What to Bring vs. What to Sell 🧳
The definitive packing cheatsheet for NRIs moving to India. Exactly which US appliances, electronics, and furniture to bring vs. sell — based on India's 230V/50Hz grid.
Disclaimer
Customs rules and TR (Transfer of Residence) allowances can change. Verify the latest Baggage Rules with a licensed customs broker before shipping.
Quick Navigation
1. The Voltage Reality
India runs on 230V/50Hz. The US runs on 110V/60Hz. This changes everything.
✅ Safe (No adapter needed)
Devices marked 100-240V, 50/60Hz (like phone chargers, laptop chargers, camera chargers) work perfectly with just a simple physical plug adapter.
⚠️ Needs Step-Down Transformer
110V-only appliances will be destroyed instantly without a step-down transformer (converts 230V to 110V). The transformer must be rated for 1.5x to 2x the appliance's wattage.
❌ Sell it: The 50Hz Motor Problem
Transformers do NOT change frequency. US motors (60Hz) plugged into India's 50Hz grid spin ~20% slower, overheat, and fail prematurely. Sell your heavy-duty blenders, vacuums, and mixers.
2. Electronics Worth Bringing
MacBooks & Apple Laptops
20-30%+ cheaper in the US. Chargers are 100-240V dual-voltage. Bring as many as you need.
iPhones (Unlocked)
20-30%+ cheaper in the US. All US models work perfectly on Jio/Airtel (including 5G bands n28, n78). iPhone 14+ is eSIM-only — Jio and Airtel both fully support eSIM.
iPad & Tablets / Cameras
Same price advantage as iPhones. Camera bodies and lenses travel easily, and their chargers are dual-voltage.
3. What to Sell or Leave Behind
KitchenAid / Heavy Mixers
110V only AND susceptible to the 50Hz motor problem. Buy a 220V Indian equivalent (Bosch/Braun/Preethi).
Hair Dryers & Kettles
Almost always strictly 110V. Using a hair dryer with a transformer is an overheating risk. Indian kettles and hair dryers start at ₹500.
US Smart TVs
Often 110V-only, Smart TV apps may be geo-locked to the US, and there's a huge risk of screen damage during shipping. Buy in India.
4. Bring vs. Sell Quick-Reference Table
| Item | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook / Laptop | ✅ BRING | 20-30%+ cheaper; charger is dual-voltage |
| iPhone (unlocked) | ✅ BRING | 20-30%+ cheaper; Jio/Airtel compatible; eSIM supported |
| iPad / Tablets | ✅ BRING | Same price advantage |
| Camera + charger | ✅ BRING | Dual-voltage charger; same gear works fine |
| Kindle / e-readers | ✅ BRING | Dual-voltage charger; no reason to sell |
| Clothes & Books | ✅ BRING | Duty-free under TR |
| Gold jewelry (within limits) | ✅ BRING | Within TR allowance (40g female, 20g male) |
| Gaming Console (PS5/Xbox) | ⚠️ JUDGEMENT CALL | Small price difference; Indian version has local warranty + correct voltage |
| KitchenAid / Heavy Mixer | ❌ SELL | 50Hz motor problem; overheat and fail |
| Hair Dryer | ❌ SELL | 110V only; Indian dryers start at ₹500 |
| Electric Kettle | ❌ SELL | 110V only; Indian kettles start at ₹500 |
| US Smart TV | ❌ SELL | Voltage + geo-locked apps + shipping risk |
| Cordless Vacuum | ❌ SELL | 50Hz motor problem |
| US Car | ❌ DO NOT BRING | 60-165% import duty; LHD cars prohibited in India |
5. Shipping Your Belongings
Container Costs (20-ft, West Coast US → Mumbai)
- Base ocean freight: $2,900 – $3,400
- Port handling, customs, inland delivery: $1,600 – $2,600
- Total landed cost: ~$4,500 – $6,000+
Transfer of Residence (TR) Eligibility: Duty-free import of used household goods if returning after 2+ consecutive years abroad. Goods must be owned and used for at least 1 year (new items are taxed). Allowances include furniture, clothing, kitchenware, 1 washing machine, 1 refrigerator (≤300L).
Tip: Indian furniture alternatives are excellent now (IKEA, Pepperfry, Urban Ladder, Godrej Interio). Don't ship cheap furniture.
6. Cars, Gold & Alcohol Rules
Cars: DO NOT BRING
Import duty is 60-165% of CIF value. US Left-Hand Drive (LHD) cars are prohibited (India requires RHD). Car must be ≤3 years old. It is functionally impossible and financially ruinous to bring a US car to India.
Gold & Jewelry
For stays >1 year abroad, duty-free jewelry limits: Male 20g / Female 40g. Gold bars, biscuits, and coins must be declared in the Red Channel and are heavily dutiable.
Alcohol
Maximum 2 liters per adult (18+) duty-free combined. Any excess faces >150% customs duty and must be declared.