On-Site Survey:
Two moving companies will visit your place for an on-site survey. If an on-site visit is not possible, they can arrange a video, phone, or email survey.
Items Eligible and Ineligible for Shipment:
Household goods are generally eligible for shipment under relocation expenses. However, the following items are ineligible:
- Items subject to import/export restrictions (e.g., under the Washington Convention)
- Hazardous materials or items classified as unsafe for transport
- Antiques, valuables, or other items requiring separate insurance coverage
- Items requiring specialized packaging or additional transportation costs
- Goods requiring prior authorization for import
- Consumables, including food, beverages, and ingestible products (e.g., rice, beans, wine, vitamins)
- Any other items deemed non-essential by OIST.
Note: Any of the above items may be shipped at your personal expense. Certain vitamins may require special import procedures; please refer to the Bringing Medications for details.
Items Requiring Prior Import Approval:
Foods, drinks, and anything that goes into your mouth (e.g., rice, beans, wine, vitamins)
Any other items deemed unnecessary by OIST
Note: You may send any of the above items at your own expense. Some vitamins may need special import procedures—see Bringing Medications for more details.
Quotation:
After the survey, both companies will submit quotes. OIST will choose one based on the comparison.
Pick-up and Delivery:
Once the moving company is selected, you will communicate directly with them. Schedule your pick-up date before you depart and arrange a delivery date for when you arrive at your permanent residence in Okinawa.
Custom Declaration Form:
You will receive two Custom Declaration Forms on the plane. Submit one at the airport quarantine and bring the other to us. The Relocation Team will forward it to the selected moving company.
Parcels &Baggage (Luggage):
OIST can provide you with one of the following if you would like since you choose not to use a moving company.
Please get in touch with the relocation team for further details.
- Parcels
We will reimburse fees for sending out parcels. (with a budget limit by relocation origin)
Parcels must be sent to your permanent residence in Okinawa after it is confirmed.
When you pay, please obtain the original receipt and payment statements (documents showing the payment method) and submit these to the relocation team staff.
These documents are required to process the reimbursement.
- Excess Baggage
We will reimburse you for up to four pieces of checked baggage, including the free baggage allowance.
If you have excess baggage for your flight, OIST can reimburse the fee for up to four pieces* of luggage. *Including the free allowance.
When you pay, please obtain the original receipt and payment statements (documents showing the payment method) and submit these to the relocation team staff after you arrive in OIST.
These documents are required to process the reimbursement.