Moving to Asia from the USA

*Updated August 2025
Moving to Asia from the USA is a popular choice for Americans seeking vibrant cultures, booming economies, and unique opportunities in countries like China, Japan, and Singapore. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or adventure, SDC International Shipping offers reliable ocean and air freight forwarding services to major Asian ports. Based in California, our experienced movers and logistics experts, with over a decade of industry expertise, ensure a seamless transition for your household goods and vehicles. This comprehensive guide details SDC’s services, from packing to customs clearance, to make your move to Asia stress-free. Contact us at 877-339-0267 or fill out our online quote form to start your journey today.

Moving Household Goods to Asia

SDC International Shipping specializes in international household moving to Asia, offering both air freight and sea freight options. We handle moves of all sizes, from compact apartments to large family homes, ensuring your belongings are securely packed into 20’ or 40’ shipping containers.

Air and Sea Freight Options

Sea freight is ideal for cost-effective moves, with containers shipped from ports like Los Angeles or New York to Asian hubs like Shanghai or Tokyo. Air freight suits time-sensitive shipments, delivering essentials in 1-2 weeks. A client moving to Singapore used our hybrid air/sea service, with work equipment arriving swiftly and furniture following by sea.

Container Options

SDC offers single containers for large moves, consolidated containers for smaller shipments, and port-to-port services for flexibility. Our door-to-door service picks up from your U.S. address and delivers to your Asian home. A family moving to Japan saved costs with our consolidated container, sharing space with another client’s shipment.

Door-to-Door Service

Our door-to-door service manages all logistics, from packing in the U.S. to delivery in Asia. We coordinate with our 350+ global agents to ensure seamless transport and customs clearance, as seen in a South Korea move completed in four weeks with full unpacking support.

Packing Services for Asia

While self-packing is an option, SDC’s professional packing services ensure safety and compliance. Our trained packers use ISPM-15 certified crates, moisture-resistant wraps, and specialty cartons for fragile items like artwork, pianos, or ceramics. A client moving to Hong Kong had their sculpture collection packed with custom crates, arriving intact despite humid conditions.

Customs Regulations for Asia

Customs regulations vary across Asia. Returning citizens and visa holders (e.g., work visas in China) often import used household goods duty-free, but new items face VAT. SDC prepares detailed inventories, Japan’s Unaccompanied Baggage forms, or South Korea’s KCS paperwork, with bilingual translations. A client moving to Singapore cleared customs swiftly due to our expertise.

Storage Solutions in the USA and Asia

SDC offers climate-controlled storage facilities in the U.S. and Asia for flexible timelines. Whether you need short-term storage while finalizing housing in Thailand or long-term storage in the U.S., we ensure your goods are secure. A client moving to Malaysia stored their furniture with us until their home was ready.

Insuring Your Household Goods

Protect your belongings with SDC’s marine insurance and international moving insurance. All-risk insurance, requiring professional packing, covers damage, theft, or loss. Total loss insurance suits self-packed shipments. A client moving to Japan recovered costs for a damaged piano due to our detailed inventory and claims support.

Car and Motorcycle Shipping to Asia

SDC’s car shipping and motorcycle shipping services transport vehicles in containers with household goods, simplifying logistics. While left-hand drive cars may be less practical in countries like Japan or Thailand, motorcycles are ideal for Asian cities.

Container-Based Vehicle Shipping

SDC secures vehicles in containers with specialized equipment, ensuring protection from weather and handling. A client moving to South Korea shipped their motorcycle with furniture, arriving intact in a 20’ container.

Navigating Driving-Side Challenges

Countries like Japan and Malaysia drive on the left, which may affect car imports. SDC’s logistics team advises on practicality and compliance, ensuring vehicles meet destination standards (e.g., emissions for Malaysia). Motorcycles are often a better fit, as seen in a Thailand move.

Customs and Paperwork

SDC handles vehicle export/import paperwork, including titles and registrations, ensuring compliance with agencies like Japan Customs Service. Our detailed inventories streamline clearance, as demonstrated by a client’s seamless car shipment to Hong Kong.

Cost Factors for Moving to Asia

The cost of moving to Asia varies based on shipment size, origin (e.g., Long Beach vs. New Jersey), destination, shipping method, and services like packing or storage. SDC provides personalized quotes tailored to your needs, ensuring transparency.

Key Cost Variables

Factors include shipment volume, distance, air vs. sea freight, and customs duties. Consolidated containers save costs for smaller moves. A client moving to Taiwan reduced expenses with our consolidated option.

Personalized Quotes

Contact our logistics specialists or fill out our online quote form for a customized estimate. Our in-home or virtual surveys ensure accuracy, as seen in a China move planned with precision.

Shipping Timelines to Asia

Transit times to Asia depend on origin, destination, and shipping method. Sea freight from the West Coast to Southeast Asia takes 5-7 weeks, while East Coast shipments may take 6-8 weeks. Air freight delivers in 1-2 weeks.

Factors Affecting Timelines

Land transport, port congestion, and customs clearance (e.g., Singapore’s GST processing) can extend timelines. SDC coordinates with agents to minimize delays, ensuring prompt delivery. A client moving to Japan received their goods in four weeks due to our efficient planning.

Real-Time Updates

SDC provides real-time shipment updates, keeping you informed from pick-up to delivery. Our proactive communication ensured a South Korea client stayed updated throughout their move.

U.S. Ports for Asia Shipping

SDC ships from major U.S. ports, ensuring efficient routes to Asia. Our West and East Coast terminals offer flexibility for your move.

West Coast Ports

We ship from Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Hueneme, and Tacoma. These ports offer direct routes to Asian hubs like Tokyo and Singapore.

East Coast Ports

Our East Coast terminals include Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Miami, Everglades, Palm Beach, Savannah, and Charleston. These ports ensure efficient shipping to Asia, with Miami ideal for Southeast Asia routes.

Top Asian Destinations for American Expats

Asia’s diverse cultures, thriving economies, and stunning landscapes attract U.S. expats to countries like China, Japan, and Singapore. SDC’s expertise ensures seamless moves to these destinations.

China

China’s economic growth and cities like Shanghai attract professionals. SDC navigates CCAA customs, ensuring duty-free imports for visa holders.

Japan

Japan’s blend of tradition and modernity draws expats to Tokyo and Kyoto. SDC’s bilingual team handles Japan Customs Service requirements with ease.

Singapore and Hong Kong

Hong Kong and South Korea offer vibrant expat communities. SDC ensures compliance with GST and KCS regulations for smooth moves.

Malaysia and Thailand

Malaysia and Thailand attract retirees and professionals with affordable living. SDC’s storage and packing services support flexible relocations.

Taiwan

Taiwan offers a tech-savvy expat hub. SDC’s door-to-door service ensures efficient delivery to Taipei.

13 Fascinating Facts About Asia

Discover Asia’s rich culture and diversity with these updated facts, perfect for expats preparing for their move:

Kyoto’s Temple Heritage

Kyoto, Japan, boasts over 1,600 temples, blending history with modern life, attracting expats to its cultural heart.

Hong Kong’s Name

“Hong Kong” translates to “Fragrant Harbor,” reflecting its bustling port history, a hub for expat professionals.

China’s Chopstick Production

China produces over 40 billion chopsticks annually, supporting its massive population and culinary culture.

South Korea’s Singles’ Day

South Korea celebrates Black Day for singles, a unique cultural event complementing Valentine’s Day festivities.

Indonesia’s Volcanic Landscape

Indonesia, with over 150 active volcanoes, offers stunning landscapes for adventurous expats.

Japan’s Nobel Laureates

Japan has produced 22 Nobel Laureates, reflecting its innovation, a draw for academics relocating to Asia.

Indonesia’s Population

Indonesia ranks as the world’s fourth most populous country, with vibrant expat communities in Jakarta and Bali.

Asia’s Billionaires

Asia leads globally with over 1,000 billionaires (2024 data), driving economic opportunities for expats.

Asia’s Population

Asia hosts 60% of the world’s population, approximately 4.7 billion people, creating diverse expat hubs.

Buddhist Communities

Over 500 million Buddhists live in Asia, shaping cultural practices in countries like Thailand and Taiwan.

Rice Consumption

Asia consumes 90% of the world’s rice, a dietary staple influencing expat lifestyles.

Lactose Intolerance

Up to 90% of East and South Asians are lactose intolerant, impacting expat dining adjustments.

Alcohol Metabolism

About 50% of Asians lack a liver enzyme to metabolize alcohol, a consideration for expat social scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shipping to Asia take? Sea freight takes 5-8 weeks, air freight 1-2 weeks, depending on origin and destination.

What affects moving costs? Costs depend on shipment size, destination, shipping method, and services like packing or storage.

Can SDC ship my pet? SDC does not offer pet shipping but can recommend trusted pet relocation specialists.

What items are restricted? Food, plants, alcohol, and firearms face restrictions. SDC provides destination-specific lists to avoid issues.