MMoving to Japan

Bringing my PC and other parts to Japan

Hi. I will be moving to Japan some time next month on student visa, and I want to bring my PC with me. I will keep the case at home, but I want to bring all the other parts. What is the best way to do this? In the luggage or send it over by post? Also, I've heard you can't bring a PSU with you, so I guess i will have to buy new one over there? Anyone done this recently?

by drafthard

3 comments

  1. Post will take forever. Put it in your luggage.

    Power is different in Japan be careful everything is compatible.

  2. Check the specs of your PSU if it works with 100V. I think most PSUs nowadays are 100V – 240V and should work just fine.
    I brought my PC with myself about a month ago, but I have a mini-ITX case that fit in my checked suitcase. I haven’t heard about PSUs being an issue, so I’m not sure what’s going on with that, but I wasn’t stopped or anything. I’m still using my PC as normal, although I did switch to a “local” power cable – you might want to do the same for safety. (Unless your country also uses a 100V network and the same sockets I guess?)

    A few years back when I had a bigger case, I also took my PC apart first when going back home from Japan.
    I bought antistatic bags and some bubblewrap for the parts and put them in my carry-on, with some clothes for extra padding. They made the journey safely, so I think it should be fine if you pack them carefully (but not too “tight”). I’m not sure I’d feel safe enough about putting the parts themselves in checked luggage, though. Maybe if they’re in their original boxes.

    I sent my case (with the PSU in it, iirc) home via post though, but it took more than a month to arrive since I chose the cheapest option, so unless you’re willing to pay extra it might not be the best option.
    I think there’s also some extra paperwork/declaration stuff involved when you move here but ship your stuff over instead of bringing it with you, so be careful about that — look up “unaccompanied baggage,” I believe that’s the term for it.

  3. Overall, if you have the time and resources, carrying the components yourself might be the safest and easiest option. However, if you’re pressed for space or prefer to avoid carrying a lot, shipping is also a good choice. Just ensure everything is properly packed to avoid damage during transit!

Leave a Reply