Shipping and Storage

Shipping belongings overseas and back can be very expensive and risky. If you plan ahead, you should not need to ship baggage overseas. All your necessities can be packed into two suitcases and a carry-on. In any case, you will have very little storage space in closets or armoires. What is more, there are very strict customs regulations that limit what you can send overseas. Remember, less is best.

Unaccompanied Packages

Our overseas staff will not accept unaccompanied luggage or packages sent to the Center before the beginning of the program. You can receive packages addressed to you during the semester, if they are delivered to our Center. If your package is held at the customs office, you will have to retrieve it yourself.

Storing Luggage at the Center

Because of limited space, you may not store luggage at the Center overseas before the beginning of the semester or at the end of the program. However, special arrangements may be made at the discretion of our overseas staff, if you contact the Center in advance for permission and sign a statement indicating that the storage of baggage is at your own risk. Syracuse University does not assume responsibility for loss or damage to students' personal effects stored at the Center.

Shipping Baggage Overseas and Back

Each semester, students abroad find themselves paying large amounts of duty for personal effects sent from home. Usually their parents have declared a high value on the contents for insurance purposes. Much to their dismay, students have to pay extremely high customs taxes. To avoid unnecessary customs duty on used items, your parents should clearly label the contents "USED PERSONAL EFFECTS" with "NO COMMERCIAL VALUE." The declared value should be under $25.

• French:
  "effets personnels usagers superieurs à 6 mois sans aucune valeur declarée"
• Italian:
  "effetti personali usati"
• Spanish::
  "efectos personales ropa usada, sin valor comercial"

Before shipping items overseas, you or your parents should check with the local consulate about customs regulations and duties. For example, packages sent to France must include a list of contents and value information. Remember, if your packages are held at the customs office, you will have to pick it up yourself. Here are few basic reminders:

• Never send prescription medication overseas by mail. Many medications commonly prescribed in the U.S. are considered controlled substances abroad. Bring a supply of medication for the duration of the program with you.
• Vitamins require an accompanying prescription to be delivered in many countries overseas.
• Do not declare food or candy.
• Baggage may be shipped home, but be aware that there are frequently hidden costs, such as storage while waiting for customs clearance. Consult with your Center staff before shipping luggage back to the U.S.