thailand
Ask question

What are the customs duties and shipping experiences for moving to Thailand?

Customs DutiesShipping to ThailandLong-term VisaShipping CostsContainer ShippingPersonal EffectsCustoms ClearanceUsed ElectronicsDuty WaiverExpat Shipping Experiences
Apr 8, 2023
2 years ago
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Shipping report:

One 20' container.

Contents: mostly papers, photos, dishes, family artwork, some used electronics.

Long-term visa but not eligible for duty waiver.

Customs duty charged: THB 9,700
2,554
views
17
likes
80
all likes
36
replies
0
images
15
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
This discussion centers on shipping personal belongings to Thailand, specifically the customs duties applicable when shipping a 20' container. A participant reports a customs duty charge of THB 9,700 for items including papers, photos, dishes, and some electronics. Several comments share various shipping experiences, costs, and recommendations for customs clearing agents. Participants discuss their shipping costs, customs duty waivers, and experiences with different shipping companies, highlighting the importance of proper item declaration to avoid high customs charges.
CjandBrigitte **********
If we convert the cost to from ZAR to USD 1000.00
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Judith *********
@Brigitte *******
 online quote says Namibia 'not found' 😔
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Judith *********
Hi
@Brig****
. Which shipping company did you use? (need to ship from Thailand to Namibia)
2 years ago
Like
Reply
CjandBrigitte **********
@Judith ********
 We used seven seas worldwide. We know someone thats moving from Thailand back to SA using them for their move back.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Judith *********
Thank you
@Brigitte *******
. I'll contact them 😊
2 years ago
Like
Reply
CjandBrigitte **********
@Judith ********
 Online quotation
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
CjandBrigitte **********
Reply
Bob **********
@Brigitte *******
 thanks!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bob **********
Reply
CjandBrigitte **********
We sent 19 boxes 30kgs each from South Africa to Thailand, declared all contents on inventory list for each box, 2½ months, no custom duty. Seven Seas.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
David *********
@Brigitte *******
 when using seven seas did you have to closely itemize everything in the boxes
2 years ago
Like
Reply
CjandBrigitte **********
@David ********
 I will use an example to give you an idea. I do beading as a hobby and when we gave the description and quantity I made a rough guess that I have around 5000 beads. Discription read Beads assorted and quantity 5000.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
CjandBrigitte **********
Reply
Bob **********
@Brigitte *******
 what was the total shipping cost?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bob **********
Reply
Ken *******
I sent 3x30kg boxes from North Wales Uk to Thailand took 2 months, no customs duty..Seven Seas.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Ken ******
 how much was the shipping cost?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ken *******
@Bob *********
 it was 6 years ago £260
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ken *******
If you go on their website it will show you prices and box and wooden crate sizes.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Ken ******
 Thank you!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bob **********
Reply
Bruce ***********
I put the container in my wife's name paid zero duty as a returning Thai
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert *********
@
@Shawn ********
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Robert *********
Reply
Giorgio ******
really cheap
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Thomas ************
Ship from USA to Thailand. I need to ship from Thailand to USA …can’t find good shipping. Any suggestions welcome
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Shayne **********
@Thomas ***********
@Terrestrial ********************************
 can assist to USA every 3 weeks.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Thomas ************
@Shayne *********
 thank you
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Thomas ************
Reply
Giorgio ******
@Thomas ***********
 ship from thailand ! but where from ???
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Thomas ************
@Giorgio *****
 ship Khon Kaen to Hawaii
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Thomas ************
Reply
Colin ***************
Cheap
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Alex *******
That's not bad at all.

Who was your customs clearing agent here in Bkk?

Can you share what shipping company you used in the US and shipping cost?

I used V Pack once to clear customs and went back to them for a second time but the prices were a lot higher for clearing customs. I heard it is best to call ahead and negotiate.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
See DM. I don't know how you would negotiate customs duty, since you are unlikely to be able to speak with the customs officer.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
The fees were fair.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Alex *******
@Josh ********
 sorry I meant the fees the customs broker charge for doing the import procedure.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alex *******
Reply
Phil ********
What did the shipping itself cost, length of time and pick up & drop off locations, please??
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Within SE Asia, by ship.

Total volume 15 m3.

Total weight: +/- 4 tons.

Time (door-to-door): 6 weeks.

Total shipping cost including tips to movers, pick-up, delivery, logistics, port fees, storage, freight charges, etc.: US$5,000-$7,000.

Did not negotiate any prices--all seemed reasonable.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes. Wasn't full.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Douglas *************
@Josh ********
 , a standard 20 foot container is 33 cubic bic meters.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Thomas ************
@Josh ********
 what company I need to go home to Hawaii…need shipping too. Mahalo
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Phil ********
@Josh ********
Thank you.

Cheers 🍺
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ********
Reply
Jackie ***********
You got a good deal

I paid
*****
for a fraction of that
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jackie ***********
Reply
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 is the cheapest way to ship personal belongings to Thailand?
140 comments
2 months ago
What are the taxing rules for shipping personal belongings to Thailand on a tourist visa?
11 comments
3 months ago
What shipping company should I use to send belongings to Phuket and how does my visa affect import regulations?
16 comments
7 months ago
What are the regulations for importing used household goods to Thailand with a non-O retirement visa?
17 comments
7 months ago
What are the rules and costs for importing a container of household goods to Thailand?
31 comments
7 months ago
What are the best ways to send packing boxes to Bangkok when moving to Thailand?
91 comments
7 months ago
What should I consider bringing or leaving behind when retiring to Thailand?
232 comments
8 months ago
What are the rules for bringing personal items and books into Thailand on a retirement visa?
12 comments
8 months ago
What are the customs duties on personal possessions for a retiree moving to Thailand on a non-immigrant O visa?
24 comments
9 months ago
What are the import tax rules and fees for goods ordered into Thailand?
15 comments
a year ago
Will I have to pay taxes or duties when shipping my used laptop from Australia to Thailand?
14 comments
a year ago
Is it worth shipping personal belongings from the USA to Thailand?
20 comments
a year ago
Does an Elite visa in Thailand allow shipping personal household items and a car without duty?
11 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for moving household goods to Thailand from Australia?
18 comments
2 years ago
What are the duties and taxes for shipping personal belongings to Thailand with an LTR pensioner visa?
13 comments
2 years ago
What is the best way to bring personal items to Thailand without incurring import fees?
26 comments
2 years ago
What are the costs and considerations for shipping a vehicle and personal belongings to Thailand as an expat?
112 comments
2 years ago
What should I know about customs when moving furniture from Penang to Phuket, and can you recommend a moving company?
3 comments
2 years ago
Will I be charged customs tax if I ship personal items to Thailand with a non-immigrant retirement O visa?
21 comments
3 years ago
What are the rules regarding bringing personal effects and clothing into Thailand?
6 comments
3 years ago
How can I claim back import duty for household goods with an O/A visa in Thailand?
7 comments
3 years ago
What should I consider before shipping household goods from the US to Thailand?
12 comments
3 years ago
Can I have my items shipped to Thailand held by the shipping company until I clear quarantine?
18 comments
4 years ago
What should I do if my parcel is held at customs in Thailand?
32 comments
4 years ago
What are the import duties and taxes for shipping a laptop from the USA to Thailand?
111 comments
4 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq: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.