Shipping household belongings from Israel to the USA costs approximately $2,000–$8,000+ via sea freight (5–8 weeks), or significantly more via express air freight (5–8 days). ShippingToGo handles door-to-door relocation shipments from any Israeli city to any US address — with full customs support, real-time tracking, and transparent pricing.
Planning on Relocating from Israel to USA? This guide covers everything you need to know about moving, shipping personal belongings, visas, housing, and more. Get the best insights to make your relocation to the United States smooth and stress-free.
Based on ShippingToGo's analysis, Israel-to-USA is one of the top relocation routes — with New York, Los Angeles, and Miami being the three most common US destinations for Israeli expats. Sea freight is the most popular shipping method for full household moves, while air freight is preferred for urgent essentials and documents.
What Type of Shipping Is Best for Moving to the U.S.?
When relocating, you'll need to choose between air freight, sea freight, or a combination of both. Each option suits different needs and timelines.
Why Choose Sea Freight?
Sea freight is ideal for large shipments — especially for full household moves.
- Large volume capacity – perfect for an entire apartment or house
- Lower cost per kilogram – the more you ship, the better the value
- Choice between Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL)
- Average delivery time: 5–8 weeks from Israel to East Coast USA
- Best for furniture, appliances, multiple boxes, and non-urgent items
Why Choose Air Freight?
Air freight is the preferred choice for urgent or high-value items, and for those who need fast delivery.
- Extremely fast – arrival within 5–8 business days
- Great for important items: electronics, personal gear, seasonal clothing, documents
- Ideal for small to medium-sized shipments
- Less cost-effective for large household contents
- Can be combined – ship some items by air, others by sea
| Factor | Air Freight | Sea Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Time | 5–8 business days | 5–8 weeks |
| Cost | Higher per kg | Much lower per kg for large volumes |
| Best For | Documents, electronics, urgent personal items | Furniture, household contents, bulk goods |
| East Coast vs West Coast | Minimal difference | East Coast 1–2 weeks faster than West Coast |
| Customs | Electronic, carrier-managed | Formal entry required for shipments over $800 |
Shipping to the U.S. Isn't Just for Relocation – What Else Is Commonly Sent?
Besides household relocations, many Israelis send other types of shipments to the U.S., including:
- Important documents – contracts, certificates, medical or legal paperwork
- Commercial samples and goods – for businesses, importers, and startups
- Medical, technological, or industrial equipment – for companies or institutions
- Private packages – gifts, dry food, care packages for friends or family
Each type of shipment requires tailored handling in terms of packaging, insurance, customs compliance, and service selection.
Door-to-Door Shipping – Convenience Without the Hassle
Advanced international shipping services now let you send packages directly from your home or business in Israel to any address in the U.S.
Included in the service:
- Pickup from your home or office in Israel
- Handling of customs documents and import declarations
- Sea or air freight – based on your choice
- Delivery to any U.S. location – home, office, or logistics center
This service saves time, effort, and costly mistakes — especially useful for those relocating or shipping important goods for the first time.
What Items Are Prohibited in U.S. Shipments?
The U.S. has strict customs regulations. It's important to know them in advance:
- Prohibited items: flammable materials, ammunition, hazardous liquids, unprotected lithium batteries
- Restrictions on food and medicine – only allowed with prior approval and proper declaration from FDA
- Used high-value items – may be treated as commercial and require special entry permits
According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), personal and household effects imported by a person moving to the USA may be eligible for duty-free treatment — provided the owner arrives in the US before or when the goods arrive, and that the items were owned and used for at least one year. Review restrictions at cbp.gov.
How Much Does Shipping from Israel to the U.S. Cost?
The cost depends on several key factors:
- Total weight and volume of your shipment
- Shipping method – air, sea, or a combination
- Exact destination in the U.S. (East Coast is generally more affordable than West Coast)
- Level of service – door-to-door vs. depot pickup
Typical cost ranges (estimates):
- Sea freight, LCL (shared container), small volume: from ~$500–$1,500
- Sea freight, FCL (full 20ft container): $2,000–$5,000+
- Air freight, small parcel (1–10kg): $80–$300
- Air freight, larger shipment (10–100kg): $300–$2,000
Use ShippingToGo's online shipping calculator to get quotes from multiple providers instantly — compare and choose the best deal based on your specific volume and timeline.
What's the Difference Between Private and Commercial Shipments?
| Category | Private Shipment | Commercial Shipment |
|---|---|---|
| Sender | Individual (e.g., during relocation) | Business, importer, or exporter |
| Contents | Personal belongings, clothes, documents | Goods, professional equipment, samples |
| Customs Process | Usually simpler — personal effects treatment | Requires formal entry, licenses, tracking |
| Temporary Storage | Rarely needed | Often needed for bulk or large shipments |
| Pricing | Based on weight/volume | Depends on scope, frequency, added services |
How to Prepare for a Successful Shipment
Planning ahead can save you time and money. Here's what to do:
- Sort your items – only ship what you really need
- Use high-quality packaging – with clear labels and accurate descriptions
- Document everything – photograph your items for insurance purposes
- Provide accurate information – weight, destination, and content details
- Choose appropriate insurance – especially for valuable or sensitive items
Shipping Your Household: A Complete Guide to Moving Your Belongings
Moving your entire household across the ocean takes careful planning.
Timing Your Move:
- Plan ahead: start organizing your shipment at least two months before your move
- Coordinate arrival: per U.S. customs rules, you must arrive in the country before your goods arrive to qualify for personal effects duty-free treatment and avoid major storage fees
Door-to-Door Delivery: Our shipping service offers full door-to-door delivery, simplifying the entire move from your home in Israel to your new address in the U.S.
Protecting Your Belongings: Choose shipment insurance to safeguard your belongings during transit. Our team can help you select the right coverage for your items.
Expert Support for Your Move: International shipping — especially from Israel to the U.S. — can be complex. Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way.
Labeling and Documenting Your Shipment
Once your shipment is booked, you'll receive labels and an Air Waybill (AWB):
- Attach labels to every box, making sure all packages are numbered and accounted for
- The label acts as a "passport" for your package and lists all enclosed items
- Important: After labeling, do not add or remove items from the package
Visa & Immigration Options for Moving to the USA
Work Visas for Israeli Professionals
Common visas for relocating to the USA include:
- H-1B Visa: For highly skilled workers in specialty occupations — requires employer sponsorship.
- O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- L-1 Visa: For intracompany transferees moving within a multinational company.
For official visa details, visit the U.S. Department of State.
Family-Sponsored Immigration
If you have US citizen family members (spouse, parent, child, or sibling), you may qualify for a family-based immigrant visa. Wait times vary significantly by category and country of birth.
Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Program)
The Green Card Lottery offers a chance to gain permanent residency through a random selection process. Approximately 55,000 diversity visas are issued annually. Check eligibility at the US Department of State website.
Best Cities for Israeli Expats
- New York: The largest Jewish-Israeli community in the U.S., with concentrations in Manhattan (Upper West Side), Great Neck (Long Island), and Teaneck (New Jersey).
- Los Angeles: A major center for Israeli business, tech, and culture — particularly in the Pico-Robertson neighbourhood.
- Miami: Warm climate, a strong Jewish presence in Aventura and Bal Harbour, and Florida's favorable tax rates attract many Israeli relocators.
Finding Housing in the USA
Before moving, explore housing options, rent vs. buying, and living costs. Browse home listings on Zillow.
Be aware that securing a US lease without a Social Security Number or US credit history can be challenging. Consider short-term furnished rentals for your first few months while you establish your US financial profile.
Healthcare for Newcomers
Unlike Israel's universal healthcare system, U.S. healthcare is primarily private. Common options for new arrivals include:
- Employer-Sponsored Insurance: Provided by many US companies — often the most comprehensive and cost-effective option.
- Health Insurance Marketplace: Affordable Care Act plans purchased through healthcare.gov, with subsidies available based on income.
During your first months in the USA, before employer coverage or marketplace insurance activates, consider international health coverage. Read our PassportCard Relocation health insurance guide for options.
Budget-Friendly Moving Strategies
- Personal items: Carry essential documents, small electronics, and valuables with you on the flight to avoid shipping costs and risk of damage.
- Used goods: To potentially avoid customs duties, prioritize air shipping only for essential items during the first weeks.
- Compare providers: ShippingToGo's platform lets you compare sea freight and air freight quotes side-by-side — customers who compare multiple options save an average of 18–25% on their total shipping costs.
Cost-Saving Tips for Relocating to the USA
- Ship only essential personal belongings — replace inexpensive items locally.
- Compare international moving companies for the best rates on ShippingToGo.
- Use LCL (shared container) sea freight if your shipment is less than a full container load.
Final Steps Before Your Move
- Close or update all Israeli bank accounts and notify your Israeli employer.
- Ensure all official documents are up to date — passport, birth certificates, marriage certificate (apostilled if required).
- Notify the Israeli tax authority (Mas Hachnasa) if you are terminating Israeli tax residency.
Further Reading & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions — Moving from Israel to the USA
How much does it cost to ship household belongings from Israel to the USA?
Shipping a full apartment from Israel to the USA costs approximately $2,000–$8,000+ via sea freight (FCL), depending on volume and US destination. LCL (shared container) options start from $500–$1,500 for smaller volumes. Air freight for essential items costs significantly more per kg but arrives in 5–8 days. Compare quotes on ShippingToGo.
How long does sea freight from Israel to the USA take?
Sea freight from Israel to the USA takes approximately 5–8 weeks, including ocean transit, US customs clearance, and delivery. East Coast ports (New York, Miami) are typically 1–2 weeks faster than West Coast ports (Los Angeles). Air freight for essential items takes 5–8 business days from Israel to any US destination.
Do I need to arrive in the USA before my shipment?
Yes — for duty-free personal effects treatment, US Customs generally requires the owner to have arrived in the country before or at the time the goods arrive. Shipping your belongings to arrive after you ensures smoother customs clearance and avoids storage fees. Coordinate your arrival date with your sea freight timeline when planning your move.
What visas are available for Israelis moving to the USA?
Common visa options for Israelis include: H-1B (employer-sponsored specialty worker), O-1 (extraordinary ability), L-1 (intracompany transferee), family-based immigrant visas (for those with US citizen relatives), and the annual Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Program). Visit travel.state.gov for current official requirements and processing times.
What are the best US cities for Israeli expats?
The largest Israeli-American communities are concentrated in New York (Great Neck, Upper West Side), Los Angeles (Pico-Robertson), and Miami (Aventura). Boston, San Francisco, and Chicago also have active Israeli communities. New York and Los Angeles offer the most established Israeli support networks, cultural events, and Hebrew-speaking services.
What documents do I need to ship belongings from Israel to the USA?
Israel-to-USA relocation shipments require a detailed inventory list with item descriptions and declared values (in USD), passport copy, US destination address, and personal effects customs forms. Shipments valued above $800 require a formal CBP customs entry. Ocean freight shipments also require an ISF (Importer Security Filing) at least 24 hours before loading.
