German-speaking contact in Indonesiafor customers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and all over the world

Shipping

Sea Freight from Indonesia to Europe: Affordable Shipping Available Again in 2023

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A postman holds a heavy package in the center of the image, while the three possible shipping methods can be seen in the background: a postal bus for standard shipping, a cargo plane for express shipping, and a container ship for sea freight shipping.

Since November 15, 2023, it has been possible again to send goods from Indonesia to Europe by sea freight. This cost-effective shipping method offers a reliable way to receive your orders by post, for example through DHL in Germany. Sea freight from Indonesia to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other European countries makes it possible to receive products safely and cost-effectively.

Corona stopped global trade

Global trade was significantly affected by the corona pandemic. The shipping of goods in particular was severely affected. From March 2020, for example, it was only possible from Indonesia expensive express shipping to use. This resulted in significant restrictions for companies that rely on international trade. Although the Shipping end of 2021 slowly normalized, the situation in Europe remained problematic as cost-effective shipping options were difficult to obtain. Even normal parcel shipping was reintroduced, but only up to a weight of 2 kg. For anything beyond that, the only option was expensive express shipping.

However, with recent developments, it is encouraging to see that all shipping methods are once again possible for Europe, including low-cost sea freight shipping. This could help reduce the burden on companies and revive international trade. However, it remains to be seen whether this positive development will continue in the long term and whether further measures will be taken to strengthen the resilience of global trade.

The challenges in international shipping during the pandemic have highlighted how fragile global supply chains are. It is now time to learn lessons from these experiences and take action to improve the resilience of international trade infrastructure. This is the only way future crises can be better managed and the opportunities offered by global trade can be fully exploited.

How does sea freight shipping work?

Shipping by sea freight offers a cost-effective and efficient way to transport large quantities of goods over long distances. In contrast to air or express shipping, delivery via sea freight takes longer, but this option is particularly suitable for heavy or bulky goods that do not require time-critical shipping. When shipping by sea, there are various options, including FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping methods, which can be chosen depending on the volume of goods to be shipped.

When sending a package by sea freight, we hand over the package to PosIndonesia, which then collects multiple packages and uses the LCL option to ship the packages to the destination port. The destination port for a package to Germany can be Hamburg, Rotterdam or a port in Italy, depending on the proximity of the package deliveries. At the port, the packages are sorted and forwarded to the destination country via regular mail. From Hamburg and Rotterdam the onward transport takes place overland, from Italy by transport aircraft.

After the package arrives at the destination country, it will be inspected by customs. As a rule, the package is then forwarded to the local customs office and the recipient receives either an SMS or a letter informing them that a customs-eligible package has been delivered. Further information can be found in the relevant texts received from customs.

How much does shipping to Germany from Indonesia cost?

The shipping costs depend on the following points.

Weight of the package
Scope of the package
Goods value
Delivery country
Exchange rate EUR/IDR

Weight and circumference formula

In Indonesia there are special regulations for sending parcels. In addition to the actual weight, the circumference formula also plays a crucial role. This is calculated by taking the length (L) times the width (W) times the height (H) of the package and dividing the result by 5,000. The greater weight of the package or circumference formula determines the shipping weight.

Example:
A package measuring L: 60 cm, W: 40 cm, H: 40 cm would have a calculated weight of 19.2 kg (LxWxH/5,000). Even if the package actually weighs only 10kg, the calculated weight of the circumference formula would be taken into account when calculating the shipping cost.

Value of goods and customs inspection: Indonesia tightens controls

The value of a package corresponds to the insured value and is subject to strict controls in Indonesia. Since 2021, all outgoing packages have been scanned and customs documents thoroughly checked. An incorrect value of goods cannot be used to obtain cheaper customs duties. If there is any uncertainty regarding the contents or value of the goods, the package will simply not be processed further. About two weeks later, the sender receives a message from Indonesian customs about problems declaring the package.

It is mandatory to provide proof of the purchase with a corresponding invoice. If the contents are intentionally incorrectly declared, the shipping costs already paid will not be refunded. These are then lost.

As the sender, I always declare the actual purchase value of the goods.

Example of shipping costs to Germany

Here I would like to give a small list of the shipping costs you can expect.

Weight | Standard Shipping | Express shipping | Sea freight
500g | €17.00 | €33.00 | €27.00
1kg | €30.00 | €39.00 | €27.00
2kg | no longer possible | €51.00 | €27.00
5kg | no longer possible | €86.00 | €33.00
10kg | no longer possible | €145.00 | €46.00
20kg | no longer possible | €262.00 | €73.00
30kg | no longer possible | €380.00 | no longer possible

As can be seen, standard shipping is only possible up to a weight of 1 kg. Although this shipping option is still available, it is more expensive compared to express shipping, so I don’t think it makes sense. Furthermore, sea freight is only possible up to a maximum weight of 20 kg. In this case, it would be advisable to split a package weighing over 20 kg into several packages.

The prices shown are for guidance only. Due to daily exchange rate changes, they are subject to fluctuations and are also dependent on the value of the goods, which in turn determines the insured value of the package.

How does ordering the shipping of goods from Indonesia work?

We have been shipping goods from Indonesia worldwide since 2010. It all started with the exquisite coffee “Kopi Luwak”, which is considered the most expensive coffee in the world. Due to the increasing demand for shopping on Indonesian online platforms such as Tokopedia, Bukalapak, Blibli and Shopee, we have specialized in this service.

Our service covers the entire process, starting with communication with the seller about purchasing the goods, checking them and shipping them to the end customer worldwide. In the last few months we have received an increasing number of inquiries from tourists who were suddenly confronted with suitcases that were too heavy because of souvenirs. Unfortunately, due to a lack of sea freight options, we had to disappoint these customers. However, it is now possible again as long as the packages weigh less than 20 kg.

Inquiries can be made via the contact form, WhatsApp on +62 87 88 2424 150 or by telephone on our German landline number +49 (0)3581 7921528. Of course, a simple request by email to info@shipping-from-indonesia.com is also possible.

A Radiator Grille and Speedometer for a Mazda 626

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A Radiator Grille and Speedometer for a Mazda 626

We successfully completed one of the longest orders, a purchase and shipment of spare parts for a Mazda 626. The almost two-year delay in the delivery of these parts was due to the impact of the pandemic and the associated shipping restrictions, which continue to this day. Nevertheless, we managed to complete the order successfully.

Since the start of the corona pandemic, standard and sea freight shipping from Indonesia had to be stopped. Although two years have already passed, shipping to Europe is still not fully possible. As a result, from Indonesia you can only ship up to 1 kg via standard shipping, while express shipping is even cheaper than standard shipping. Unfortunately, shipping sea freight by post to Europe is currently not possible.

Radiator grille order for Mazda 626 during the corona pandemic

Radiator grille Mazda 626
Radiator grille Mazda 626

A customer looking for the perfect grille for his restored Mazda 626 had the misfortune of making a purchase at the exact moment that massive restrictions were being implemented in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Express shipping was possible, but more expensive than usual. Nevertheless, the customer decided to keep his purchase and keep the radiator grill safe for the time being.

Months later, in May 2022, the same customer discovered an incredible deal on a speedometer for his Mazda 626. This time it was even a brand new spare part, sold by a workshop through Tokopedia. Unfortunately, shipping options hadn’t improved much. The customer asked me to hold the second item for him while he waited for better times.

Speedometer Mazda 626
Speedometer Mazda 626

Resumption of worldwide shipping methods – European exception remains

While shipping to most countries worldwide was possible again using all shipping methods, shipping to Europe remained a challenge. While the standard shipping option to Europe is available again in Indonesia, the choice is limited due to its limited recommendability for packages up to 1kg. Surprisingly, for larger weights for unexpected reasons, express shipping offers a more cost-effective solution, with an expedited delivery time of 5 to 10 working days compared to 2-4 weeks for standard parcel.

The customer regularly asked via WhatsApp about the shipping options for his package. However, at every opportunity I had to break the unfortunate news that shipping was still on hold. The original plan was to send the package by sea freight via the post office to Germany, but unfortunately nothing came of this.

Decision made: Customer now chooses express shipping in January 2023

After two years of waiting, the customer finally decided to send his long-awaited package with the two urgently needed car spare parts via express delivery. Despite higher shipping costs than expected, the customer’s anticipation of his new package could hardly be contained.

This decision marked a significant step in the restoration of his beloved Mazda 626. Over the past two years, the customer had worked hard to get his car into top condition, but repeatedly had to stop his progress due to a lack of spare parts.

Now, however, with the two urgently needed parts within reach, the customer can finally complete the final work on his Mazda and present his car in all its glory. The anticipation of completing his dream car and the joy of finally being able to drive it increased day by day.

Shipping Costs from Indonesia to Germany After the Pandemic

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Shipping Costs from Indonesia to Germany After the Pandemic

The shipping chaos from Indonesia seems to be slowly coming to an end! All shipping methods (standard, express and sea freight shipping) are now possible again to Asia and North America. Standard shipping up to 2 kg and EMS have been permitted again to Europe!

In March 2020, PosIndonesia almost completely stopped sending mail! From this point on, only express shipping was possible. A simple letter then cost the equivalent of €26.00 to send. Now things seem to be slowly returning to normal. Unfortunately, as usual, Europe is lagging behind. All shipping methods are now working again to Asia and North America. Standard shipping up to 2 kg has now been permitted to Europe. There are cheaper express solutions via EMS for larger packages!

When the cost-effective parcel shipping alternative of sea freight to Germany will be possible again seems to be up to Deutsche Post! PosIndonesia seems to be ready to resume this shipping method to Germany and Europe at any time!

How much does shipping from Indonesia to Germany currently cost?

In addition to weight, shipping costs are determined by a circumference formula. The formula is:

L × W × H / 5,000

A package with the circumference dimensions L: 30 cm x W: 15 cm and the height 10 cm then results in 0.9 using the formula! Even if the package only weighs 500g, the shipping costs would be calculated for 1 kg! Conversely, if this package contained items weighing 1.5 kg, the weight would determine the shipping costs. So whatever value is higher determines the weight used for the calculation! 

Furthermore, the shipping costs depend on the current exchange rate and change by a few cents every day!

Weight

100g

250g

500g

1kg

2kg

5kg

10kg

20kg

Standard shipping

6,30 €

10,87 €

18,42 €

33,59 €

63,85 €

x

x

x

Express shipping

34,90 €

34,90 €

35,04 €

44,32 €

57,89 €

98,61 €

166,48 €

302,21 €

Weight price changes are adjusted in 500 gram increments! You can also see from the 2 kg calculation that there is still a lot going on. Here express shipping is cheaper than standard shipping! These prices should adjust again in the near future! 

The delivery time for standard shipping is approx. 1-3 weeks (+/-) and for express shipping it is 5-10 working days!

You can ask us about the current shipping costs at any time! We usually respond to email/contact form +/- 12 h WhatsApp +62 87 88 2424 150 +/- 5 h! Of course you can also contact us by phone +49 (0)3581 7921528 or via WhatsApp and Telegram. Please note the time difference of +5 hours to Germany!

When Will Standard Shipping from Indonesia Be Available Again?

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When Will Standard Shipping from Indonesia Be Available Again?

Since mid-October, Indonesia has reopened to 19 selected countries. Nevertheless, the tourist planes stay away!

Since March 2020, only express shipping is possible from Indonesia. This increases the shipping costs by almost four times compared to standard postal parcel shipping. Sea freight was also stopped due to the corona pandemic. Nobody knows how the whole thing will develop. Especially when you look at the increasing number of infections in Europe.

There is currently no alternative to express shipping from Indonesia. In the last few weeks I have tried hard to organize a shipping option to Germany by sea freight. But here too we fail due to a lack of partners who act as recipients on site. My plan was to collect deliveries and then send them on their way in a pallet delivery as LCL shipping. This would work that way for now.

The problem is that you would then have to find a company in Germany that would act as a recipient. This would then have to take over customs clearance and shipping of the individual deliveries to the end customer. And this is exactly where I can’t find any company that would like to undertake this task. 

Companies that offer this solution do not have a representative in Hamburg or any other destination port.

Although I found companies in Cologne and Munich that offer this, they point out that they do not have a direct representation in Hamburg. If you were to order the pallet to be transported to the warehouse, you would incur costs that are hardly affordable. 

Various companies, especially those that offer customs clearance of the goods, are not prepared to take on the final shipping. Also the solution, these deliveries, then from z. B. Having DHL pick it up failed in the negotiations. On the one hand, this is because different items are included in the pallet delivery, which in turn makes customs clearance very complicated. 

Another problem is that the recipient is always responsible for customs clearance. If there are problems, the recipient of the delivery is liable, in this case the company specified as the delivery address. And so far all companies are shying away from collaboration.

When will standard shipping be possible again?

I can’t give an answer here. Since March 2020, Pos Indonesia has stopped using this shipping method due to Corona. All attempts by the Indonesian government to reopen tourism and thus passenger air traffic failed.

My prediction is that this misery will not change before summer 2022. Shipping will only continue to work via express. I will be happy to answer inquiries about how expensive shipping is here by email: silvio@bayi.de or WhatsApp: +62 87 88 2424 150. If you have complex questions, please feel free to call me on the German telephone number +49 (0)3581 7921528 or on the WhatsApp number. Here I ask you to note the time difference of +5 hours to Germany!

Floor Mats for a Jeep CJ7

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Fußmatte für Jeep Cj7

The buyer from Germany was looking for American-style floor mats for his Jeep and found a supplier at Bukalapak!

He turned to me and I made him an offer to purchase it and then ship it to Germany. After approving the offer and choosing the payment option via PayPal, I will issue the customer an invoice for the purchase and shipping to Germany via PayPal.

After payment was made, I ordered the item Bukalapak, which was delivered the same day via GoJek (delivery service by moped). I checked the goods and sent the customer a photo. Then it was time to pack the two floor mats for the Jeep.

Shipping takes place via postal package and should be delivered to the customer in two to four weeks. You can assume that the package will be delivered to your local customs office nearby. The customer then receives a letter and has to go there with the payment receipt from PayPal.

Customs topic:

Unfortunately, in Germany, customs are only allowed to open the package if the recipient or a postal employee is on site (postal secrecy). In Frankfurt, where all deliveries by flight are processed through customs, people seem to be completely overwhelmed, so only express shipments are processed there. Therefore, the packages are then sent to the internal customs offices near the delivery location.

You can also order customs clearance through the post office, but my experience is that it is more likely that the item will be returned to the sender. The customs and postal employees seem to be sleeping a little again or simply want to save themselves the extra work.

You should therefore consider traveling to the internal customs office in person. The fees charged by customs should generally correspond to VAT. Please note that shipping costs are always included. If the shipping costs are €50, €9.50 import tax must also be paid plus the import tax for the value of the goods, which corresponds to the amount of VAT. In some cases, additional fees (storage and administration fees) may apply.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

  • Tel.: +49 (0)3581 7921528 (German internet telephone number)
  • WhatsApp: +62 87 882424150 (telephony also possible)
  • Email: silvio@bayi.de

Collectible Figure: Gold Peter Studio Jozu Resin Statue

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The buyer from Germany was looking for the “Gold Peter Studio Jozu Resin Statue” collectible figure and found it on Facebook in Indonesia!

By searching “Shipping from Indonesia” on Google, he came across our article,

https://www.bayi.de/2015/05/10/versand-von-briefen-und-paketen-aus-indonesien/

in our blog “Emigrating to Indonesia – bayi.de” and wrote us an email. After a short email exchange, we switched to WhatsApp and continued our conversation there.

The following problems existed!

  • Private seller without their own shop
  • Judging from the photos, the figure was real, but whether the photos were of him was still questionable
  • Seller only wanted to accept expensive express shipping

Our task was to arrange a meeting with the seller and present the figure to the buyer in Germany in a live video chat.

The invoice was sent via Paypal and paid by the buyer. Of course, we gave him the guarantee that if the purchase contract was not concluded, he would receive the invoice amount back minus our travel fees! 

We made an appointment with the seller and met him at a shopping center in Jakarta. The figure was presented to us and we showed the figure to the buyer in Indonesia in a video chat. He agreed to the purchase and we gave the agreed purchase amount to the buyer.

Affordable shipping by sea freight!

The package weighed 3.8 kilograms. The shipping costs here were…

  • Express shipping delivery time (5-10 working days) = €281
  • Postal parcel delivery time (2-4 weeks) = €143
  • Sea freight delivery time (1-2 months) = €48.38

The buyer decided on the cheaper sea freight shipping and saved over €240 in shipping costs!

Our fees that we charged the buyer were 20 percent of the total + €30 for meeting the seller in a mall in Jakarta (distance one way 46 km)

What can the buyer expect at customs?

The package by sea freight usually arrives in Hamburg or Rotterdam and is then transported overland and handed over to Deutsche Post. For shipments of goods, this usually hands over the package to internal customs, which is located near the destination of this package.

Internal customs then writes a letter saying that a package has been deposited and that you should pick it up. To do this, you need proof of payment, which you have with the paid Paypal invoice. Simply print it out and take it with you to customs. The customs officer will open the package in your presence and check the contents.

What other costs are there?

As a rule, shipments of goods up to a value of €25 are duty-free. Only then will import tax be charged. If import tax is levied, this corresponds to the VAT rate of 7 or 19 percent.

Attention!

The import tax is also charged on the shipping costs!!!! So the shipping costs are 100 €, an additional 19 € may be due here.

Furthermore, certain goods may be subject to import regulations. The coffee tax still exists in Germany. This is €2.19 per kilogram for coffee beans and ground coffee and €4.19 per kilogram for instant coffee. This tax is calculated pro rata. So for 200 grams you only pay €0.44.

If you’re lucky, the post office will deliver the package directly to you without customs processing. However, this is a matter of luck.

Ordering and Delivery Service

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Ordering and Delivery Service

You are looking for or have found a product in Indonesia and would like to import it. The shop operator does not offer shipping to Germany, or only offers expensive express shipping? Then we have the solution for you!

If you are looking for an item, please let us know the exact name, if possible with a photo, by email: silvio@bayi.de or by WhatsApp: +62 87 882424150.

You can choose between simple and intensive research. When we do simple research, we see if we can get the item in Indonesia. If you choose to conduct intensive research, we will contact the potential seller and inquire about their inventory. At the same time, we sense the possibility of a discount from the seller!

You can see the costs incurred for the research in our current Price list see. Of course, the fee is only due once you agree to complete the purchase!

If you can name the seller yourself, these fees will of course not apply. Unless we should enter into a price negotiation.

Shipping costs:

The shipping costs depend on the shipping method chosen, the size (L x W x H) and the weight. The current exchange rate also influences the price of shipping costs. You will receive the current shipping costs in an offer that we will send you before the contract is concluded.

It may happen that we state the shipping costs with reservations. This can happen if, for example, the size or weight of the package cannot be precisely defined in advance. The shipping costs will then be adjusted subsequently.

Delivery times:

We offer 3 different shipping methods:

  • Express shipping delivery time 5 – 10 working days (very expensive)
  • Postal parcel delivery time 2-4 weeks (standard shipping)
  • Sea freight delivery time 1-2 months (cheapest shipping method)

What other prices are there?

We charge you 20% of the final price (item price + shipping costs) as a service fee! There are also PayPal fees of 4.5% + €0.35 per payment plus 3.68% PayPal currency exchange.

Of course, you will receive a free offer and only when you agree to this offer will we invoice you via PayPal. The invoice must be paid within three days. During this period we give you a price guarantee, even if the exchange rate changes to your disadvantage.

Of course, we can offer this offer not only for Germany, but worldwide!

What We Offer

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What We Offer

Countless products, including well-known branded items, are manufactured in Indonesia. Some of the overproduction is then sold as bargains in factory outlets or on Tokopedia and other online platforms!

In Indonesia you can get many products that are no longer available in Europe or are not sold there at all! It seems that many companies are outsourcing remaining stock of their end of life (EOL) products, especially in Indonesia, as there is still a market here! But you can also find various collectible products from LEGO to watches here in Indonesia!

Online platforms like Tokopedia, Bukalapak, Shopee and Blibli are committed to security! The online shop sales, which are well known in Europe, are usually not focused on. The sellers offer their goods on these platforms because buyers only buy here due to the buyer protection guarantees!

Tokopedia
Bukalapak
Blibli
Shopee

Why you should never order directly from an Indonesian online shop

You actually have to advise against ordering directly from an Indonesian online shop! Fake shops are widespread and usually do not offer buyer protection! You often read that customers in Europe bought a cell phone cheaply in Indonesia and ended up with an empty or completely defective device! Brand piracy is just as much an issue as credit card fraud in Indonesia! But like everywhere else in the world, not every provider is inherently a scammer. To reduce the risks for the buyer, we offer a unique service directly from Indonesia.

Indonesia and global trade

Most traders in Indonesia shy away from exporting. On the one hand, this is because the shipping costs are usually very high and, above all, are presented in a very non-transparent manner by shipping companies. For many shipping methods abroad, daily prices apply, which depend on the exchange rate! At the same time, with the outbreak of the pandemic, only express shipping from Indonesia to Europe is possible, which increases shipping costs even more! PayPal and other international payment providers, such as Wise, are sometimes completely unknown in Indonesia!

If a seller does offer items for shipping abroad, there is usually no buyer protection payment system, such as PayPal. This in turn also deters the buyer because he has to worry about losing his money. It is said that when the item arrives, the quality is either not right or a different product was delivered. Simple scam sales are also offered in Indonesia!

This is where we come into play

We can partially eliminate this risk completely. You pay conveniently in euros via PayPal and enjoy 180 days of buyer protection. If you have built up trust in us, we offer the more cost-effective payment method of transfer to a EURO account. Once you have received your payment, we will order the item and have it delivered to us. After the item has arrived, it will be checked and you will be provided with photos or a video of the goods via WhatsApp or Telegram. Only then will we ship the item using the shipping method you selected.

Shipping methods:

There are three shipping methods from Indonesia that have different transit times and prices. The shipping costs will be communicated to you in a non-binding offer before the invoice is issued.

We ship worldwide via various global shipping service providers!

  • Express shipping (very expensive) delivery time 5-10 working days
  • Postal parcel (standard) delivery time 2-4 weeks
  • Sea freight (cheapest shipping method) delivery time 1-2 months

It should be noted that since the outbreak of Corona, particularly in Europe express onlyshipping is possible!

UPDATE June 18, 2022: Standard shipping is possible again up to 2 kg! Sea freight by post is still excluded!

You can get a non-binding, free offer from us at any time!

    After you have received our offer and agreed to it, we will issue you an invoice directly via PayPal if you wish to pay via PayPal, which you should pay within 3 days. When making a transfer, you will receive an invoice as a PDF with the account details. We give you a price guarantee for this period, even if the exchange rate changes to your disadvantage.

    There may be times when we need to estimate the dimensions and weight of the item. In this case we will communicate this in the offer. Higher shipping costs may apply once the item has arrived.

    As a rule, the items reach us within 1-3 days after we order. You will of course be informed at any time about the status of your delivery. This also applies after we have shipped the item. Here you can track shipping at any time using tracking numbers.

    If there are any problems with shipping, the item is insured by the shipping service provider.