Job Discussion Forums

a_godden · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Posts: 20

Does anyone have experience can you recommend - how would you ship a laptop within Japan? My Dad's brining me a new laptop and I'm meeting him at Narita before we head on vacation. I want to ship the computer to my school for safe keeping. I'm assuming there must be a safe way to do this. What do you think is the best option - Japan post / fedex / dhl or baggage delivery service?

Thanks
Amy

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

I don't know what sort of delivery service to recommend, but can we assume that this laptop will arrive with your father in a padded carrying case?

a_godden · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Posts: 20

The laptop will come with a case or I can also just have my dad bring the original shipping box.

amy

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

If you are going to ship it anyway, why don't you have your dad ship it from the home country?

a_godden · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Posts: 20

My Dad's coming anyway and this way I don't have to worry about customs. Besides IBM doesn't ship internationally (you have to order through local website which means local language os and word). And they don't accept international credit cards (you can only use a credit card issued in the country of purchase). I know some of this sounds stupid I've spent a little too much time researching it!

Amy

edit: sorry I hit the wrong button that was suppost to go with the laptop shipping query! (Can someone delete this)

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

If your dad has it, why can't he mail it in advance? He can mail it directly to your office, or to your home (and when you aren't home to receive it, it will be sitting peacefully and safely in the nearest large post office). Pay your dad for shipping costs later. I fail to see the problem.

And, if you don't need this in a hurry, have him send it by sea mail. It will take 4-6 weeks, but it will be half the cost.

a_godden · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Posts: 20

I thought it would be safer to have him bring it as far as Tokyo. I'm concerned about using Canada post ground as you cannot surface shipments. Plus I've had bad luck having stuff stopped at customs for taxes and such. I'd rather not have to pay taxes/duties 2x.
Amy

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

ava77 · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 100

Why don't you store in a locker at the airport?

Mtnkiwi · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 67 Location: Osaka

Okay, it's a laptop right..... take it with you.

a_godden · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Posts: 20

Hi all, just wanted to say thank you for your wonderful help and for sharing all your knowledge and advice.

Amy

Willy_In_Japan · Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 329

If you come into Narita, you can ship almost any luggage for about 1,500 yen to almost anywhere and it arrives the next day.

Shipping a laptop from Canada on the other hand would cost in the 75 dollar ballpark if Christmas packages sent to me from Canada are any indication.

If you have a place for the laptop to be accepted the next day, send it from the airport. There are a lot of "Takubin" (courier) companies right in the airport. Ive had my luggage sent via them when I arrived in Japan, and my luggage arrived safe and sound and nothing was taken.

adventurous · Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 5

I shipped my laptop back to the states for repair. It was about $100 each way. I have a big, heavy media center, though. I used DHL and it was returned by FedEx.

You need to consider customs. I had to prove that my laptop was old (both ways!), so that I didn't have to pay import/export fees.

If I were in your situation, I would have my relatives open it, so it doesn't look new, put it in a carrying case, and bring it as carry-on luggage. Otherwise, you might find yourself with some hefty fees.