- Download our Moving to Adelaide Guide (PDF)
If you’re considering shipping items to Adelaide, you’ll first need to decide what to bring along on your move Down Under and whether it’s worth the cost. Shipping can become expensive quickly, but Adelaide offers plenty of opportunities to purchase items once you arrive, so think carefully about what’s essential to bring with you.
Shipping household goods to Adelaide
When shipping household goods to Adelaide, you’ll need to consider the cost and efficiency of different shipping options. Sending fewer than 20 boxes via commercial shipping is often not worth the expense. Private companies are generally more costly than local post offices, so it’s important to weigh your options and research thoroughly. Reliable courier services like Australia Post, DHL, and FedEx can provide competitive rates, especially for smaller packages.
When shipping to Adelaide, you’ll need to weigh the costs and timeframes of airfreight versus sea freight. Airfreight is significantly faster, typically taking just 2 to 3 days to reach Adelaide from most international locations. However, it comes at a high price, often five times more than sea freight.
While much more affordable, sea freight can take several weeks to arrive. If you’re shipping household items, sea freight is usually the most economical option, especially if you can wait for delivery.
Read more about Shipping and Removals to Australia, or find Relocation Companies in Australia to do it all for you.
Shipping pets to Adelaide
Shipping pets to Adelaide involves paying attention to Australia’s strict biosecurity regulations, which are in place to protect the country’s unique environment and agriculture. Before your pet can make the journey, they’ll need to be microchipped with an ISO-compatible chip and have the appropriate vaccinations.
Your pets will also need a valid import permit and a veterinary health certificate signed by an official veterinarian. The certificate must confirm that your pet is vaccinated and free from parasites.
Once in Australia, they’ll undergo a mandatory quarantine period of at least 10 days at the Mickleham Quarantine Facility in Melbourne, with the duration depending on the country of origin and their health status. Depending on the country you’re coming from, you might also need to provide a rabies titer test and ensure your pet stays in the exporting country for at least 180 days before export.
For detailed information on the latest pet import regulations, be sure to check out the full guide to Moving Pets to Australia.
Further reading
►Shipping and Removals in Australia has more info on the practical aspects of relocating
►For tips on finding housing, see Accommodation in Adelaide.
Are you an expat living in Adelaide?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Adelaide. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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