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Is it worth sending electrical appliances from China to Thailand, and how can I accommodate different plug types and voltage requirements?

Electrical appliancesMoving to ThailandVisaImport dutiesAdaptersVoltage compatibilityShipping costsExpat adviceThailand immigration
Feb 26, 2021
4 years ago
Joanne *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have electric appliances both ”big” and small in China. Sending stuff via post to Thailand. Can you get the end of electrical cords switched to work in Thailand? Is it Worth it? How cheap is this? Just needing to know what is worth it to send from one country to another.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When considering whether to send electrical appliances from China to Thailand, it's advisable to weigh the cost of shipping against the value of the items. While most appliances operate on the same voltage (220v), the plug types differ, and adapters are readily available in Thailand at low prices. Many users recommend selling your appliances in China and purchasing new ones locally in Thailand due to the potential import taxes and affordable options available there. If the appliances hold significant value or are difficult to replace, changing the plugs can be a simple solution.
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Leandro ******************
Both China and Thailand are 220v so changing plugs is all thats needed and easy to do. If your appliance are if high value or hold sentimental value it would be worth it. If not sell and buy new here.
4 years ago
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Tony ********
If they are 220 volt it's easy to change plug ends I've bought appliances from aust and changed the plugs using the original cord
4 years ago
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Joanne *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *******
 that’s what I was thinking too.
4 years ago
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Brian *******
@Tony *******
 Oh sure, I've done that as well. eg, my OralB elec toothbrush. Just looked at that - underneath it says 'made in China'. And my Philips shaver - same, and my Ryobi elec drill - same! Cannot escape that!
4 years ago
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Brian *******
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Brian *******
You're totally aware of course that your words are pretty silly. If you live in the world then you have to buy Chinese, end of story.
4 years ago
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Jon ********
@Brian ******
 and today's Darwin award goes to.....
4 years ago
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Brian *******
@Jon *******
 Not sure what you're saying, but maybe you're trying to assert that you never buy Chinese products? Because nobody could believe that. It's just not possible these days. Take a look at your phone for a start. No components in there from China?
4 years ago
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Brian *******
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Peter ***********
I'm an Aussie living in China, I also have property in Thailand, the power outlets are usually the same as the US, the appliances I buy in China a generally these 2 prong flat type. In saying that you can easily buy adapters in Thailand lol their usually made in China. Thai Import duties are all over the place, better to buy in Thailand.
4 years ago
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Steve *******
Just remember that some appliances that you mat be used to are not as common in Thailand, I live in mainly in Australia but we have a place in Thailand, everything is cheaper to buy in Australia and better quality. Frypan, kettles, TVs, tools, you name it. The import duty must be higher in Thailand.
4 years ago
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Rowena *****
appliances are cheap here in Thailand. plus if you buy them here, you will get warranties..
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
Probably the most common type of power strip sold here is a "universal" type (also common in China) that will take Chinese plugs without any modification.

I have a few Chinese/Australian devices and using them isn't a problem. Adapters are cheap and readily available, or you could swap the plugs easily enough if you wanted to.
4 years ago
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Joanne *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ***********
 great to know thanks!!
4 years ago
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Joanne *****************
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Frank ************
I would suggest don’t buy Chinese full stop

Human rights abuse to start with and I should think there is a never ending list
4 years ago
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Kati *****
@Frank ***********
 this is such a weird and unhelpful comment. she literally lives in china and already owns chinese appliances. shes asking about bringing said appliances to thailand. ?????
4 years ago
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Kati *****
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Wayne ********
voltage here 220 so u can just change plug ends of same
4 years ago
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Greg *********
Adapter plug can be bought in market cheap20 baht more cheaper as Garrett said sell buy here pay post and customs tax
@Jen *********
4 years ago
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Mark ********
My suggestion is buy a few Chinese extension cords and the just buy an adaptor for the extension cord, which are cheap. Voltage is the same. You might be better off getting new stuff. Check out Lazada.co.th for prices.
4 years ago
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Joanne *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *******
 great idea. We have many extension cords!
4 years ago
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Joanne *****************
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Maggie *****
There’s import tax in Thailand so it might not worth it at the end. It depends on how you send your items.

I moved with a shipment and shipped a lot of my electrical appliances from China. The 3-prong China plugs don’t work with sockets in most places in Thailand. Everything else works just fine.
4 years ago
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Mark ********
@Maggie ****
 minimal of second hand personal items.
4 years ago
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Mark ********
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Arron *********
China is angle flat pins and flat pin earth mostly. You can buy adaptor cheap enough.
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
I feel like it would be 10 times easier to sell it and buy new in China.

The shape of the plugs aren't the issue, it's the voltage. Smaller electronics can use wall adapters because they manage the change in voltage. Larger more power hungry electronics can't (hair dryer's).
4 years ago
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JD ********
Sell - buy new or second hand in Thailand
4 years ago
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David ********
4 years ago
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David ********
The frequency is 50Htz in both nations, so there is no problem using any devices that have any form of clock or timer. The voltage is also 220v in both countries.

They are both totally compatible regarding electrical supply and there will be absolutely no issue.

As for connection, adaptors, they are freely available in almost every supermarket and market all across Thailand and cost on average a about 30THB (about 1USD).

You may not even need to buy one though, attached is information about Chinese electrical sockets

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4 years ago
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David ********
4 years ago
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David ********
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Joanne *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
David Hattan cool. Good to know! Thanks
4 years ago
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Mark ********
@Garrett **********
 the plugs are different, voltage is the same.
4 years ago
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Joanne *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
 we’re moving to Thailand. Have stuff in China we’re sending to TL.
4 years ago
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Joanne *****************
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