Apart from Electronics what items to pack to India?

anuradhav · Apr 7, 2011

Hi all,

Will be settling in India in a few months. Apart from electronics and kitchen utensils, what items are worth carrying to India (from Qatar) to set up a new house? i.e. that's worth buying here than in hometown. I thought of packing my bedroom set that I purchased about 3 years back for Q.R. 10,000, but (though in v.good condition) am not sure if it would be worth carrying as you all know that they are made of compressed wood and not the sturdy teak or padak that we get in India. Moreover, is anybody aware of a good cargo company that can take care of the tax issues also and home-deliver my things in a good and undamaged condition? Coz, I have experience of sending things sometime back in 2 cardboard boxes that were opened, ransacked and some items even missing when it reached home.

Priyaalagu · Apr 8, 2011

Hi Anu,

Thanks for opening this topic. If few of our friends could answer it will be useful for me too. We purchased a camera & LED. Even Electonic/ kitchen items if any of u could tell what to buy worthy from here it will b useful for me.

I am sure gold is one worth thing from here if you have a gud amt of budget allocated:thumbsup

Preethi · Apr 9, 2011

Few Suggestions:

1. Non Stick cookware items (some are really cheaper here than India)
2. LED / LCD . But I heard for taking LED they charge heavy customs tax, better check on this, prior to buying an LED.
3. Electronics - Cordless phones/Camera
4. Fridge/Washing machine (Cheaper here and also can be sent through cargo)
5. Arabic/Iranian Carpets (good varieties available here and pretty cheap too compared to India)
6. Branded Watches/Coolers
7. Bathroom fittings - taps, showers - get good varieties here

Priya's idea about buying gold is very good. If it's workable, its really worth taking from here.

Regarding Cargo, I heard that Fall Cargos are good, you can check if you want.

anuradhav · Apr 9, 2011

Thanks Priya and Preethi,

Good list, though have most of them. Gold??? Too much to think of right now. Remember, I have to set up a living in Chennai (need to think of an endless list of initial investment including a water softener, R.O., inverter, gas cylinder, furniture etc. etc.:drowning So Gold will have to wait until my next holiday visit.) You are right Priya. Those eagle eyes at the airport will be on the look out for anything taxable and I heard that an LED or any T.V more than 32 inches is definitely in the list. Will check out on this Cargo guy and let you know; but nobody has shared views reg. the "bedroom set".:confused2:

Priyaalagu · Apr 9, 2011

Thanks Preethi,

I too got a Camera & thinking of LED(not sure). Where to buy gud carpets from:hide:

Shanvy · Apr 9, 2011

Priya,

If I may say something.check out shipping. i was told it would be in kgs for door to door, without the hassles of the our clearing and all. again if you are going to buy it new, i would like you to check out the prices in india, compare and then buy. because we find it is just a few thousands and the international warranty does not hold much.

yes tv anything above 32 inches lcd is taxable. when i returned, i only brought the items that i felt is worth taking back. some of the stainless steel dishes and indian cooking items i gave away to friends to help out any new comer.

i packed things that i had sentimental value. apart from that..maybe cordless phones.

carpets are good if you have the space to have it displayed and also no worry about pollution.

all the best.

Priyaalagu · Apr 9, 2011

Shanthi,

Thanks for your suggestions. would defiently it all a thought. thx

geethaprashanth · Apr 10, 2011

HI ANU,

As noted earlier, if your bedroom set is made from Malaysia and if made of rubber wood it is worth carrying to India, it is long lasting and durable.

anuradhav · Apr 11, 2011

Hi Geetha,

What's rubber wood? I was told that most of the wooden stuff (including the ones you get from home center) are made of compressed wood and will lose their charm and strength once dismantled. Moreover, can't say that the carpenters in India will know how to assemble them properly. So, am wondering if it is worth spending so much on transporting it. Can you friends name the shops I can buy good teak wood stuff (living and bedroom) in Chennai? Some threads have already suggested Cookscape as the best choice for kitchen.

Shanvy · Apr 11, 2011

anu,

you are right. the ones that are available in ME are of compressed wood, they don't work with dismantling and fixing frequently. infact we disposed off all our furniture, bedroom sets in msct for the very same reason. and moreover, the space that is needed for all the furniture.

we bought all the things locally. you get teak furniture in chennai. if you are looking for real teak, there are few shops that specialise in them. teak heirlooms, ekbote and indika at kottivakkam, raniartsand teak..

regarding kitchen we are having a exhaustive discussion in the chennai forum
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/housing/5284-discuss-woodwork-and-modular-kitchen.html

and you can also discuss return 2 india here.
Return to India - IndusLadies

please move out of the qatar forum to find out what is being discussed in other forums too. there are lots of ideas, details in other forums which may be a answer to your queries and more too.