Comprehensive Aliyah Shipping Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Executive Summary
Shipping is expensive, so it makes sense to ship only what you need and will use in your new home in Israel. Estimate range for shipping for an Oleh family: $6,000-$14,000 (depending on family size, home size, and origin address). This comprehensive guide will help you navigate every aspect of shipping your belongings to Israel during your Aliyah process.
Planning Your Shipment: The Foundation of Success
The 50/50 Rule You Must Understand
Most shipments are 50/50 – half of the volume is large items, and the other half is the small items which ultimately will go into boxes. This critical insight means that sorting through your smaller belongings—clothing, books, dishes, toys, and personal items—is just as important as deciding whether to bring that dining room set or sofa.
The Ruthless Decluttering Process
The 12-Month Rule: If you haven’t used it in the last 12 months, you probably don’t need it anymore. This isn’t just about space—it’s about cost-effectiveness. Every cubic foot you ship costs money, so be selective.
Consider Your New Living Space: Israeli homes tend to be smaller than houses abroad and are architecturally very different in terms of layout and use of space. That perfect couch from your Toronto den might not have a suitable spot in a Jerusalem apartment.
Sentimental vs. Practical: Shipping furniture from abroad only makes sense if you know where you are going to live and have already measured to make sure everything will fit. Focus on items with genuine sentimental value or those that would be significantly more expensive to replace in Israel.
Understanding Your Aliyah Shipping Benefits
Tax-Free Import Privileges
Olim can import appliances tax-free for up to three years after Aliyah, and may bring up to three shipments of imported goods. This is a substantial benefit that can save thousands of dollars in customs duties and VAT.
Key Details:
- Olim are granted the right to bring in one of each major appliance to Israel tax-free, and additional appliances can be shipped but will be taxed
- You still pay shipping costs, marine insurance, port fees, and packing fees
- The customs authority exempts Olim from paying customs tax and VAT on specific and eligible household items and electrical appliances
Important Limitations and Requirements
Status Verification: Former A-1 temporary residents must clarify their final status with Meches (the Customs Authority) before shipping. Don’t ship before confirming your eligibility.
Documentation Requirements: To release your shipment you will need to open a file with the Customs Authority. Contact NBN at customs@nbn.org.il with your Teudat Oleh to begin this process.
Shipping Service Options: Choose What Works for You
Door-to-Door Service (Most Comprehensive)
- Full or partial packing services available
- Company picks up from your current home
- Delivers directly to your new Israeli address
- Most expensive but most convenient option
- Ideal for families with young children or busy professionals
Warehouse-to-Door Service
- You bring pre-packed goods to the shipping company’s local warehouse
- Company handles Israel delivery to your door
- Moderate cost option
- Good for those who can pack themselves but want delivery convenience
- Not available for full container shipments
Warehouse-to-Warehouse Service
- You bring packed goods to origin warehouse
- You pick up from destination warehouse in Israel
- Most economical option
- Requires you to have transportation and help on both ends
- Not available for full container shipments
Door-to-Warehouse Service
- Company picks up from your current home
- You pick up from warehouse in Israel
- Moderate cost, good compromise option
- Not available for full container shipments
Critical Timing Considerations
When to Start Planning
Contact shipping companies two-to-three months before the actual move if you are not moving in June, July, or August. If you are moving in June, July, or August, contact them before Passover.
Peak Season Challenges:
- Summer months (June-August) are extremely busy
- Limited availability for surveys and bookings
- Higher prices due to demand
- Longer lead times required
Survey Scheduling
In-home surveys are always best, but not always possible. If you live more than an hour away from the nearest metropolitan area, or if you have a small and pre-defined shipment (like one single bed and 10 medium boxes), it isn’t always needed.
When Surveys Are Essential:
- Large households with substantial furniture
- Families unsure about volume estimates
- Those living in major metropolitan areas
- Anyone shipping during peak season
Appliances: Ship or Buy in Israel?
The Reality of Appliance Benefits
Many years ago, major discounts on appliances were a much talked about Aliyah benefit offered by the government to new Olim. The catch was that the appliances needed to be Israeli made. Well, the long and the short of it is that there may be one air conditioner unit that meets the criteria, but it isn’t the benefit it once was.
Making the Ship vs. Buy Decision
Consider These Factors:
- Voltage Requirements: If you know how much space you’ll have in your new home and can get the appliances from a 220v shop, maybe yes
- Price Comparison: We’d recommend comparing prices online before you do (zap.co.il is a great place to start)
- Shipping Space: Large appliances take significant container space
- Installation: Consider local service and warranty support
Generally Recommended to Ship:
- High-end kitchen appliances (if 220v compatible)
- Specialty appliances not available in Israel
- Recently purchased, expensive items
Generally Recommended to Buy in Israel:
- Basic white goods (refrigerators, washing machines)
- Items requiring frequent service
- Bulky, low-value appliances
Special Considerations for Business Equipment
Olim and Toshavim Chozrim are entitled to import equipment for opening a business, for a period of three years after their Aliyah.
Business Import Benefits:
- Total value of all goods may not exceed $36,000
- Portable tools value may not exceed $1,650
- Equipment must be used in the Oleh’s business
- Professional documentation required
Essential Documentation and Processes
Required Documents for Customs Clearance
Primary Documents:
- Foreign passport with your Aliyah visa stamp or Israeli passport (if applicable)
- Teudat Zehut or Teudat Zakaut (for Ktinim Chozrim and Ezrachim Olim)
- Teudat Oleh (Certificate of Immigration)
- Detailed inventory list
For Former A-1 Temporary Residents:
- All original documents provided to your Shaliach (old Teudat Oleh and all passports since you left Israel as a temporary resident)
- Tamzit Rishum Murchav from Misrad Hapnim
- Transcript from Misrad Hapnim with entries and exits
Customs File Process
We recommend that you open a file regardless of if you are shipping a container at the time, or not. This will save time if you do decide to bring a shipment at a later date.
Opening Your Customs File:
- Contact NBN at customs@nbn.org.il
- Provide copy of your Teudat Oleh
- Wait for confirmation that file is open
- Keep confirmation for future shipments
Financial Planning and Hidden Costs
Understanding Total Shipping Costs
Included in Quotes:
- Packing materials and labor
- Transportation to port
- Ocean freight
- Basic marine insurance
Additional Costs You’ll Pay:
- Port fees are paid by the client and not covered by the Aliyah benefit
- Extended marine insurance (recommended)
- Customs on ineligible items
- Storage fees if delivery is delayed
- Special handling fees for fragile items
Quote Request Best Practices
Do not ask for quotes from Port or to Port. This type of quote does not include the services you need and the fees you need to pay. Always request comprehensive door-to-door or warehouse-to-door quotes that include all Israeli port fees and services.
Automotive Shipping: Generally Not Recommended
Shipping a car is rarely worth it and the procedures in Israel are painstaking. The current person (one, singular) is neither nice nor concerned about you or your car. If you do ship a car, don’t be surprised if it sits in Israel for weeks before getting the OK, even if it is OK.
Why Car Shipping Is Problematic:
- Extensive bureaucratic processes
- Expensive modification requirements for Israeli standards
- Long delays at customs
- Limited customer service from authorities
- High total cost including shipping, taxes, and modifications
Packing and Inventory Best Practices
Professional Packing vs. Self-Packing
Items Requiring Professional Packing:
- Fragile electronics and glassware
- Artwork and antiques
- Large furniture pieces
- Items with warranty concerns
Items You Can Pack Yourself:
- Clothing and textiles
- Books and documents
- Kitchen utensils and dishes
- Personal items and toys
Inventory Documentation
Create Detailed Lists:
- Room-by-room organization
- Include brand names and model numbers for electronics
- Estimate values for insurance purposes
- Take photos of valuable items
- Keep copies of all documentation
Insurance Considerations
Marine Insurance Basics
- Standard coverage is minimal
- Consider additional coverage for valuable items
- Understand exclusions (typically war, strikes, and certain weather events)
- Document existing damage before packing
Valuable Items Protocol
- Declare high-value items separately
- Consider special handling and packing
- Obtain appraisals for antiques or art
- Take detailed photos and keep receipts
Timeline and Logistics Management
Pre-Shipping Phase (8-12 weeks before departure)
- Research and contact shipping companies
- Schedule in-home surveys
- Begin decluttering process
- Start customs file paperwork
Active Shipping Phase (4-8 weeks before departure)
- Finalize shipping contracts
- Complete detailed inventory
- Begin packing process
- Confirm delivery arrangements in Israel
Post-Arrival Phase
- Coordinate delivery scheduling
- Prepare new home for delivery
- Arrange help for unpacking
- Complete customs clearance process
Red Flags and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Shipping Company Warning Signs
- Quotes significantly below market rate
- Reluctance to provide written contracts
- No physical office or warehouse
- Poor online reviews or BBB ratings
- Pressure for immediate decisions
Documentation Mistakes
- Shipping without confirmed customs file
- Inadequate inventory descriptions
- Missing required personal documents
- Failure to declare valuable items properly
Timing Errors
- Starting process too late for peak season
- Not coordinating with housing availability
- Scheduling delivery before arrival in Israel
- Underestimating customs clearance time
Getting Professional Help
When to Contact NBN Advocacy
For more info speak with Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Advocacy department for complex customs issues or when experiencing problems with Israeli authorities.
Recommended Resources
- NBN Shipping Guide updates on nbn.org.il
- Customs Authority (Meches) official website
- Israeli consumer protection organizations
- Online Aliyah forums and support groups
Conclusion
Shipping your belongings to Israel is a complex but manageable process when properly planned. The key to success lies in early planning, thorough documentation, realistic expectations about costs, and careful selection of what truly needs to make the journey with you. Remember that this is not just about moving possessions—it’s about starting your new life in Israel with the items that will help make your house feel like home.
Take advantage of your Aliyah benefits, but don’t let them drive decisions that don’t make financial sense. Sometimes the best choice is to sell items abroad and buy replacements in Israel, especially for bulky, low-value items.
Most importantly, don’t hesitate to seek help from NBN’s experienced team and other resources available to new Olim. This process is challenging, but thousands of families successfully navigate it every year, and with proper planning, you can too.