--- title: Moving from Reno to the Philippines: Customs Guide url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/philippines/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [International moving through partner carriers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/) - Moving from Reno to Philippines # Moving from Reno to the Philippines The Philippine Bureau of Customs sets returning-resident allowances in three tiers by time abroad, under 5 years, 5 to 10 years and 10 years or more, and every arriving traveler files a baggage declaration. Regulated items such as used vehicles, animals, plants and medicines need agency permits before import. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) A move to the Philippines mixes two things: a household shipment and the rules for people coming home or settling. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) publishes its traveler guidelines and its balikbayan box guidelines, and both are worth reading before the first box is packed. O'Brien's Moving & Storage plans overseas moves through Bekins and partner international carriers; the BOC pages describe what happens at the Philippine end. ## Allowance tiers by time abroad BOC describes allowances for returning residents and overseas Filipino workers that depend on years abroad, and on whether the privilege was used in an earlier period. The page lists three tiers: 10 years or more abroad, 5 to 10 years, and under 5 years. The goods must be personal effects and household goods needed for the stay, not in commercial quantity, and the page notes that overseas workers may bring home appliances limited to one of each kind. ## The declaration on arrival Arriving travelers submit a Customs Baggage Declaration Form to the examiner with their baggage. Bags tagged by X-ray staff receive a full physical examination, and any duties and taxes are paid at the Customs cashier before the examiner clears the goods. BOC warns that failing to declare dutiable goods results in duties and taxes plus a 30 percent surcharge on the landed cost. ## Balikbayan boxes and the separate privilege BOC's balikbayan box guidelines are a different channel from a full household shipment. They describe consolidated boxes of personal effects and gifts sent by Filipinos abroad, with limits on frequency and value and a requirement for a Tax Exemption Indorsement for the privilege. The BOC arriving-traveler page has no separate section on transfer of residence, so before you commit to a household container, confirm with BOC or the nearest Philippine consulate which route applies to your family. ## Permits for regulated goods BOC adds that items above the stated quantities may be seized and forfeited, and that all persons and baggage can be searched at any time. - Used and new vehicles need agency authorizations before import. - Firearms, explosives and related chemicals go through the national police. - Animals and plants need clearance from the animal and plant agencies. - Medicines, cosmetics and processed food are covered by FDA rules, with personal-use limits. ## Planning with O'Brien's Because the Philippine rules turn on which goods are personal effects, which are appliances and which are regulated, the first job is a clear list. O'Brien's prepares an itemized inventory and condition report before packing, plus an itemized written estimate. Call 775-359-6683 for a free in-home estimate that includes 10 free heavy-duty boxes, or see [international moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/) for the overall process. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [Bureau of Customs, Guidelines on Arriving Travelers](https://customs.gov.ph/guidelines-on-arriving-travelers/) - [Bureau of Customs, Balikbayan Box Guidelines](https://customs.gov.ph/balikbayan-box-guidelines/) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [International moving through partner carriers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/) - [Moving overseas: how international household moves work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-overseas/) - [FAQ: International moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/international/) - [Free in-home moving estimate (plus 10 free heavy-duty boxes)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/free-estimate/) International moves ## Read next - [Moving from Reno to Australia](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/australia/) - [Moving from Reno to Italy](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/italy/) - [Moving from Reno to Spain](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/spain/) - [Moving from Reno to France](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/france/) - [Moving from Reno to Netherlands](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/netherlands/) - [Moving from Reno to Ireland](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/ireland/) - [Moving from Reno to New Zealand](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/new-zealand/) - [Moving from Reno to India](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/india/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Is a balikbayan box the same as shipping my household? No. BOC treats balikbayan boxes as a consolidated-shipment privilege with its own limits, separate from a full household shipment. ### What happens if I do not declare an item? BOC says the duties and taxes become payable together with a 30 percent surcharge on the total landed cost. ### Are medicines and food allowed? BOC lists them as FDA-regulated, with personal-use limits, and says quantities beyond the limits can be seized. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) E Edward G. September 14, 2025 James and the crew were terrific. N Nicole B. June 25, 2025 The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you! C Charles C. May 31, 2025 Great company, I'd highly recommend for any move!!! ### Owner's reply Charles, It was a pleasure working with you on your moves. We hope your trip is amazing and if you ever come back our way, we will be happy to help. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to complete this review on our behalf. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070