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Is it worth it to ship furniture and electronics when moving to Thailand on a DTV visa?
DTV VisaShipping to ThailandImport DutiesCost of Living in ThailandFurniture in ThailandElectronics in Thailand
Sep 30, 2025
7 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERThis might sound crazy but when moving to thailand on DTV have you shipped your TV furniture or computer etc? Thanks for sharing in advance.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Shipping personal belongings such as furniture and electronics to Thailand on a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) is often not cost-effective. Many community members recommend selling your items before relocating due to high shipping costs and potential import duties that customs can impose. Experiences shared indicate that while some items might be shipped successfully, it often results in added expenses and delays, with many suggesting it’s better to buy items locally in Thailand.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Eric ****
I actually had some things shipped here from the US and it cost me $3300 and it took 3 months. Unless you absolutely need it, just buy it here.
Tang *****
Sell them and buy here. Cost effective and less hassle.
Luke *******
lots of good furniture stores here, just sell what you have if you’re gonna relocate here.
About the computer, I didn’t want the hassle of shopping for all the pieces so I disarmed mine and brought it in my checked luggage. I just bought the PC tower, power supply and the screens.
About the computer, I didn’t want the hassle of shopping for all the pieces so I disarmed mine and brought it in my checked luggage. I just bought the PC tower, power supply and the screens.
Oliver **********
We imported from the UK and we didn't pay tax if you declare exactly what you have piece by piece you are fine. Anything electric or things that have batteries in I wouldn't both. We had a 2x2 metre cube and it was roughly 1200 pound.
Hope this helps 🙏
Hope this helps 🙏
Anonymous ******************
I shipped my family photos, framed artwork, bicycles, kids toys, guitars, camping gear, etc from Bali where we lived before.
The import duties were
I’m on DTV for now but will eventually setup a business and switch visas…
The import duties were
*****
baht for a half container. Shipping was a few thousand dollars. Probably I should have just taken the art out of the frames and filled 10 more suitcases and paid extra for the bikes and made 2 or 3 trips… it’s taken 6 months to arrive…. Or shipped more furniture and used the whole container. I’m on DTV for now but will eventually setup a business and switch visas…
Phil ******
@ANONYMOUS MEMBER yes you can but the duties are charged on new. Its not worth it
Andrew *********
I've been here over 20 years. Not once has anyone said its worth shipping stuff from home.
TVs are cheap here.
TVs are cheap here.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ********
wow 20 years thats a long time. You must have seen a lot of changes too? thank you 🙏Reply to
Anonymous *************
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Stuart *********
Rarely would shipping furniture and other goods work out cost effective. Apart from the exorbitant shipping costs you’re likely to pay a good amount of import duty and taxes. A figure the customs guys will pluck out of the ether based on your bill of lading. If you question it they’ll go through the shipment with a fine tooth comb and invariably you’ll have a higher assessment.
Sell your stuff before coming and buy here.
Sell your stuff before coming and buy here.
Sylvia ********
@Stuart ********
exactly what happened to me 24 yrs ago! Had to employ agent who managed to cut the tax request by 50,000 baht! Nightmare but back then not much Google advise!James ********
@Stuart ********
wise advice ✅Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
thank you for the information 🙏 👍Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Luit *****************
Moving to Thailand on a DTV, are you sure you applied for the correct visa? DTV is not meant to live in Thailand.
Besides that, even when you do want to live in Thailand you are better of buying that stuff just new.
Besides that, even when you do want to live in Thailand you are better of buying that stuff just new.
Axel *******
@Luit ****************
ehhhh yes it isAt least for 5 years and if you want to go to the max all you have to do once every 180 days is to leave the country for a coffee and come straight back in. So let’s say 5 hours out of 5 years.
Thats living in Thailand in my books 😎
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Axel ******
and moving with a dog 😇?Lance ******
@Axel ******
Exactly right!Luit *****************
@Axel ******
Personally I would prefer a visa for residents when I plan to live in a country and not only be a tourist.When you completely move that can give complications, like not having the possibility to open a bank account in Thailand, but also not allowed to have a bank account in your previous home country anymore.
But when you are happy being tourist for 5 years, be my guest.
Axel *******
@Luit ****************
I am just saying that you can live in Thailand for 5 years with the DTV. If it’s the best visa for that depends on the personal circumstances. If having a Thai bank account or being able to work in Thailand is important than the DTV is not the right visa. Not sure which home country will not allow you to maintain your bank account as you only have a tourist visa.Luit *****************
@Axel ******
I cannot speak for exact rules for all countries, but a lot of countries don't allow you to be away the whole year, and not having residency will mean nor right for a bank account.That you only have a tourist visa for another country does not make it different.
In my country Netherlands for instance, you need to be at least four months a year to stay registered, which is also a requirement for banks.
That does not mean this is actually enforced that way.
And as topicstarter is talking about moving furniture it suggests he is actually fully leaving his home country, and in the new country he is only tourist.
I think you should be aware of the risks you take in such a situation.
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Luit ****************
yes it is DTV i might extend im not sure by that time new visas may be issued or something hopefully thanks for your view 🙏Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Greg ********
You will be taxed on it. Just not worth doing it for Thailand.
Axel *******
@Greg *******
We just did this from AUS and did not get taxed. The customs agent we used checked it and they confirmed it a few weeks before our goods arrived.I asked them multiple times about it and they said that rules have changed for DTV
Greg ********
@Axel ******
Great you got it done. I think your agent got around the "Rules" though rather than being changed but so what if it worked. It is usually a long term residency or with a 1 year WP or a Thai returning home. Does not matter though if it worked for you.Axel *******
@Greg *******
yes that was our understanding but as you said it worked and I take that win :)Greg ********
@Axel ******
I have a couple of stories about bringing items (Legal) in but cannot publish here lolReply to
Greg ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
computer set of my hubby, PH🇵🇭 to TH🇹🇭 last August only
Smithy *****
Anonymous participant 601 did you have to pay any special fees, such as tax?
Anonymous ******************
@Smithy ****
yeah I paid ฿5,000 for the taxSmithy *****
Anonymous participant 601 thanks for the response. I was wondering how they would evaluate something like that? I assumed you declared it as personal and used.
Reply to
Smithy *****
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Forget about it. Far too expensive shipping fees, and customs will be happy to charge even more on top.
Axel *******
Anonymous participant 377 Depends what you consider expensive. We paid around $1,500 AUD for 3.5m3 or around 25 large removal boxes from SYD to BKK
Reply to
Axel *******
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Peter ********
Shipping furniture sounds a bit crazy yes.
Reply to
Peter ********
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