Moving Piano across international borders

[90abyss]

I am looking forward to buying a decent electric keyboard but here's the catch: I am from India but will be moving to Chicago, USA in under 5 months for my graduation. If I buy it in India and carry it with me to US then will I be charged exorbitantly for customs duty/tariffs/etc? Will the cost be so high that waiting out for 5 months and buying it in Chicago instead would be a better alternative? What do you suggest? Has anyone shifted their piano across countries? How was the experience like?

[lhorwinkle]

Buy it in the US.

If you bring it from India, it will cost you extra for baggage.

Also, you'll need to buy a proper, airline-approved shipping case. That will at least give the keyboard a fighting chance of surviving.

The airline probably won't allow you to take it unless it's in an approved case.

And, if they do allow it, don't bring it! It will be destroyed by rough handling!

Buy it after you arrive at your destination.

[rjarsenault1101]

know that song, united breaks guitars? yeah they also do pianos, ukuleles, violins, saxophones, clarinets, bass drums, cymbols, and trombones.