Shipping personal belongings to Turkey is generally straightforward if you are importing as part of a relocation, but customs duties can catch the unprepared off guard.
Duty-Free Household Import
If you are relocating your primary residence to Turkey, you can import used household goods duty-free. Key requirements: goods must be owned and used for at least 6 months before import; you must have a valid residence permit; and you must not sell the goods within 1 year of import.
Recommended International Movers
Several international removal companies have Istanbul experience: Crown Relocations, Santa Fe Relocation, and Gosselin Mobility all have Turkish offices or partnerships. Get three quotes and ask specifically about their customs clearance experience in Turkey.
What to Bring vs What to Buy Locally
Worth shipping: books, sentimental items, high-quality kitchen equipment, specific brand electronics not available in Turkey.
Buy locally: white goods (Arçelik and Beko are excellent and cheap in Turkey), IKEA furniture, basic kitchen and bathroom items.
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