FAQs
Moving from Overseas to Japan
- Do I have to get any documents before arrival?
- Please collect two copies of the Japan Customs Declaration Form on the plane or at the baggage claim area. Be sure to check the "Separately Sent" box. When you submit this form at customs, you will receive one copy back. This will be used by us to collect your unaccompanied baggage.
- How much is the duty-free allowance on entering Japan?
- For a detailed breakdown of duty-free allowances on alcohol, tobacco and perfume, please see our Customs Information page.
*For the Ministry of Finance Customs and Tariff Bureau customs information page, please click here→(Move to another site) (Please let us know if the link is broken)
- How many days are required for the customs clearance?
- The Customs clearance itself takes one day, but including the time required for preparation, it takes 3 to 4 days from the time of arrival of air shipments, and 1 week to 10 days from the time of arrival of sea shipments.
- Can I use electric appliances from my home country in Japan?
- The voltage in Japan is 100V, using American-style 2-prong plugs. 3-prong plugs will require an adapter. Most American (110V, 60Hz) devices will work fine in Japan, although for sensitive devices, a transformer is recommended.
Electricity in the Eastern part of Japan (Tokyo and north or east of it) is at 50Hz, which means that American devices relying on the frequency for their timing, such as quartz clocks, will not operate correctly. Western Japan (Osaka, Kobe, Fukuoka, Okinawa) runs at 60Hz, like the USA.
European devices designed to run at 220-240V will not work. You will need a transformer to convert the voltage.
- Am I allowed to bring food into Japan?
- You cannot bring most fresh items into Japan as part of an air or sea shipment. Meat, fruit, vegetables, plants and dairy products are not permitted. Other food items may be brought in as long as they are in sealed or vacuum-packed.
Moving from Japan to Overseas
- What documents do you need from me to export my household goods?
- In order to get clearance from Japan Customs for household goods, we require a copy of the shipper's passport (other family members' passports are not needed), and a copy of an air ticket showing the shipper's itinerary from Japan to the final destination. Please inquire us regarding the required import documents, as they depend on the destination country.
- I don't have a permanent address abroad yet.Can you delay my shipment until I have found a place?
- Yes, we can arrange to hold your household goods in our warehouse until you are ready to receive them. In most cases, we will send only the daily necessities by air, and other larger household items to arrive 2 – 3 months after you have settled into your new home. Please consult us for scheduling.
- I've never heard of your overseas partner.Are they reliable?
- Our partners in each country are selected after a rigorous screening process, with the primary requirement being that they understand the standards and quality of moving in Japan.
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