Sending a laptop back to Canada (by sea or air is fine).

4 comments

1. You can just ship it by Japan Post EMS (won’t be too cheap, but it will arrive in < 1 week).

   Rules: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/use/restriction/restriction02_en.pdf

   Any laptop sold today will have a battery < 100Wh to fit in the airline carry on/shipping requirements.

   So you just pack it in a way that it doesn’t get destroyed, fill out EMS label online at https://www.int-mypage.post.japanpost.jp/mypage/M010000.do?request_locale=en_US or mobile version, in the contents write down something like “LAPTOP, CONTAINS BATTERY < 100Wh”, make sure the box does not have any IATA battery warning labels on it (for example if using original box, cover them up) and take it to post office for sending.

   Contrary to the popular belief, sending devices with lithium batteries is allowed (to most destinations), you just need to properly declare and follow rules. If you send it as something else, not telling that battery is there, then it WILL be returned and shipping cost is not refundable.

2. You can use a locker service and take it with you when you finally finish your tour, just an another option

3. > There is a chance that I will leave Japan early next year

   I don’t know what your income situation is like, but if you’re working there is something you should be aware of: if you are in Japan on January 1st 2024 you will owe 10% residence tax on your 2023 income. If you leave Japan by December 31, 2023 you do not owe residence tax on your 2023 income. (You must actually leave the country, you can’t try to pull a fast one by registering your move out date in 2023 but actually leaving in early 2024.)

4. > which I would much prefer not to have to carry around with me.

   no. That’s exactly what ppl do. Don’t send expensive stuff like pc by mail…