International Moving Cost Calculator

Estimate overseas moving costs from shipment volume, route, packing, insurance, customs, and temporary housing.

Total moving budget

$9,359

Shipping, services, housing, and contingency

Freight

$3,780

18 cbm at $210/cbm

Temporary housing

$1,200

10 nights

Contingency

$693

8% of subtotal

International move inputs

Estimate shipment, service, insurance, and temporary housing costs.

Packing

$1,350

Volume multiplied by packing rate

Insurance

$336

1.2% of insured value

Origin and destination

$1,550

Local handling fees

Subtotal

$8,666

Before contingency

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What is the international moving cost calculator?

This calculator estimates overseas moving cost by shipment method, volume, weight, destination, and customs rules. It preserves the Korean source page’s distinction between LCL, FCL, and air freight instead of collapsing everything into one shipping-rate estimate.

Volume and weight units

1 CBM is a 1 m x 1 m x 1 m volume and is roughly 12 standard moving boxes. Air volumetric weight is volume in cubic centimeters divided by 6,000, and 1 CBM is treated as about 167 kg for air freight comparison.

Shipment method and home-size estimates

LCL, FCL, and air freight

  • LCL is shared-container sea freight with a common minimum around 2 CBM, useful for one or two people with limited cargo.
  • FCL 20 ft container holds about 28 to 30 CBM, and FCL 40 ft container holds about 58 to 60 CBM.
  • Air freight uses the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight, so bulky but light goods can become expensive.
  • LCL is usually economical below about 15 CBM; FCL becomes more practical for a full household move.

Typical household volume

  • Minimal studio: about 5 CBM and 350 kg.
  • Furnished studio or 1.5-room home: about 8 CBM and 600 kg.
  • Two-room or newlywed household: about 14 CBM and 1,100 kg.
  • Three-room or 32-pyeong apartment: about 24 CBM and 1,900 kg.
  • Large 40-pyeong or larger home: about 36 CBM and 2,900 kg.

Transit time and Korean customs exemption

Transit time by region

  • Japan and China: sea 1 to 2 weeks, air 2 to 4 days.
  • Southeast Asia: sea 2 to 3 weeks, air 3 to 5 days.
  • US West Coast: sea 3 to 4 weeks, air 4 to 6 days.
  • US East Coast and Canada: sea 4 to 6 weeks, air 5 to 7 days.
  • Europe: sea 5 to 7 weeks, air 5 to 7 days.
  • Australia and New Zealand: sea 4 to 6 weeks, air 5 to 7 days.

Korea Customs Act Article 96 rules

  • People who lived overseas for 1 year or more, or 6 months or more when accompanied by family, can receive exemption for household goods used 3 months or more before entry.
  • Short-term stays of 3 months to under 1 year can receive exemption for used goods up to taxable value KRW 1,500,000.
  • Durable goods such as TVs, refrigerators, washers, and high-end furniture are quantity-limited by family size: 1 item for 1 to 2 people, 2 items for 3 to 4 people, and 3 items for 5 to 8 people.
  • Goods should arrive within 6 months after entry, and undeclared items can face a 20% surtax.
  • Vehicles, motorcycles, ships, and aircraft are taxed separately, including customs duty 8%, individual consumption tax, and VAT.
  • High-value goods of KRW 5,000,000 or more per item, such as jewelry, pearls, and precious metals, can be taxable.