Last Updated on November 8, 2021
Shipping costs to Israel. Get an estimate for your Aliyah or relocation shipment.
Hebrew: מחיר ההובלה – הובלות לישראל
Immigration to Israel – Aliyah
Israel is not an immigration country and immigration to Israel mostly occurs via the Aliyah process, a process available to persons eligible under The Law of Return with Jewish roots. Citizenship request falls under the discretion of the Ministry of the Interior (Misrad HaPnim). The Ministry of the Interior may also grant citizenship to persons who benefit the country in some way.
There is a growing expat community of foreign workers in Israel; Filipinos, Sri-Lankens, Chinese, Japanese and many other internationals who come to study or work in Israel. Whatever your reason for moving to Israel you will probably be shipping some or all of your possessions. Shipping costs are high so don’t send something just because you have it.
Planning your Aliyah Shipment
Once you begin getting the wheels into motion and start making arrangements for your lifestyle change, potentially the most stressful thing apart from stepping on the plane, is shipping your possessions overseas. It is recommended to plan your aliyah shipment at least 90 days prior to your Aliyah or relocation date.
Downsizing before Aliyah or Relocation
Mostly apartments in Israel are smaller than in your country of origin and most apartments have very limited storage space. Click here for a typical floor plan and measurements of an Israeli apartment.
Start by sorting your possessions into 4 groups and determine what is…
- to keep
- to trash
- to donate
- not sure
Get a Shipping Estimate
- Contact the shippers for a very rough description-based estimate. This will give you an idea of how much items will cost to ship, based on their volume. If you can buy an item in Israel for less than it costs to ship, don’t ship it.
- Get a free visual survey and estimate – you pay for the volume of your shipment.
- When comparing written estimates, read the entire estimate. Many companies, not based in Israel, will not include Terminal Handling Charges (Destination Port Charges) in the “Door-to-door” total. “Door-to-port” or “Port-to-port” estimates almost never include them, even though you will need to pay these fees (even when shipping for aliyah!)
- International shipping is very competitive, compare estimates carefully, discuss them with the shippers, and they will be able to explain the differences. It could be that one estimate is actually less than the other, it could be that one estimate is more inclusive of costs which you will need to pay. You don’t want to be faced with any surprises.
Customs Clearance
If you are shipping a Full Container Load you are only allowed 4 days free storage and demurrage before expensive daily charges start to accrue. This means the customs clearing process must begin as soon as the ship arrives. Shipping documents must be available before the ship arrives. You must also be able to accept delivery on one day’s notice – the day following customs clearance. If this is not possible, advise your Aliyah shipping specialist before pick-up. It may make sense to ship as an LCL (less than container load) if you need storage.
References & Recommendations
Get references and recommendations not only from the shipping company, but also ask others that have shipped to Israel for Aliyah.
Aliyah and Relocation with a Pet
If you are planning to bring your pooch, a furry friend or other pet to Israel, please consult with your airlines for rules, regulations and costs. You can also check with your shipping company if they provide such a service and what the additional costs will be.
