This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the best options for relocating with a DTV visa to Thailand, especially concerning shipping belongings and pet import rules?

DTV visa moving to Thailand import customs taxes bringing pets to Thailand shipping belongings expat advice Thailand immigration customs regulations

Sep 16, 2025

2 months ago

Toni ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone, I’m from Australia and have just been granted my DTV visa. I’ll be relocating permanently and bringing my two parrots with me. At the moment I’m deciding between shipping my belongings as freight or keeping things minimal. I do need to bring their large stainless steel cage at the very least, so I’m trying to figure out the most cost-effective way to do this. I’ve also heard that people who arrive on a DTV visa with freight shipments can get hit with heavy import customs taxes—can anyone confirm if that’s true?

1,162

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

An Australian expat with a DTV visa is contemplating shipping their belongings, particularly a large parrot cage, to Thailand. They seek advice on the cost-effectiveness of freight shipments versus minimizing their belongings due to potential heavy import customs taxes. Community responses suggest keeping belongings minimal to avoid high taxes, highlight challenges of bringing pets back to Australia, and emphasize the advantages of purchasing items in Thailand instead of shipping.

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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Anna *********

I’d keep things minimal My parents just moved to CM with normal luggage and purchased everything they needed ( furniture, electrical, kitchen etc) once they arrived

My mum did take some of her favourite kitchen things and my dad took a huge amount of classical music cds but they didn’t ship anything

As for your birds I have no advice but be aware animals are not easily able to return to Australia

Good luck

2 months ago

Fred *********

Relocating permanentatly on a toursit visa dont really make sens, make sure you dont tell them that at immigration

2 months ago

Toni ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Fred ********

why… if I’m 32 and have the DTV for 5 years and I work digitally, followed by 15 year Elite, followed by Retirement, it seems like I’m ticking all the boxes.

2 months ago

Reply to

Toni ******

Bent *************

Import taxes are huge….bring as little as possible

2 months ago

Todd *********

Moves to Thailand on a tourist visa. Expect some serious speed bumps on this pathway

2 months ago

Toni ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Todd ********

I’m 32 and work digitally. Would be getting the elite visa 15 years option afterwards, followed by retirement. Makes sense and thought of this for a while.

2 months ago

Todd *********

@Toni *****

It would absolutely make sense, in your stated case, from a user perspective to buy elite visa now over just using DTV/tourist now. Especially if bringing in animals. DTV is by no means whatsoever a residency visa. Yes, Elite is not cheap, but if you consider the cost per year with no hassles and the stability you want in Thailand, it seems to be the clear answer.

2 months ago

Reply to

Todd *********

Judy *******

You should also be aware that should you want to go back to Australia you may have a problem getting your birds back in. A DTV is not forever

2 months ago

Toni ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Judy ******

correct and I’ve researched this hence why I said permanent. I’ll never leave my birds behind :’)

I’m 32 so the plan is DTV > elite 15 years > retirement :)

2 months ago

Reply to

Toni ******

Bonnie *******

It might be easier to get things in Thailand. Is there a birding community you can ask?

2 months ago

Stuart *********

Keep things minimal as possible. Freight is expensive and yes it would be charged import duties and taxes.

They pluck a figure out of the air based on your bill of lading. If you question that charge then they’ll go through your items with a fine tooth comb and you’ll almost certainly get a higher charge and have to pay demurrage charges whilst waiting.

2 months ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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 best practices for shipping goods from the UK to Thailand and navigating customs?

93 comments