Shipping times and costs from China to Qatar

Shipping from
China
Shipping to
Qatar
Shipping times
1 - 3 Days by air
12 - 17 Days by sea

1 Bedroom flat

Shipping costs by air £4,919 - £5,439
Shipping costs by sea £2,583 - £2,856

3 Bedroom house

Shipping costs by air N/A
Shipping costs by sea £3,973 - £4,393

5 Bedroom house

Shipping costs by air N/A
Shipping costs by sea £5,960 - £6,590

The cost of shipping is all dependent upon how much you need to ship, and how far. Read up on all you need to know about international shipping to your chosen country.

Please note: the prices listed here are meant as an estimate only. The best way to get a comprehensive, tailored quote is to fill out our form and be matched with a supplier.

Shipping Container Costs to Qatar

Qatar is very sandy and extremely rich, regularly ranked as the richest country in the world (in terms of GDP per capita). The small nation sits on the western coast of the Persian Gulf, home to around 2.7 million people who nearly all live in urban areas. Temperatures can get seriously hot in the summer (sometimes 50°C+) and the vast majority of the country is desert. The capital city is Doha, a super clean and modern city that’s always expanding and full of things to do. Locals can shop at world-class malls, sail on dhows (wooden boats) and take long strolls along the gorgeous Corniche promenade. What’s more, Hamad International is one of the best-connected airports in the world. If you want a break from all the sand, the Mangroves of Al Thakira is a rare oasis in the northeast of Qatar. Oh, and there’s no income tax.

Different shipping options

If you need to ship your belongings over to Qatar, there are two main options to choose between; air freight and sea freight. For fast delivery, air freight is best. Cargo planes will typically take between 2-3 days to reach Qatar from anywhere in the world, so it’s very helpful if you’re moving in a hurry. Air freight is also very expensive, but fortunately there is a cheaper alternative available. Sea freight generally costs around five times less than air freight, so it’s a much more affordable option for international movers. Container ships are slower than cargo planes, but plan your move well in advance and this won’t be a problem. If you do go for sea freight, your belongings will be shipped in either a 20ft or a 40ft container. There’s no obligation to fill a whole container; if the total volume of your cargo is no more than about 15 cubic metres, you will share the use of a container with other people. This is a process called Less Than Container Load (LCL). The majority of our shipping suppliers also offer professional packing & unpacking services, insurance cover and a full door-to-door delivery. These optional extras all come with additional fees but they are well worth it.

Major shipping routes

Qatar’s main container terminal is Hamad Port, opening in December 2016 as one of the Middle East’s largest ports. Situated halfway down the east coast of the country, Hamad Port is only about 30km away from Doha. Once your container reaches Qatari soil, it will pass through customs before going by truck to your new home.

Qatar customs

The customs process can seem quite complicated but our shipping suppliers will assist you all the way. You are required to create an inventory (i.e. a detailed list) of everything you intend to bring into Qatar, being as clear and accurate as possible. Customs officials will physically inspect your container, so it’s very important that your inventory is truthful. See below for an idea of the items that are restricted or prohibited by Qatar customs. You are allowed to import your household goods and personal effects into Qatar duty-free, but the goods must be used and you must have a valid residence visa. Otherwise, the typical duty rate is 5% of an item’s value. Check out the Qatari Customs official website for more information.

Shipping Container Options

20Ft Shipping Container

Dimensions:
33 Cubic Meters
5.9m x 2.35m x 2.39m (l x w x h)

Price: £3,973 - £4,393

Get a quote for a 20ft container
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  • Boxes
    16 x medium boxes
  • Kitchen
    1 x american fridge, 1 x small fridge, 3 x kitchen appliances
  • Bedrooms
    1 x wardrobe, 1 x double bed, 1 x single bed, 2 x lamps
  • Lounge
    1 x sofa, 4 x chairs, 1 x table, 1 x armchair, 1 x television
  • Various
    1 x motorbike, 4 x bicycles

Please note that this is an estimate and is intended for rough guidance only.

40Ft Shipping Container

Dimensions:
67 Cubic Meters
12.03m x 2.35m x 2.39m (l x w x h)

Price: £7,549 - £8,347

Get a quote for a 40ft container
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  • Boxes
    28 x medium boxes
  • Kitchen
    1 x american fridge, 1 x small fridge, 3 x kitchen appliances
  • Bedroom
    1 x wardrobe, 1 x double bed, 1 x single bed, 2 x lamps
  • Lounge
    1 x sofa, 4 x chairs, 1 x table, 1 x armchair, 1 x television
  • Various
    1 x car, 1 x motorbike, 4 x bicycles

Please note that this is an estimate and is intended for rough guidance only.

Car shipped by sea freight

Max Dimensions: 5.75m x 2.2m x 2.2m (l x w x h)

Base Price: £1,230 - £1,360

Quarantine & Taxes: £1,000 - £2,500

Price: £6,073 - £9,643

Get a quote for a car
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Unusual Restricted Items

Radioactive and Flammable Material
Radioactive and flammable materials are strictly prohibited.
Alcohol
Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Products Containing Pork
Pork is strictly prohibited.
Pornographic materials
All types of media deemed indecent or obscene are banned.
Videos
All videos are subject to inspection by Customs.
Ammunition and Explosives
Ammunitions and explosives are prohibited.