you choose covers the period during which your belongings will be in storage in Indonesia, and be prepared to take out an extension or additional insurance for optimal protection of your belongings.
It is equally important to prepare a inventory detailing the value of all your household items. To do this, evaluate your belongings based on their approximate value in your destination country. You can also take pictures of your belongings for your own reference, especially if they are very old or valuable.
Useful links:
FEDEMAC - Federation of European Movers
