This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are the best practices for shipping goods from the UK to Thailand and navigating customs?
Aug 13, 2025
9 months ago
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi all we will be moving from the UK to Surin soon does anyone have any experience shipping goods from the UK and how easy it is getting things through customs, we will be using a shipping company probably seven seas
Thanks in advance
Thanks to the people that bothered to read the question and give their feedback but I'm closing commenting due to the bar stool warriors commenting with their sell everything opinions 🙏
Thanks in advance
Thanks to the people that bothered to read the question and give their feedback but I'm closing commenting due to the bar stool warriors commenting with their sell everything opinions 🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the experiences and opinions of expats planning to ship goods from the UK to Thailand, specifically to Surin. Contributors share insights on the reliability of shipping companies like Seven Seas, the challenges related to customs clearance, and the financial implications of shipping versus buying new items in Thailand. There's a strong emphasis on individual experiences, particularly regarding personal possessions such as e-bikes, and whether it's worth the hassle and cost involved in shipping. Many advise that selling items and buying replacements in Thailand may be more feasible and economical, while others highlight regulations for returning citizens affecting import taxes.
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 Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Gordon ************
I’ve been here 10 years and could fit all my belongings into a suitcase, do not bring anything, apart from some personal items and clothes.
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERGood for you but that's not what the question was
Gordon ************
@Rick ********
Ricky Boy, I’ve just read all your comments, I wouldn’t bother now, with this group for help 😂😂😂#cocoReply to
Gordon ************
Reply
Maureen *********
The taxes and paperwork aren’t worth the hassle. I’ve done it. Twice!
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Maureen ********
strange how some have commented otherwise 🤔Reply to
Rick *********
Reply
J **************
Well folks what we have here is someone who is ready for the LTR visa for wealthy expats….doesn’t need our advice
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@J *************
following your advice I’d be paying upwards of *****
0 thb for a similar bike if I can actually find one somewhere, where as if they charge me 30% + 7% import duty and tax on mine it would be *****
thb 🤔 you do the math clever guyRick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAfter a bit more research cycles could have an important duty of 49.8% of cif which still makes it cheaper than buying in county
J **************
@Rick ********
all this fuss for a cycle?Reply to
J **************
Reply
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@J *************
I’ll take advice on the question asked not an arrogant opinion thanksReply to
Rick *********
Reply
Mark ********
Give us an example of some of these things you cannot buy?
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERA good quality e-bike
Mark ********
I wouldn't dream of it either way🤣 I have a friend thats into it spends stupid money on them.
**********************************************
Orbea bikes available in Thailand👍Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *******
thanks for the link but they have limited models and sizes that’s why I’m shipping mine 👍Mark ********
@Rick ********
I wish you luck but its like gambling with the import duty could be a few percent or 50%. Will be interesting to see the result.Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *******
even 50% works out a lot cheaper than buying over there 🤞Mark ********
@Rick ********
Not after selling your other one here😁Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Mark ********
Seems unlikely if not incorrect
************************************************************************************
I would imagine the fire risks for batteries would be even higher given the ambient temperature. I do get some of these things are personal choices and you may not be able to get the one you want.Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *******
done a bit of riding up in the mountains of Chiang Mai but it was hard work on a non powered bike 🤙Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *******
that’s not even close mate, this is the type of bike I rideReply to
Rick *********
Reply
Mark ********
Its called a search function
Steven ********
Rick you’re on the right track already, I’ve used Severn Seas twice over the years with no issues. No home delivery, had to go to a collection point. Good Luck
John ********
15 years ago I sold everything and moved here with one suitcase, remember you are starting a new life, don't drag your old life here.
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
P.S its a new chapter not a new life 🙏John ********
@Rick ********
wrong, its a completely new life here trust me.Reply to
John ********
Reply
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
might work for you but I'm happy bringing some of my old life with me I have nothing to run away from so your opinion means nothing to me 🤟Reply to
Rick *********
Reply
David ********
chat gpt gives you some good ideas and contacts timescales says seven seas has an on line price calculator etc might be worth a punt 👍🏻
Marianne ********
What kind of items are you needing to ship?
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marianne *******
mostly wife's clothes and shoes but I'll be taking my e-bike and a pcReply to
Rick *********
Reply
Ian *********
I’m not sure under what visa conditions you’re coming, or whether rules have changed, but it was the case if you were moving to Thailand to work then there was no import duty payable for your own possessions. That was a one-time deal for your first shipment. It was definitely the case if you were entering for work permit with initial visa sponsored by your employer. Not sure if that applied/applies for retirement etc
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian ********
I'll be moving over with my wife who is Thai and shipping goods in her name 🤟Ian *********
Ok. But it’s worth checking options. You may have to pay Duty if it’s in her name. If it’s in yours, and it’s your first time moving to live in TH, your shipment may be Duty-exempt. Your wife may not be aware of that benefit, as she’s never moved to Thailand as a foreigner 😊
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian ********
not sure where you got your info but as my wife is a returning Thai citizen she is exempt from paying duty as far as I’m aware*************************************************************************
Reply to
Rick *********
Reply
Anthony ***********
Easy to ship items from UK to Thailand, good agent in Thailand will sort everything for you.
As your Wife is returning use her name. If you need a contact DM me I have 2
As your Wife is returning use her name. If you need a contact DM me I have 2
David **********
Seven seas were excellent for me. No problems at all and arrived a couple of weeks early. DM me if you have further questions.
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
thanks mate 🙏Russell ***********
@Rick ********
probably this will be your only worthwhile reply lolRick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Russell **********
I'm surprised no one has said "your Thai wife will take all your money" yet 🤣Russell ***********
@Rick ********
there is some good advice on social media, but also alot of the bar stool brigade ... good luck with everythingReply to
Russell ***********
Reply
John **********
A strong chance that Thai customs will apply an inflated and arbitrary value on each item, then add a minimum of +30% then another Vat tax of 7% compounded, so good luck with that!!!
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
are you speaking from experience if not its just another worthless commentJohn ***************
@Rick ********
, the import duties are actually very reasonable. I recently had 29 boxes shipped from Japan and the duty was around 11,000 baht. I used a company called Crown Relocations who arranged everything.John **********
@Rick ********
I am indeed, unlike you!!Russell ***********
@Rick ********
most people replying to you don't seem to understand plain English, i'll be looking to ship soon, most stuff in Thailand is poor quality ... i've brought all my tools through on each journey, more superior than the Chinese shite, & the batteries don't blow up ...Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Russell **********
you get them in every group sadly 😂Reply to
Rick *********
Reply
Simon *******
You will not believe how cheap things are in Thailand, sell everything and start again
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Simon ******
I've been traveling to Thailand for over 20 years thanks so I know the cost of things, you will not believe some things you cant get in ThailandSimon *******
@Rick ********
ok point taken 👍Reply to
Simon *******
Reply
Alan ***********
If you in box me I think I still have paper work given to me from when we went to Warwick thai festival
Alan ***********
Hello air freight Is cheaper thier is a company called uk to Thai movers the prices look good and you can get your items through customs bonded warehouse fast Yes your wife’s name on goods for repatriation cuts the tax cost
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alan **********
thanks but I will be shipping an e-bike and it can't go by air 🤟Reply to
Rick *********
Reply
Olav *********
Do NOT try to ship car or motorbike.
The taxes are to high.
The taxes are to high.
David ********
@Olav ********
you can’t ship used cars or motorcycles into thailand as per 2019 think your confusing new car duty
Reply to
David ********
Reply
Luc ************
Leave everything behind.
James **********
Don’t bother purchase everything you need here
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI might add my wife is a returning Thai citizen so I think this helps with import duty
Ian *********
@Rick ********
see my earlier comment mate. It could actually turn out to be better if the import shipment was in your name only. Check it outAndy **********
@Rick ********
mark does paper work in your wife's name and helps any problems at customsReply to
Andy **********
Reply
Andy **********
I'm in the process of moving and using a company called mark ratcliff moving .. he is from Eastbourne but collects supplies packaging and delivers door to door and all the paperwork
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *********
cheers mate I've been looking at seven seas move cube works out at 2k door to door for a medium cubeReply to
Rick *********
Reply
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAs the question says looking for people that have shipped things not people saying sell everything and buy there as some items I cannot get in Thailand 🙏
Paul ********
@Rick ********
like what RickRick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
like my e-bikePaul ********
@Rick ********
the way you were talking I thought you ment gold bars or family hairlooms something like that. Lots of e-bikes in south east Asia RickRick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
could you post a link then please as I can’t find anySusan ****
@Rick ********
you sure about that? I know loads of foreigners with heavy duty ebikes in Vietnam and Thailand.What makes yours so special?
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Susan ***
I’ve searched all over in Thailand and I can’t find a decent full suss enduro e-bike but if you’d like to share a link to one it would be great 🤔Susan ****
@Rick ********
I'm not sure Asia is for you. You seem very defensive and not willing to compromise.Firstly I do actually know alot about cycling. 2 weeks ago I was in the VIP Enclosure on the finishing line of the Champs Elysée watching the finale of the Tour de France. Yes I paid for it and no it wasn't cheap but I am a huge cycling fan.
So you are after a mountain ebike with suspension then?
The thing is you can get them in SE Asia as I know people who have them. One Australian friend in Vietnam has a high spec one and I guarantee he did not ship it from Australia because he's not a big cyclist. However he is very well connected and knows all the right people who can make things happen in Thailand and Vietnam.
I could easily ask him how and where he got his mountain ebike from, but you know what Rick? I think you would just waste his time as no ebike would be good enough for you despite clearly not being Tom Pidcock or Wout!
The irony is, if as you say, you can't find a mountain ebike with suspension in Thailand, who is going to maintain it for you? Where will you get the parts and the mechanic with the expertise? Ebikes need alot of maintenance. Mountain ebikes especially a huge amount due to the wear and tear Or are you planning on not using it and just exhibiting it as a trophy?
I suggest you pay and ship your precious ebike, hope it isn't damaged on route and buck up your attitude.
You may have a Thai wife but you don't seem to have understood the concept of compromise, or that Thailand isn't the same as the UK and mainly you need to know the right people to get what you want.
If you think you're getting the stuff you want from online links then good luck with that!
PS You're shipping your laptop because you think you can't get that spec in SE Asia? Wow? Do you know SE Asia at all? Oh and I guarantee you've heard or used some of the tech stuff I've launched in the UK because they're household names. So I know a bit about tech.
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Susan ***
you know a lot about cycling because you watched the Tour de France lol, I’ve been riding and maintaining e-bikes for the past 5+ years and been running a mountain bike group for about 10 years so I think I know a bit more than you and as far as Asia not being for me I’ve been travelling there for 23 years without issue thanks 🙏Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Susan ***
what a load of tripe you waffle 🤣Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI won’t hold my breath though
Paul ********
@Rick ********
Rick if you need me to find you an e bike in Thailand you need to rethink your retirement plans.Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
as I thought 🤔 your talking shiteReply to
Rick *********
Reply
Johnny *********
Very easy to get anything thru customs here.
Max *************
@Johnny ********
Don't forget the cost, you pay for the volume and weight.Johnny *********
@Max ************
It's only money. Worth it to get my stuff.Reply to
Johnny *********
Reply
Dave *********
Seven Seas are very good. It's a door to door service. I only sent clothes, books, some framed pictures and personal items of sentimental value which I couldn't fit into 2 suitcases. Everything else I binned. 7 Seas give you a weblink and you can see how your items/ship is progressing real time. I had no issue with customs I guess as the goods were used and with no real value so nothing charged.
The more you send size/weight/value costs more and is it worth it..?
The more you send size/weight/value costs more and is it worth it..?
Jo *********
@Dave ********
this is what we want to send how long does it take? ThankyouReply to
Jo *********
Reply
Pete *******
Reassess your move. Sell everything. If it doesn’t fit in your flight luggage it is not needed. Distill your life down to a single suitcase.
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
my life is more than a suitcase thanksPete *******
@Rick ********
over time you will understand the wisdom in my words.Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
I don’t think so pal all I see is words of a sad man if you can fit all your needs in a suitcase 🤣Pete *******
@Rick ********
the things that makes you happy and fulfilled in life you can’t pack into a suitcase.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Bernie **********
Sell everything....easier and cheaper
Simon *********
I shipped my stuff from Saudi, 10 yeears back. It was a pain having to take my passport to the shipping agent in Bangkok to get the shipment thru customs and then the costs were way more than the value of the items... Better to sell everything on ebay and buy new here
Doug ********
How.does just don't bother shipping costs are so high, customs duty to pay...cheaper to replace..
Wannikea *********
Don't do it, sell everything and buy here.
J **************
1 large suitcase all you need
In addition when you are selling or trashing your stuff you kick yourself for your consumption habits and it educates your future buying habits.
In addition when you are selling or trashing your stuff you kick yourself for your consumption habits and it educates your future buying habits.
Rick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@J *************
my life isn't so sad that it fits in one case thanksJ **************
@Rick ********
wow judgmentalRick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@J *************
you telling me all I need is 1 suitcase is quite judgemental to be honestReply to
Rick *********
Reply
Craig *******
@J *************
Its definetly cathartic offloading all that stuff. Clothes are the first thing to go. Particularly if you come from a cooler climate. If you cant sell it give it away.Gordon ************
@J *************
CorrectReply to
Gordon ************
Reply
30 comments
a year ago
58 comments
a year ago
11 comments
a year ago
24 comments
a year ago
54 comments
a year ago
140 comments
2 years ago
11 comments
2 years ago
25 comments
2 years ago
16 comments
2 years ago
31 comments
2 years ago
91 comments
2 years ago
232 comments
2 years ago
12 comments
2 years ago
20 comments
3 years ago
8 comments
3 years ago
75 comments
3 years ago
28 comments
3 years ago
36 comments
3 years ago
18 comments
3 years ago
26 comments
4 years ago
112 comments
4 years ago
7 comments
4 years ago
12 comments
4 years ago
18 comments
5 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask: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.