I'm looking to send a laptop to my brother in Bern, but I'm really anxious about shipping electronics internationally. I know there are risks involved, like potential damage during shipping and dealing with customs and taxes. Has anyone here successfully shipped a laptop overseas? I'd love some advice on carriers and how to navigate this process!
6 Answers
I tried shipping a laptop to Europe once and FedEx sent it back to me. Just a heads up that some carriers might not allow it, so double-check with them before you ship!
Before shipping, definitely look into ITAR regulations to avoid any issues. I used FedEx for my shipments abroad, and it worked well, but make sure you have everything in order for customs.
If it helps, maybe a train or bus trip to Germany or Austria could be an option. Switzerland is well-connected to its neighbors, and it might be worth it if the laptop is hard to find there. By the way, which model are you sending?
I wouldn’t stress too much about the laptop itself if it’s still in its original packaging. Just be prepared for any taxes and import duties. Keep in mind that shipping a laptop with a battery counts as HAZMAT, so you'll need special shipping methods. Don’t forget, if it has any encryption software or specific regional settings, there might be additional rules to consider.
Have you checked if your brother can order from online stores in Germany or other EU countries? That might save on customs and shipping costs. I’ve heard they could be more reliable than shipping from the US, especially with current trade issues. Plus, Amazon has country-specific stores that offer good deals!
Yeah, but some listings only ship within the local area, which can be frustrating!
You’ll need to send it as a special parcel because of the battery, which can get expensive, but it's doable. Just make sure to explore all your options! Also, if the keyboard layout is a concern, it might be easier to get a local variant instead.
I’m also wondering what model it is! Seems like a fun adventure.