Moving to Turkey from the USA

Turkey is a highly sought-after destination for expats. If you’re planning to move from the USA to Turkey, entrusting your possessions to a reliable international household mover is crucial.

At SDC International Shipping, we make your move hassle-free. Begin by obtaining a free quote through our user-friendly online platform. Once you decide to work with us, our team will visit your home to conduct a comprehensive survey of your household items and determine their volume accurately. We go the extra mile by offering professional packing services to safeguard your belongings throughout the long journey. Fragile or precious items receive special attention, ensuring meticulous wrapping and packing.

Shipping Container Options for 1-2 Bedrooms

For those moving from a one-bedroom or studio apartment, our 20ft container is the perfect solution. This spacious container can easily accommodate a 70m2 apartment, including kitchen cupboards, appliances, living room/bedroom furniture, and even items from your garage like bicycles or motorcycles. Depending on the size of your dwelling, a two-bedroom apartment may also fit comfortably within the dimensions of a 20-foot container.

Shipping 2-4 Bedroom Container

If you’re preparing to move from the USA to Turkey and have a two or three-bedroom apartment, you’ll require a spacious container to accommodate your belongings. In this case, our 40ft container is the ideal choice, offering ample room for your household items. With a capacity of 100m2, it provides sufficient space for your furniture, kitchen appliances, living room essentials, and even items from your garage. Additionally, you can conveniently place one car inside the 40ft container along with your household items. Rest assured, even a four-bedroom apartment’s furniture, including large appliances like washing machines, ovens, bath fixtures, and even a piano, can be accommodated comfortably.

It’s important to note that while the 40ft container is relatively large, it’s advisable to aim for a standard fill-up of 90% of its 2,390 cubic feet capacity. This ensures proper packing and safeguarding of your possessions.

To ensure a hassle-free moving experience, you can opt for our professional packing team. They possess the expertise to handle bulky, awkward, and fragile items, ensuring their safe and secure transportation.

---

Shipping Priorities for Household Goods

When preparing to move from the USA to Turkey, it’s crucial to consider the specificities of the country while deciding which items to take and leave behind.

Let’s start with your home. Apartments in Turkey come in varying sizes, with some being quite spacious while others are more compact. Therefore, when it comes to moving furniture, it’s important to consider the size of your future home and bring items that will fit perfectly.

If you’re an avid reader, shipping your library should be a priority. Finding English books in bookstores in Turkey can be challenging, and online purchases from platforms like Amazon often come with lengthy delivery times. To avoid this inconvenience, we recommend stocking up on books and including them in your shipment.

Turkey offers a wide range of shops where you can find almost anything you need, including clothing, underwear, bedding, bedroom furniture, dining sets, and cooking utensils. You might wonder why you should bother bringing these items from the USA. The truth is, the quality may not be the same in Turkey, so bringing your preferred items can ensure your comfort and satisfaction.

When we pack and load your belongings, we take meticulous care. We will prepare a comprehensive inventory list that includes all the items you plan to move. Each item will have a detailed description to meet the requirements of Turkish Customs, and any electronics will have their serial numbers recorded. This comprehensive valued inventory will also be translated into Turkish for smooth customs clearance.

---

Transit Delivery Time to Turkey 

The transit delivery time to Turkey depends on several factors, including the shipping origin, destination, and additional services you book from SDC International Shipping. These factors also play a role in determining the shipping cost.

When deciding how to send your consignment, it’s essential to consider the urgency of the delivery. If cost savings are a priority and you can afford a longer transit time, opting for slower transportation methods like ocean or sea freight is a viable choice. This option typically takes around 40 days for delivery to Turkey. On the other hand, if time is of the essence, air freight provides a faster alternative, with delivery to Turkey taking approximately 2-5 days.

Once your shipment is sent, you will receive a Bill of Lading that includes an estimated delivery time. This document serves as a receipt and contract of carriage, providing you with essential information about your shipment and its expected arrival.

---

Pros of Ocean Freight 

Ocean freight offers several advantages, making it a preferred choice for many clients. One of its main benefits is affordability and efficiency. Compared to air freight, ocean freight costs approximately five times less, making it a cost-effective option, especially for clients with oversized and heavy cargo. This mode of shipment is commonly used for transporting vehicles, equipment, construction materials, and even household items.

Pros of Air Freight 

Air freight stands out as the fastest shipment method, offering rapid delivery to almost any major city worldwide. While it may be more expensive than ocean freight, some consider it a cost-efficient option due to potential savings on insurance expenses. Since air freight typically takes only 2-3 days for delivery, insurance payments are lower, as cargos are less susceptible to perils compared to those transported via ocean freight.

Air freight is particularly suitable for fragile items, as it requires less extensive packing compared to ocean freight. If the total weight of your shipped items doesn’t exceed 100 kg (approximately 220.46 pounds), air freight can be relatively affordable. However, for larger shipments, the cost can be significantly higher. Therefore, if time is not a constraint, we recommend opting for ocean freight for its cost-effectiveness.

---

Shipping Artwork to Turkey 

If you need to ship artwork items, such as paintings, sculptures, or others, you can trust us to move valuable items safely and economically. We are experts in overseas artwork shipping. We know how to pack and crate precious assets. 

We can handle all kinds of artwork, including: 

• Oil paintings;
• Ceramic, glass, polychrome, stone, plaster, and metal sculptures; 
• Ethnographic objects and materials;
• Paper, book, leather, and other textiles and fibers.

Also, for those looking to ship a piano, we can arrange that as well. But, again, our team knows exactly what they are doing, so you can rest assured that your fine art will get to the destination damage-free.

---

Buying Protection Insurance 

When you choose SDC International Shipping for your removal service, you have the option to add international insurance coverage to protect your items. We take great care to ensure that all your belongings are eligible for import in Turkey and are properly packed, so you can have peace of mind knowing that the insurance will reimburse you for any lost or damaged items.

Certain items may qualify for additional coverage, particularly precious personal effects such as artwork or antique items. You can discuss these details with our knowledgeable logistics agent who can provide information on the available insurance packages and associated costs.

---

Moving a Vehicle to Turkey

Bringing your car or vehicle with you when moving from the USA to Turkey can be a convenient option for getting around in your new location. However, the process of shipping a vehicle to Turkey can be complex and confusing. The specific rules and requirements will vary depending on your status in Turkey:

1. Moving for Work: If you are moving to Turkey for work, you’ll need to obtain an Alien Vehicle Temporary Entry Card from the Turkish Touring and Automobile Union. To apply for this card, you will typically need to submit the following documents:

   • Residence permit
   • Work permit
   • Valid passport and its duplicate
   • Valid driving license and its copy
   • Ownership certificate for the vehicle
   • Proof of insurance acceptable in Turkey

2. Returning Citizen for Retirement: If you are a returning citizen to Turkey for retirement, you will need to present a document that indicates the amount of your pension along with the other required documents mentioned above.

3. International Student: International students planning to bring their vehicle to Turkey should provide a certificate from their institution along with the other necessary documents mentioned earlier.

Once you have obtained the Alien Vehicle Temporary Entry Card, you will need to pay the customs fee and register your vehicle at the Turkish Traffic Department.

---

Shipping Methods for Your Car or Vehicle

When it comes to shipping your car, motorcycle, truck, boat, or specialty vehicle, we offer three shipment methods to choose from:

1. Container: With this method, we will securely place your vehicle inside an individual container. This provides maximum protection and ensures that your vehicle is isolated from other shipments.

2. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Using the RoRo method, your vehicle will be driven onto the vessel along with many other cars.

3. CONSOL (Consolidation): The CONSOL method involves shipping your vehicle with other cars in one container. This is another affordable option for transporting different types of automobiles.

At SDC International Shipping, we offer a comprehensive car and vehicle moving service to any destination in Turkey. Our experienced team will assist you in ensuring that all the necessary documents are in order and will take measures to protect your cargo from any potential obstacles that may impede its shipment.

---

Other Things to Check for Before Moving to Turkey 

To ensure a smooth transition when moving to Turkey from the USA, it’s important to pay attention to the following checklist:

1. Temporary Entrance Card for Your Vehicle: If you obtain a temporary entrance card for your car, please note that it implies that the vehicle will stay in the country temporarily for up to two years.

2. Duty and Taxes: Items that you have owned for a minimum of six months are generally free from duty and taxes. However, if you are shipping new items, they should be listed separately, as taxes may apply to new goods.

3. Timing for Household Goods: It is recommended that your household goods arrive within two months before your arrival or up to six months after you enter the country.

4. Presence During Shipment Clearance: It is important for you to be present during the shipment clearance process from Customs.

5. Vehicle Restrictions: Certain restrictions may apply to vehicles over three years old, so it is essential to be aware of these regulations.

6. Vehicle Clearance in Container Shipments: If you are shipping a vehicle in a container along with your household goods, the vehicle must be cleared first upon arrival.

7. Minibus Import Restrictions: Importing minibusses is not allowed in Turkey.

8. Pet Requirements: If you plan to bring your pet, it must undergo a health examination and have a health certificate with proof of required vaccinations. Additionally, a pet passport may be necessary.

9. Medications: Avoid putting non-prescribed drugs in a container. It is advisable to pack them in your carry-on luggage and have a doctor’s prescription with you.

10. Recommended Immunizations: Before your trip, it is recommended to visit www.cdc.gov for information on any recommended immunizations.

By keeping these points in mind and following the necessary steps, you can ensure a smoother move to Turkey and enjoy your new journey with peace of mind.

 

---

Moving to Turkey from the USA with SDC International

At SDC International Shipping, we recognize that each customer has unique requirements and circumstances. That’s why we pride ourselves on offering personalized solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our dedicated customer service team will work closely with you to develop custom shipping options that align with your preferences.

If affordability is a priority for you, we can provide the best offers by considering various factors, including packing services, transport modes, and delivery options. Our goal is to ensure that your shipment is handled efficiently and cost-effectively, while still meeting your expectations.

To kick off the shipping process, simply fill out our quote form. Alternatively, you can give us a call, and our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you in planning your move. We are here to make your transition to Turkey as smooth and seamless as possible.