thailand
Ask question

Do you have to pay import duty on laptops shipped to Thailand from the US?

import dutyThailandlaptopsVATvisashippingelectronicsFedExcustomsexemptions
Dec 25, 2023
a year ago
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
If you buy laptop from US online that ships to Thailand using FedEx, do you have to pay import duty?

It says no import duty on laptops but i want to hear about other people's experiences.
4,279
views
5
likes
114
all likes
68
replies
2
images
29
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
When purchasing a laptop from the US to be shipped to Thailand, many users report that laptops are generally exempt from import duty, paying only the 7% VAT on the cost including shipping. However, experiences vary, and some have suggested that using courier services like FedEx may trigger unexpected fees. Others recommend using USPS for a better chance of avoiding additional duty. Discussions also highlight the fluctuation in costs based on how items are categorized by customs. Overall, while laptops are duty free according to some sources, others contend that hidden fees or higher assessments may still apply.
Klaus ***********
Buy from Amazon often they ship all cost including
a year ago
Like
Reply
Colin *********
Just out of curiosity, does anyone if a Thai person were to buy a new PC or Laptop outside of Thailand and had it sent to Thailand via a Postal or Courier service, would they pay these import duties? What about if the PC or Laptop were a used one?

If all goes well, I'll move to Thailand to live in 2025 & will want a computer with decent power (gaming level machine, but not for games). I may upgrade my current PC or get a new one & thinking about asking my close Thai friend that lives close to me to send it to her house in Thailand if my plans go well
a year ago
Like
Reply
Andy ************
Yes just buy in a big box store and done.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jhon *******
Always had trouble in the past getting laptops in Thailand with only English keys..has that changed ?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dani *********
Dude. Tons of great and cheap laptops in Bangkok.

You will get FKD for import tax
a year ago
Like
Reply
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dani ********
 no import duty on laptops
a year ago
Like
Reply
Dani *********
@Rob *******
 good luck with customs. I paid fees on a old pair of glasses mailed to me
a year ago
Like
Reply
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dani ********
do you realize import duty is based on the type of item?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rob ********
Reply
Steve **********
Haven't stayed up on duty. Friend has shipped a few bottles of CA wines

as holiday gift ( unrequested, or would have refused ).

Is there still a duty ?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Kristaps ********
What about buying from Singapore
a year ago
Like
Reply
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kristaps *******
 same thing it's more expensive there and they don't carry high end laptops.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rob ********
Reply
Ivan ************
I have imported a laptop and paid only 7% VAT, no duty, which is correct, as laptops are duty free. There will be a small handling fee from the courier, FedEx and DHL both charge 200B. Thai Post is 20B.

Many other items do have much larger duty, which is what people are confusing. Duty is item dependent, and it's zero on laptops.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Daniel ************
yes sure
a year ago
Like
Reply
Craig *******
I had to replace my laptop this year while in Thailand. The exact same model was 25% more in Canada (CAD and US pricing is comparable). No shipping cost, no wait, plus I got the vat rebate. No brainer
a year ago
Like
Reply
Klee **************
Why wouldn’t you buy the laptop here, makes way more sense to me
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
You’ll still have to pay VAT and processing fees
a year ago
Like
Reply
Puggs **********
Remember that the standard voltage in Thailand (220 Volts) much higher than the voltage level of devices in the United States (110 Volts).
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ivan ************
@Puggs *********
 99%+ of laptops support both voltages.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Maxim ***********
A lot of good but also factually inaccurate reply. Electronics is 20-30% cheaper overseas compare to Thailand. So when you import electronics, either you will get charge 20-30% for shipping cost (Amazon, Ebay, etc, which will be the import tax equivalent), OR you will pay 20-30% import taxes upon delivery. The delivery man will come to your house to tell you to go to the office to get your package. The high tax is probably to protect Thai companies that sell the same product 20-30% more expensive. If it was so cheap to import electronics, nobody would buy from Thai store.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Daniel **********
@Maxim **********
 again you are giving false information. There is no import duty on notebook computers.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ivan ************
@Ma***
 it's 7% VAT only, no duty. I have imported a laptop and paid this. A company's shipping fees are their own business, they are not tax to the Thai government. You do pay VAT on shipping fees, but that's the same anywhere.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Maxim ***********
@Ivan ***********
 Which website did you buy the laptop from? Thailand has deals with many websites (including Amazon and Ebay), where they will charge 20-30% for delivery fees which replace the typical import taxes. A lot of people don't notice this upon buying online. So no, a company shipping fee is not only their "own business", it is country specific and based on many things depending on the product.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ivan ************
@Ma***
 Amazon and eBay can estimate and pre-pay the tax. It's not a shipping fee then, it's tax. Amazon actually refunds you if the actual tax is less than they estimated. I have prepaid the tax with Amazon and they did refund. Shipping can be expensive from the US but that's a separate thing to tax.

Many items do attract duty and it can bex10, 30, 60%, and you have the VAT on top of that. But laptops specifically are duty free. There isn't one rate for everything. If you got charged only 20-30% on clothes for example that would be an undercharge, as they are 30% plus 7% VAT = 39.1% (plus you pay this on the shipping too).
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
John ********
You’ll pay
a year ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
You pay tax, VAT and tax on the shipping costs. Bit of advice have it shipped to a Thai friend.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Robert *********
different electrical power may cause damage and the plug is different.?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ivan ************
@Robert ********
 plug is the same here as the US and almost any laptop will come with a multi voltage adapter.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Robert *********
@Ivan ***********
***************************************************
maybe in some places but not all. i was in chiang mia Bangkok koh chang korat never seen western style, just going by my experience and i was there in 2020
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ivan ************
@Rob***
 this is the most common Thai socket, it will take any of type A (North American 2 pin), B (NA 3 pin), C (Euro 2 pin) or E/F (Euro 3 pin- will only be grounded if you add a grounding pin in the hole). It generally works best in practice though with US over euro plugs, they stay in better.

Sometimes you get 2 pin only sockets, but I can't imagine you ever had a socket you couldn't plug a regular North American 2 pin plug into. And you will generally have the third pin on most sockets, so they'll take 3 pin NA plugs.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ivan ************
@Rob***
 I live here, sockets that take US plugs are the most common. Most sockets are designed to take both US and Euro plugs, which is why they may look different from what you have in the US, but they do actually take US plugs and indeed the US plugs stay in better than the Euro ones. I have a mix of US, euro and UK/HK/Singapore plugs but MOST of my stuff is US plug as that's the plug that works best here.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Terary **********
I had a laptop shipped to me by a friend, the insured value $1000. I had to pay 60%, I think. It was significant. It may have been different if my buddy re-wrapped the box so that it wasn't obvious that it was a new laptop.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Daniel **********
@Terary *********
 your friend must have used the wrong HS code. Laptops are duty free.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Daniel **********
Reply
Rob *************
The way I look at it, if you’re willing to spend high end, does it really matter about the tax? Just saying……
a year ago
Like
Reply
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nakednomads ***************
 if you spend 8k on something do you like to spend another 4k on it for now reason?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Rob *************
@Rob *******
 just sounded like you were not buying local regardless because they don’t have what you’re looking for…thought that would be the reason since it comes with all the applied taxes…..apologies if I assumed wrong.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rob *************
Reply
Erwin ********
No import duty on laptops, only 7% vat on the cost of the goods (the real cost, not some made up low figure) including shipping and insurance. If the CIF value is more than 40k Baht you’ll need to register for import, for which your shipper will ask your passport and some additional fees.

Please beware that if the laptop has a sim slot (or can be connected mobile) you need to make sure the same model is already registered in Thailand, otherwise you’ll have to add a few hundred k to get it certified and registered with the nbtc.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Erwin *******
 thx for the detailed answer. You mean they will find out the actual price by googling even if the specified price was lower?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Erwin ********
@Rob *******
 yes. Customs will assess the real value and tax accordingly, or they’ll slap you with a fine if your stated value is ridiculously low, or worse you say it’s a gift. And no, sending it back often isn’t an option if you disagree, your only choices to forfeit the goods.

Oh, one tip; do not ship multiple types of goods together without clearly specifying each item separately with its price, or they’ll assess the entire shipment for to total cost on the item which has the highest duty.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Erwin *******
 yep...have been bitten
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Martin **************
FedEx and Dhl have the highest % of paying duty fees. It’s always a gamble, you never know if they will charge them or not. Depending on where you get the laptop, you can ask to send as a gift which will help. If you can use usps or any other slower methods, you have higher % chance of not paying duty fees.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martin *************
 if they charge import duty, can't you fight this because it's the law that there is no duty for laptops?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Rob *******
 ' fight it ' in Thailand ?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Maxim ***********
@Rob *******
 You can't fight it, delivery man will come to your house to tell you to go to the office to get your package.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Maxim ***********
Reply
Phil ******
@Rob *******
 7%Vat
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ticha *****************
You cant say no import tax. But duty of electronic appliance is 0%+shipping cost you may have to pay for vat 7% from above
a year ago
Like
Reply
Maxim ***********
@Ticha ****************
 That's absolutely not true. You will pay 25-30% overall taxes combine when you buy electronics overseas to cover the fact that the same electronic will be 25-30% higher in Thailand. Either you pay such taxes when buying the electronics or went receiving it.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ticha *****************
@Maxim **********
 that is true 0% on electronic appliance. Check HS code and talkk to me later
a year ago
Like
Reply
Maxim ***********
@Ticha ****************
 It's 25-30% taxes, these are facts based on literally everyone who order electronics from overseas 🙂 Ask around how much people pay, they will all say either 25-30% shipping deliveries (pre-tax cover, on Amazon or Ebay for example) or 25-30% upon delivery. The 25-30% is to protect local Thai businesses which sell the same electronic 25-30% more expensive.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Alan *******
@Maxim **********
 Not true, there is no single category for all electronics. Laptops and monitors for example have no import duty.

I brought a large computer monitor into Thailand at BKK airport, had it stopped and checked by customs as they thought it was a TV. When they saw it was a computer monitor they let it go, paid nothing.

VAT and duty on shipping might apply if over the de minimus, but certain product categories have no duty on them.

As for Amazon, I just added a Dell XPS 15 to my cart, put in a Thai shipping address, it qualified for free international expedited shipping, the import duties deposit was 7.62% of the laptop price.

No idea why it was more than 7% VAT but nowhere near 20-30% as you claim.

Also, “shipping costs for taxes” isn’t some agreement with Amazon.

Import duties have always included the cost of the item plus the cost of shipping plus the duty percentage based on the HS code of the item plus VAT.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ticha *****************
@Maxim **********
 No you are giving fault informstion. People should know that the tax for expecially laptop is only 0%. Not what you said. There are thousands of HS code that you must pay 30%+7% taxes to protect local business. And upon delivery you eill get blue paper to inform about import duty by delivery company. You can also discuss with customs for this. If they must pay 25-30% on electronic appliance drom importing. They should know they dont know how to do business. And contact nearest shipping agent 😅
a year ago
Like
Reply
Maxim ***********
@Ticha ****************
 I am giving accurate and verifiable information. As proof of that, go to Amazon right now and try to buy a Laptop, you will see upon buying that the delivery fee will be 20-30%. So if you buy a 1k USD Laptop, you will get charged $200-300 USD in shipping cost. This is because Thailand have aggreement with such famous website to use shipping cost as taxes. But for websites without such agreement, they will charge you upon delivery. You can try yourself :). This is why electronics is 25-30% more expensive in Thailand.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Daniel **********
@Maxim **********
 you are wrong and Ticha Karen Kelgnoht is correct. Notebooks are exempt from import duty.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ivan ************
@Ma***
 laptops are duty exempt. I've bought a laptop and only paid the 7% VAT. Ticha is right. You can check this yourself on the Revenue website.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ticha ****************
 7 percent is ok. Just hope no import duty.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rob ********
Reply
Bob **********
Just buy here you can get whatever you want
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
My friend is an IT guy he’s bought many over here
a year ago
Like
Reply
Richard ********
@Bob *********
 Without Thai characters?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Richard *******
 not really
a year ago
Like
Reply
Richard ********
@Bob *********
 Maybe it's better now. It's been a while since I've bought one here
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Richard ********
Reply
Bob **********
@Richard *******
 of course
a year ago
Like
Reply
Richard ********
@Bob *********
 Harder to find
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Richard ********
Reply
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
 not all laptops are available here.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Rob *******
 then be prepared to pay duty
a year ago
Like
Reply
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
 no duty on laptops..
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rob ********
Reply
Phil ********
37% import tax.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
What city are you in? In Phuket they are pretty aggressive extracting bribes with third party shipping. USPS seemed fairly immune, but I would never order anything else from USA with a non government shipper.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jack ***************
 pattaya
a year ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
@Rob *******
 I'd be pretty nervous doing it. But it might be fine. I do think that sort.of thing goes in waves. And some provinces are "cleaner"
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the taxing rules for shipping personal belongings to Thailand on a tourist visa?
11 comments
4 months ago
What are the import tax rules for buying items from Amazon and using Lazada in Thailand?
96 comments
8 months ago
What are the regulations for importing used household goods to Thailand with a non-O retirement visa?
17 comments
8 months ago
What is the best way to ship a laptop to a friend in Thailand?
73 comments
8 months ago
What are the rules and costs for importing a container of household goods to Thailand?
31 comments
9 months ago
What are the customs duties on personal possessions for a retiree moving to Thailand on a non-immigrant O visa?
24 comments
10 months ago
What are the import tax rules and fees for goods ordered into Thailand?
15 comments
a year ago
Will I have to pay taxes or duties when shipping my used laptop from Australia to Thailand?
14 comments
a year ago
Is it worth shipping personal belongings from the USA to Thailand?
20 comments
a year ago
Can I bring two laptops into Thailand for work and personal use without issues?
39 comments
2 years ago
What are the customs duties and shipping experiences for moving to Thailand?
36 comments
2 years ago
What are the duties and taxes for shipping personal belongings to Thailand with an LTR pensioner visa?
13 comments
2 years ago
What is the best way to bring personal items to Thailand without incurring import fees?
26 comments
2 years ago
How does ordering from Amazon.com to Thailand work for expatriates?
26 comments
2 years ago
What are the costs and considerations for shipping a vehicle and personal belongings to Thailand as an expat?
112 comments
3 years ago
Will I be charged customs tax if I ship personal items to Thailand with a non-immigrant retirement O visa?
21 comments
3 years ago
Are there VAT charges when buying PC components from Lazada in Thailand?
25 comments
3 years ago
What are the best ways to ship a laptop from Germany to Thailand and what paperwork is needed?
2 comments
3 years ago
What should I consider before shipping household goods from the US to Thailand?
12 comments
3 years ago
How much does it cost to send a parcel from the USA to Thailand?
28 comments
3 years ago
How reliable is mailing gift packages to Thailand from the USA or other countries?
18 comments
4 years ago
Will I have to pay customs tax when bringing my personal iMac into Thailand?
14 comments
4 years ago
Can I have my items shipped to Thailand held by the shipping company until I clear quarantine?
18 comments
4 years ago
What should I do if my parcel is held at customs in Thailand?
32 comments
4 years ago
What are the import duties and taxes for shipping a laptop from the USA to Thailand?
111 comments
5 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.