Moving to Doha from California, US
Hello everyone,
I have got a job offer and moving to Doha from California next month.
I want to send 2 bagagges that are about total of 50 kgs (110 lbs) by Airline cargo/Freight company.
Did some research (including this forum) but I still don't know what to do...
Since there are no direct flights from her to Doha, I couldn't find the right Airline for cargo service.
Should I just re-pack the baggages into boxes and send it through USPS?
Really having a hard time... :(
Any recommendations?
Thank you so much for you answers in advance. :D
Yes do re-evaluate if you need to bring all the stuff?
-----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS
I flew from Houston to Doha direct on Qatar Airways. I had two large bags. Both weighed in at 30kg. I had to pay an additional $100. That wasn't too bad. I think I over packed though...
BYCE has prided itself on providing the best service practices on imports to/from Qatar for Sea freight, Air freight and Land transport.
Contact:
Doan Hoang,
Bin Yousef Cargo Express W.L.L,
Al Emadi Center, P.O Box 2295,
Opp. Doha Int’l Cargo Terminal,
Doha – QATAR.
Fax : +974 4678357
Tel : +974 4074777 / +974 4074727
Mob : +974 3067587
www.bycargo.com
I really appreciate all your replies!
Helped me a lot!!! :D
Have you thought about re-evaluating the goods you want to send and see if you actually need these items?
I'm sure QLers would be helpful in letting you know whether these are items are ones that you could actually leave behind and then purchase them here, if necessary.
When we moved here from CA, we just packed some extra bags and paid the excess baggage charge. For only 50 kilos, it's worth it just to drag an extra 2 bags with you. I'm not sure how you are flying here, but I think the BA/AA flight via London seems to be the cheapest around lately.
Also, ask your employer what to do. You will find that most Americans get their stuff shipped here by their employer. We didn't, and I think that says a lot about what kind of employer you have actually. If they don't help you move, you can't expect too much help from them when you get here. Good luck with your move!
Another option is 'unaccompanied baggage', which is more expensive than freight but cheaper than excess baggage.
Once you know which airline you're coming on, contact them for more info.
When I moved to doha 3 months back from Dudai... I booked apprx. 65 KG in airline cargo (gulf air)which cost me around USD 200/- including clrearing charges in doha airport (cargo section).My cargo arrived a day before my arrival, so all I had to do was go to the cargo section and submit my airway bill and clear my cargo. but it took time (40 min). There are authorized clearing agents at the spot to help you do that. Wont be a problem.
However, I am not sure what happens in your case as U mentioned that there are no direct flights. BUt I wonder, doest it matter??? Please check with a travel agent in California.
Use FedEx it will only 3 days to ship your baggage from California to Doha...
have a nice trip
And for what it's worth, REI and ebags.com sell some *giant* and very durable North Face duffle bags that could be of help with your packing endeavors. I mean GIANT. They can easily hold 70+lbs per bag yet meet the luggage size restrictions. We own four of them and have gotten great usage out of them.
If you are only sending ~110 lbs of luggage then I would honestly just pack it as luggage and take it with you when you fly over. You can easily fit 50lbs into each bag unless you are sending bulky items.
Take a look at the airline websites and figure out whether it is better to pay an overweight baggage fee (bags over the weight limit) or an excess baggage fee (more bags than the limit).
It will save you a heap of time and effort in the long run. You might be able to save a *little* bit of money, but not enough to justify your time/energy.
As for flights, you can fly direct from California to either NY or D.C. and catch a direct flight to Doha on Qatar Airways from there. I just ran a "test flight" from L.A. to Doha and it showed that you would get to the East Coast via United (most likely), American or Delta.
If you purchase the entire ticket through Qatar Airways it might (probably?) be treated as one ticket - meaning that you pay one set of overweight/excess baggage fees because it is one ticket. I could be wrong on this, but it's worth checking. If you purchase via a travel agent, though, it might be considered to be two tickets. Investigate and make your choice accordingly.
Good luck!
Use fedex or DHL
Why don't just wait and see If you like this place, once you are stable with some kind of roof over your head and do have a physical address, then ship your stuff.
USPS only works in the US. Do you know anyone with a physical address in Qatar? Go ahead and ask that person permission to use the address he has.
Other wise just wait for your in-processing here in Qatar, medical check up and then have one of yours relative ship it to your new address.
They have other shippers in California that will deliver to other places world wide at a fair price, instead the US postal Service. Again, it only works in the US only.
Good luck in your choice.
USPS... my safest bet.
Good experiences with them when ordering through E-bay from the US.
As goes for transport from the US, I guess from there you can tell more than we could ever tell you.
My advice, pay a bit more.... secures proper and punctual arrival.
Good luck!