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What are the rules and costs for importing a container of household goods to Thailand?
Household Goods ImportThailand CustomsImport TaxesWork PermitMoving to ThailandShipping AgentsExemptions for SpousesCustoms ClearanceContainer ShippingVisa Regulations
Apr 6, 2024
2 years ago
Jeff *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi Friends, I want to bring a 20’ or 40’ container of my household goods from USA to Thailand. Just stuff I have owned for years and impossible or expensive to replace here. I have heard that if I get a work permit I can import my household stuff without paying tariffs/taxes. I feel that the right agent can get this done smoothly and with little or no tariffs/taxes. Do any of you know who can do it?
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post discusses the complexities of importing household goods to Thailand, particularly regarding tariffs and taxes. It highlights that obtaining a work permit may allow for some exemptions, but many users shared experiences of facing significant customs duties irrespective of permits. Recommendations include using reputable shipping agents to manage the process, with examples of fees encountered. There's also advice about downsizing belongings before the move, as some found shipping to be stressful and costly.
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Greg *********
"To have more, desire less."
Andy ************
Don’t bother with that old stuff just sell it or donate it. Really you will happy you did I mean thus in the nicest way
Jeff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ***********
yes thanks. There are only a few things I cant live without. Its a question of quality of life.Mar *****
@Andy ***********
your spot on mate, I packed everything and when it arrived I was so disappointed 🤣🤣 thinking what do I need that for, no where to put anything just a lot of clutter…🤦🏻♂️Reply to
Mar *****
Reply
Arisara *********
Talk to the shipping agent then work it out. My experience with Thai customs is unpleasant and dissatisfactory. I am Thai by the way and still got ripped off. Thai agents can help you to reduce your tariff ( legal or not I don't know).
If you really need to ship your stuff, do your due diligence.
If you really need to ship your stuff, do your due diligence.
Bill *********
Just remember not to pack anything electrical with a 110volt only rating….
Jeff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bill ********
thanksReply to
Jeff *******
Reply
Christopher *************
New life, new start don't waste your money. Buy what you need when you need it over here--A lot cheaper too.
Stephen ********
is a real bad idea
Stacey ****************
I wish you the best. I checked into it a year ago and determined it was cost prohibitive.
Mike ******
One large suitcase and my golf clubs were all I needed. Sold everything else. Don’t regret it for a minute. 🍺😎
Ian *********
Correct. One duty-free shipment allowed when you first move to Thailand. Your employer and shipper will advise. They will need copies of your visa etc that your employer can provide for you
Bennett ********
I had to pay customs duties on my irreplaceable belongings that we couldn’t part with, family heirlooms, etc. I don’t know if a work visa exempts you from import duties, but I believe that to obtain a work visa you need a job that will provide the visa. I don’t think an agent can just get you a work visa. You need the job, & your employer arranges the visa.
Donna **********
I had to pay taxes on exercise equipment and bicycles all other furnitures etc were ok
Jeff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Donna *********
thank you.Reply to
Jeff *******
Reply
Mar *****
If you have a Thai wife or girlfriend living with you for 12 months or more ship it in her name if she is coming back with you then there’ll be no customs tax.
Al ********
@Mar ****
that didn’t matter when I shipped. Corrupt bs in BangkokMar *****
@Al *******
here is an excerpt of the customs document I spoke of reflecting on the reason for the duty payment, as the original shipment was in my Thai GF name, and the reason why the shipment had to be changed to my name. (For an update, the travel record is released, and you are not eligible to apply for the duty/tax exemption.On this requirement 4. The shipper must be in that country at least one year. The country being that from which the items are being shipped from i.e. UK
So, we will use only your copy passport for the Customs process and your shipment will be subject to duty/tax which will be around 15,000 – 16,000 THB.
We expect to process the customs clearance at the earliest when the container arrives at Lat Krabang Port. Once we finish the process, will send you the import fees invoice and arrange the delivery schedule to your residence accordingly.)
Mar *****
@Al *******
Hi Al, I did read it in the shipping condition and so we shipped it in my GF name however she hadn’t been in the UK for 12 months or longer, it therefore transferred into my name at customs as both information was provided and had to pay *****
bt, I’ll try find a copy and post it on here.Reply to
Mar *****
Reply
Mar *****
I recently brought over 20’ or 300 cubic feet from England. I used a uk based agent that took care of everything. You have to use an agent to pack everything for customs reasons. Not sure of what the cost of packing and shipping is from USA. There will be an import tax cost me around
*****
Thai baht for the tax. Just look for. US based shipping agent that will take care of it. My agent collected everything, packed everything, stored, they Used a Bangkok agent to clear customs and deliver to the door of the house… good luck.Jeff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mar ****
Thank you so muchAlbert *********
Mar *****
@Albert ********
UK agent was International Moving Experts Steve Allen +44 121 769 0722Albert *********
@Mar ****
thanksReply to
Albert *********
Reply
Mar *****
@Albert ********
the UK agent?Mar *****
Bangkok Agent
Ms. Kotchanath P. (Tew) ติว
Inbound Customer Coordinator
Mobile: (+66) 81 653 6633
Line ID Number: 0816536633
United Relocations (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
32/3 Bangna-Trad Soi 56, Bangna, Bangna, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2316 2391 Ext. 11
Head Office, Tax ID # 0105 5510 0482 1
Ms. Kotchanath P. (Tew) ติว
Inbound Customer Coordinator
Mobile: (+66) 81 653 6633
Line ID Number: 0816536633
**********
*****
*****
United Relocations (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
32/3 Bangna-Trad Soi 56, Bangna, Bangna, Bangkok
*****
****
Bangna-Trad Soi 56, Bangna, Bangna, Bangkok 10260Tel: +66 (0) 2316 2391 Ext. 11
Head Office, Tax ID # 0105 5510 0482 1
Albert *********
Hi
yes please!
yes please!
Albert *********
Reply to
Albert *********
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Michael *******
I brought a 20ft container of effects here from South Africa, furniture, and other household items many of which have been with us for 30 years……we paid the clearing agent about $600 in import taxes, as long as the agent has a full inventory of furniture it’s straightforward - we retired so no work permits etc hence the taxes
Nick **********
When I came here almost 14 years ago, I came with a backpack and 1 suitcase. For me, the best decision I made before I came, was divesting of the "stuff". I have in short visits back, returned with a few momentos, photos, etc.
Michael **********
I've met a lot of people who had to send back all their stuff cuz the custom was asking crazy $$$. You might bring something that got 0 value but if the custom says that has a million dollar value, u gotta pay taxes on it. Not a good idea and don't expect with little to no taxes. The thai need to bring their bread back home
Reply to
Michael **********
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