Hello. This is my first post on HB forums. Usually I can find answers just by searching the forums and reading old threads, but have come up empty with my latest search.

I'm an expat who moves every few years to a new country. Quite often, I have difficulty finding a good local roaster. If I can get green coffee shipped to me, I might consider home roasting. Anyone have any relevant experience or possible leads with suppliers who ship around the world?

Some additional background information if it helps:
- My coffee consumption is about 300-500g per week.
- My next location will be Doha, Qatar.

Regards,
Mike

Okay, I just found a place called "Sweet Marias" that seems to ship internationally from the US. Shipping rates are pretty steep, about $100 for 20 lbs of coffee, but that's typical rates for international shipping.

You're probably better off buying green beans locally. It's tough until you know the language, but maybe some fellow expats or English-speaking locals can help you out when you get there.

International shipping is a killer. I know from experience. Do you have any family in a large urban center? You may be able to find a reputable vendor who lives near them. You could research the beans online and get your family to buy them for you and then have them shipped to you. That should be cheaper.

Slowrain,

Thanks for the reply. I will look into local green coffee suppliers. If not, I will probably bring 20 lb bags of coffee in my suitcase when returning from home visits. I can always supplement as necessary with international shipping, either from the supplier or from friends/relatives.

Mike

Mike-R wrote:Okay, I just found a place called "Sweet Marias" that seems to ship internationally from the US. Shipping rates are pretty steep, about $100 for 20 lbs of coffee, but that's typical rates for international shipping.

I used Sweet Maria's when I was in Iraq. Since I had an APO address, I didn't pay the international rate. You gonna be on a military installation in Doha? If so, you could probably wouldn't have to pay as much. By the way, you should probably go with Sweet Maria's regardless. High quality beans.

Since you are in Tokyo, try Ataka:

http://www.specialtycoffee.jp/top.html

Hi Derek. I'm not in the service, so no access to APO. But I'm thinking that a 20 lb bag at $200 USD including shipping is still cheaper than I pay for local roast here in Tokyo, so I would still coming out ahead.

Thanks for the feedback on Sweet Maria's. They look like a good option.

Mike

chang00 wrote:Since you are in Tokyo, try Ataka:

http://www.specialtycoffee.jp/top.html

Thanks. Their website look very promising.

I ship greens to some friends in Canada every so often, so I was curious about USPS rates to Japan. 15# in a medium flat-rate-box costs $45.50, and 20# in a large FRB is $58.50. Add in the cost of greens and you'd be around $150 for a large box.