Answereda year ago
What are the best options for transporting equipment to Thailand for work with a DTV visa?
Does anyone have any experience in transporting stuff to Thailand from Europe? I’m about to move to Thailand for workation (DTV visa), I’m a music producer and sound engineer so obviously I’ll need to bring some gear with me to do my remote work.
How much? Well, here’s the thing: I could technically take the bare minimum that will fit into let’s say 3 flyable cases. That plus personal items would make me fly with at least 7-8 pieces of luggage, and give me only basic stuff. To be comfortable I’d need to bring gear in volume closer to a pallet or preferably two.
Is there any point in trying to organize something like a pallet freight or is it simply not worth it / not possible / not economically viable? Do you actually know someone who could help?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
How much? Well, here’s the thing: I could technically take the bare minimum that will fit into let’s say 3 flyable cases. That plus personal items would make me fly with at least 7-8 pieces of luggage, and give me only basic stuff. To be comfortable I’d need to bring gear in volume closer to a pallet or preferably two.
Is there any point in trying to organize something like a pallet freight or is it simply not worth it / not possible / not economically viable? Do you actually know someone who could help?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Answer summary
The post discusses the logistics of transporting music equipment from Europe to Thailand for work as a music producer under a DTV visa. The author considers the feasibility of bringing gear through air travel versus shipping via a container. Community responses emphasize the high import duties and customs hurdles associated with shipping electronics, suggesting partial container shipping as an alternative, but warning of potential delays and costs. It's advised to bring as much equipment as possible by air to minimize customs charges or to consider buying new equipment in Thailand due to high import fees.
30 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Travis *******
I think some people maybe underestimating the cost of your equipment. Shipping by container is liable to be flagged for import fees, which if you don't declare (with receipts) they will look for the highest price online and apply a 10-30% fee. While I'm in a different field of audio (car audio engineer), bringing a few suitcases of equipment could very easily land a $3000-6000 import fee 😅. So depending on the cost of the items needing declared, it maybe far cheaper to fly in with everything (or even rebuy here, I did this with my PC and work stuff).
Jeremy ********
The import taxes will make the products cost more than the original new price
I used to buy lots of shoes and a $100 AJ1 I was paying $120 in taxes
So it might be cheaper to fly back and forth a few times.
I used to buy lots of shoes and a $100 AJ1 I was paying $120 in taxes
So it might be cheaper to fly back and forth a few times.
John *********
Container
Bent *************
You may be ripped by the Thai customs!
Tony ******
Your best option will be to bring as MUCH as possible with you’
Everything you bring is subject to a possible customs charge and this is massively increased if you ship it..
I’d research shops like
Lazada and Shoppe for online purchasing replacement items … and the cost of getting new equipment CS shipping / selling your current.
Everything you bring is subject to a possible customs charge and this is massively increased if you ship it..
I’d research shops like
Lazada and Shoppe for online purchasing replacement items … and the cost of getting new equipment CS shipping / selling your current.
Lutz *******
That makes no sense at all, customs would make this process so expensive that it would make much more sense to buy the things you need for production here again.I simply sold everything at home that was too big to take with me and bought new things here
Patrick *********
OP@Lutz ******
Robert Merrell that’s unfortunately not an options - many items (like vintage instruments or British-made ATC studio monitors) are impossible or nearly-impossible to obtain in Thailand and most others are 60% more expensive so I’d still rather pay some $10k in import fees than lose five times that on trying to recreate a kinda unique inventory… But yeah, I’ll consider flying. Thanks.Travis *******
@Patrick ********
I thought you may have some more rare and expensive items, I would definitely fly with them if you feel you can pack them well enough. The luggage fees are FAR less than import fees, and you don't have to have customs rummage through your stuff unattended for weeks.Lutz *******
@Patrick ********
Yes, I know, I'm pretty old school too, but sometimes you just have to make a break and move with the times.I have now found many alternatives with which I can work just as well. Of course I can understand the issue with the instruments, but you can learn them bit by bit and on every trip.
Michael ********
You can check here, but as someone who imported large boat before they go through it with checking individual items. They used exchange and mart (uk website) in my particular case to check value of items. (Dont undervalue)
**************************
John *******
When I initially moved here, we used the company called Asian Tigers. It was probably around a pallet size and cost around 12,000USD. That is not including customs, etc.
Patrick *********
OP@John ******
that would still be a good deal for me. It’s still under 10% of what I’d have to spend to even try to recreate the inventory I plan to bring, so that doesn’t scare me at all. Thanks for the company name, I’ll reach out to them for a quote.
Frank **********
@John ******
that's crazy.John *******
@Frank *********
my employer paid for it though.
Dany ********
@Frank *********
yes that is a scam / ripoff. for that price you get a large full 40ft shipping container everything included. even from the USJohn *******
@Frank *********
I was also coming from the US, not Europe. It came via cargo ship.Frank **********
@John ******
that is good. But it sounds like a ridiculous price for just 1 pallet.
Robert *********
Be prepared to pay huge import tax ,better to buy here
Patrick *********
OP@Robert ********
that’s unfortunately not an options - may items (like vintage instruments or British-made ATC studio monitors) are impossible or nearly-impossible to obtain in Thailand and most others are 50-60% more expensive so I’d still rather pay some $5-10k in import fees than lose five times that on trying to recreate a kinda unique inventoryRobert *********
@Patrick ********
i hope you will have your work permit sorted first ,as this would be clear evidence that you intend to work .I wish you luck
Patrick *********
OP@Robert ********
but yes, I get the point that bringing that much gear could raise suspicion fromcustoms / immigration that I might actually intend to do some kind of a business serving local clients. Which is totally not true and easily provable, but anyway. Thanks for the input, that might actually be worth taking into account when deciding on what to bring and what not.
Patrick *********
OP@Robert ********
I work only remotely and that’s exactly what my DTV visa allows me to do. I work exclusively for European and American clients, I’m not doing any services for Thai clients nor do I intend to, so I do not need a work permit. That’s confirmed by two independent legal experts in Thai law, so I’m pretty certain that’s actually the case.
Jack ********
@Robert ********
you don’t understand the DTV visa
Bob **********
If it’s electronics be prepared to pay huge custom taxes
Simon *********
Sending by post is usually cheaper than currier. You may get taxed, but it will be the correct amount, as per the import duty tarrifs.
Fedex, UPS, DHL, will always tax you and, use their magic formulas... 7% can and often does, magically become 150-200%
Fedex, UPS, DHL, will always tax you and, use their magic formulas... 7% can and often does, magically become 150-200%
Stefan ******
Airplane check-in bags are usually the worst option as for price. The cheapest is usually partial-container loads, yes, but might take several weeks to arrive and you have to find a reliable provider that won't rip you off and have to deal with customs in your country and TH (you'd have to do that too on the flight, ofc you can try to go through the green lane but will not always work, basically illegal if you bring valuable items)
Brandon ************
For shipping, you purchase space by the shipping container. I believe there are companies that will sell you a partial container shared with others. It's not something you can do by yourself at this level, and even if you tried you'd be raked over the coals with duty fees. So you need to find a shipping agent that works with shipping containers to Thailand.
Patrick *********
OP@Brandon ***********
. Thanks, that might actually be a clue! I just realized that in any scenario like this I’ll still have to figure out how to clear the customs, cause that might make the whole operation not worth it at all…Dany ********
@Patrick ********
and expect 35-50+ days door-to-door transit time. pretty crazy if you ask me. but if you can plan the delivery and it lines up with your life then go for it. otherwise it is air freight for a premium price…
Nongnuch ********
@Patrick ********
in Germany, you can get shared space in a Container. The company ships from out of Bremerhaven, the name is Pangaea CargoActivity
18 joined18
people
Related
25What travel insurance options are available for DTV visa holders traveling outside Thailand?
3k33124mo
What do I need to know about obtaining a DTV visa for settling in Thailand?
2.8k24285mo
What are the requirements for obtaining a dependent DTV visa for my son in Thailand?
330116mo
What are the experiences and recommendations for processing a DTV visa with an agency in Thailand?
1.3k1286mo
What is the best country and location to apply for a DTV visa from Thailand?
902459mo
What are the requirements for applying for a DTV visa in Vietnam while transitioning from a Tourist visa in Thailand?
3.6k352210mo
What are the experiences and recommendations for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand?
2.2k18171y
What are the best health insurance options for DTV holders in Thailand?
2.5k21151y
What are the best options for long-term medical insurance in Thailand as a tourist on a DTV?
2.7k21151y
What Are the Best Payment Options in Thailand Without a Bank Account?
4.2k21241y
What are the best Muay Thai gyms in Thailand to obtain a DTV visa?
3k2891y
What are the best options for leaving and re-entering Thailand to activate a new 6-month stamp with a DTV from Bangkok?
3.2k21411y
What are the best money management solutions for DTV visa holders in Thailand?
10.5k110521y
What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand as a remote worker for a year?
1.7k11151y
What was the experience of entering Thailand with a DTV visa for the first time?
2.9k14472y
What documents are required to open a savings account in Thailand with a DTV visa?
8.1k58912y
What are the options for extending a Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand when facing a bank statement issue?
3.4k28272y
Can I open a Thai bank account with a DTV visa, or how can I use digital payments without one?
4.8k45212y
What health insurance options are recommended for the DTV in Thailand?
1.8k1392y
What are the requirements for obtaining a DTV Visa in Thailand for remote work?
936452y
What are the options for finding a DTV visa agent in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia?
599132y
What are the requirements and process for getting a DTV (Workcation-Remote Worker) Visa in Thailand?
2.7k16272y
What are the costs and options for obtaining a DTV visa through Muay Thai classes in Thailand?
13k115902y
What is the best embassy to apply for a DTV visa in Thailand, considering the bank statement requirements?
5.1k45352y
What is the process for converting a Non-B visa with a Work Permit to a DTV visa in Thailand?
1.9k1492y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served