Shipping Luggage vs Buying in Australia: Cost Guide for Nigerian and African Students
One of the big questions African students and migrants face before moving to Australia is: “Should I ship my belongings from home or just buy everything after I arrive?”
Both options have pros and cons, so let’s break them down. We help you decide what to ship and what to buy locally to save money and reduce stress.
Shipping Luggage from Nigeria/Africa to Australia
Pros
Carry personal essentials you’re already used to.
Save on buying duplicates of costly items.
Great for sentimental items or African cultural wear.
Cons
International shipping can cost $20–$40 per kg.
Takes 2–8 weeks depending on courier.
Risk of customs delays or extra fees.
💡 Best for: Essential clothing, cultural wear, laptops, personal books, important documents.
Buying Locally in Australia
Pros
Access to student discounts at local stores.
Avoids high shipping costs and long delays.
Easy to return/replace items under warranty.
Cons
Some things (like African food items) may be more expensive or harder to find.
Initial cost can feel overwhelming if you need to buy everything at once.
💡 Best for: Furniture, bedding, electronics, and everyday items like kitchenware.
Cost Comparison (Approximate)
| Item | Shipping from Nigeria | Buying in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| 20kg luggage box | ₦300,000 – ₦600,000 | N/A |
| Laptop | ₦450,000 – ₦700,000 | A$1,000 – A$1,500 |
| Bedding set | ₦40,000 – ₦70,000 | A$50 – A$100 |
| Cooking utensils | ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 | A$30 – A$80 |
Afrovo’s Recommendation
Ship only what matters (important documents, electronics, cultural wear, personal items).
Buy bulky items locally (furniture, bedding, cookware, home appliances).
Use Afrovo’s settlement guide to find affordable stores near your university.
“Afrovo helped me avoid wasting money on shipping big items. I carried my essentials and bought the rest in Melbourne at cheap student stores.”
— Kene, Nigerian Student
🎯 Confused about what to ship or buy?
👉 Book Afrovo’s Settlement Consultation
📋 Want Afrovo’s checklist of affordable student essentials in Australia?
👉 Download Afrovo’s Free Shopping Guide
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