Dubai: The cost of relocating overseas has recently become affordable for expatriates in Dubai.
With less traffic in the shipping industry removal rates are Dh5,000 cheaper compared to a year ago, according to Zia Hussain, chief executive officer of Alfa Relocations.
A big move to India that involves shipping a 20-foot container will cost Dh15,000 plus. The same shipment bound for the UK and South Africa costs over Dh20,000. Australia-bound shipments costs Dh15,000 to Dh18,000, while Philippines-bound shipment costs over Dh15,000.
At Relogulf, a 20-foot container bound to the UK and the Philippines can be anywhere between Dh16,000 and Dh22,000. For a South Africa-bound 20-foot container, the price can range from Dh15,000 to Dh20,000. The same shipment for India may cost a bit less.
Phil Davis, managing director of Relogulf, says the cost can go up if the shipment requires special handling and delivery, and also varies according to the location of the destination point.
"If you ship a grand piano or a painting, that may require special handling. If the items have to be delivered to Paris, for instance, delivery might be a bit difficult as there's bad access to apartments. And when the shipment has to be delivered in London, parking permits may be required."
He says getting the shipment insured, which is not compulsory, can also add cost. But Michael Walton, director of General Insurance at Nexus, says anyone who wants to relocate overseas needs to make sure all the goods being transported are insured against unexpected loss or damage.
He says the cost of insurance will vary but will be around one per cent of the shipment value.
"Insurance firms have developed a special policy 'relocating insurance,' designed to offer insurance options to protect your goods for any damage, loss or delay of even a single item or against an unexpected disaster that could affect all your personal possessions," he says.
"It is important to note that your home and contents insurance policy, if you have one, isn't always applicable when you are transporting your goods with a moving company, so you may need a specific policy.
In addition, your moving company does not automatically cover your goods in the move."
He also cautions while movers may agree to pay a percentage of costs in case of damage or loss, such an agreement is often ineffective unless proper insurance cover is obtained.
"Some common safety measures people who relocate adopt are 'coverage,' 'protection' or any other security label. These are not insurance policies and offer minimal refund assistance to any damage of goods."
