03/23/2022
Importing Bettas & the Transhipping Process
Looking to import a betta from overseas??? Well here's the scoop!
First of all, there are a few things you should know before deciding to import. The price to ship to your country is relatively inexpensive (between $5 - $10 per fish). HOWEVER... you pay three people in the process. You pay the seller for the betta and the shipping cost to get it to your country. In most cases the shipping cost will be included in the price of the fish. The money you pay the seller to ship the fish actually goes to that country's transhipper, and the seller will get thay money to them (you'll be dealing with two transhippers in the importing process, the one overseas and the one in your country). The seller ships the betta according to the transhipping schedule, which is usually twice a month. You will give the seller your address, phone number and email address, and they will forward it down the line. Once it gets to your country, your domestic transhipper receives it and sends it to you. You also have to pay this transhipper, which averages between $3 and $7 per fish. Then they ship it to your home, which is the 3rd cost you have to pay (this money also goes to your local transhipper). Your country may have a few transhippers, and some countries have only one. If there are multiple transhippers in your country, you can choose which one you want your fish to be sent to. I HIGHLY recommend choosing the transhipper closest to you, and you have to inform the seller which one you chose at the time you purchase your fish. If you don't specify, they will pick one for you. Once your fish gets to your local transhipper, they may contact you, or they may just automatically ship the fish to you, since you provided your address and contact information to the seller. Some may contact you with a tracking number, or you can contact them for it. Therefore it is IMPORTANT to be aware of the transhipping schedules. The fish typically arrives in your country the day after departure from the overseas location.
*NOTE* If you live near a transhipper, you can pick up your fish in person and save on domestic shipping costs!
So! Let me walk you through the entire process step by step.
1. Choose your fish.
2. Pay the overseas seller for the fish and the overseas shipping cost.
3. Choose a transhipper.
4. Wait..... 😑
5. Pay your local transhipper their fee once the fish arrives in your country.
6. Wait some more..... 😒
7. Your fish is delivered! 🎉
*NOTE* If your fish arrives DOA, your transhipper will inform you and the seller. BUT there are specific requirements to get a refund or replacement. You must send some photos of the DOA fish to the seller, in the bag it came in, UNOPENED.
I've provided an updated list of active transhippers. Find your country in the left column, and see your local available transhippers in the right column (A few are not listed, Linda Olson and Edy Tamtama).
*NOTE* If you live near a transhipper, you can go pick it up and skip the USPS costs!
Well, I hope this was helpful! It can be confusing, but I think it's well worth the process and the wait! There are some gorgeous, unique fish overseas! Indonesia and Thailand are probably the two most popular exporting countries, and the sellers have made bettas their life. The genes are pure and the fish are healthy.
Happy importing!! 🐟
