Sending Your Luggage Overseas
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Takumo Lite supports international forwarding from Japan to over 120 countries. This article covers what you need to know about sending your luggage home or to your next destination abroad.
Which Countries Can I Send To
● Asia-Pacific: Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Australia, New Zealand
● Americas: USA, Canada
● Europe: UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, and most EU countries
● Rest of world: 120+ countries via Japan Post EMS, 220+ via DHL Express
Which Carrier Should I Choose
Your Destination | Best Carrier |
Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore | Yamato TA-Q-BIN International |
China, Malaysia, Thailand | Yamato TA-Q-BIN International or EMS |
Australia, USA, Canada | Yamato TA-Q-BIN International or DHL Express |
Europe | DHL Express |
Anywhere — light items | Japan Post EMS |
Anywhere — fastest delivery | DHL Express |
Customs and What You Need to Declare
For international shipments you will be asked to provide:
● A description of what is inside your luggage — e.g. 'used personal clothing and shoes'
● The approximate value of the contents in Japanese Yen
Hotel staff will help you complete this information at handover. Be honest about the contents and value — inaccurate declarations can cause your luggage to be held at customs, incur additional fees, or be returned.
ℹ NOTE Personal belongings you are taking home with you — clothing, shoes, toiletries — are generally treated as personal effects and attract minimal or no customs duty. Items you purchased as gifts may be subject to duty at the destination. Check your destination country's rules if you are unsure. |
Size and Weight Limits
Carrier | Maximum Size | Maximum Weight |
Yamato TA-Q-BIN International | 160 size band (160cm total) | 25kg |
Japan Post EMS | 300cm total | 30kg |
DHL Express | Varies by destination | 70kg per piece |
How Long Does International Delivery Take
See the Delivery Timeframes section in the Tracking Your Luggage article for a complete breakdown by region and carrier.
Will I Be Charged Customs Duties
This depends on your destination country's rules and the value and nature of the items. Personal effects that you are bringing home are generally exempt or attract minimal duty. Gifts or new purchased items may be assessed for duty by customs at the destination.
Any customs duties are the responsibility of the recipient. Takumo and the hotel cannot predict or control customs charges at the destination country.