Shipping times and costs from India to Sri Lanka
1 Bedroom flat
Shipping costs by air £1,807 - £1,997
Shipping costs by sea £949 - £1,048
3 Bedroom house
Shipping costs by air N/A
Shipping costs by sea £1,460 - £1,613
5 Bedroom house
Shipping costs by air N/A
Shipping costs by sea £2,189 - £2,419
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 Sri Lanka
Welcome to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Located just off the southeast coast of India, the island nation of Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth. There are nearly 21 million people living there, with about one quarter of them residing in the capital city of Colombo. This is a popular choice amongst expats heading to Sri Lanka, home to many charming colonial-era buildings and colourful markets. The country itself offers a dazzling array of natural beauty, from the rainforests in the Central Highlands to the golden beaches of Arugam Bay. There is also a serious amount of wildlife on offer, including the elephants of Uda Walawe and the leopards of Yala. What’s more, Sri Lanka is famous for its world-class cuisine - just make sure you can handle your spice.Different shipping options
If you need to ship your belongings over to Sri Lanka, 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 Sri Lanka 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
The largest container terminal in Sri Lanka is easily the Port of Colombo, located less than 5 km away from the capital city’s centre. The port is rapidly growing and deals with the majority of Sri Lanka’s container trade. Other than the Port of Hambantota on the southeast coast, there aren’t many other options when it comes to proper terminals. Once your container reaches Sri Lankan soil, it will pass through customs and then go by truck or train to your new home.Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka, being as clear and accurate as possible. Customs officials will most likely 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 Sri Lanka customs.You are allowed to import your personal effects and household goods duty-free into Sri Lanka, providing you have owned and used the items for at least six months and you’ve lived outside Sri Lanka for the 12 months prior to your move. Check out the Sri Lanka customs official website for more information about the whole process.
Shipping Container Options
20Ft Shipping Container
Dimensions:
33 Cubic Meters
5.9m x 2.35m x 2.39m (l x w x h)
Price: £1,460 - £1,613
Get a quote for a 20ft container Get Shipping Container Quotes40Ft Shipping Container
Dimensions:
67 Cubic Meters
12.03m x 2.35m x 2.39m (l x w x h)
Price: £2,773 - £3,064
Get a quote for a 40ft container Get Shipping Container QuotesCar shipped by sea freight
Max Dimensions: 5.75m x 2.2m x 2.2m (l x w x h)
Base Price: £452 - £499
Quarantine & Taxes: £1,000 - £2,500
Price: £3,560 - £6,863
Get a quote for a car Get Shipping Container Quotes
