thailand
Ask question

What shipping company should I use to send belongings to Phuket and how does my visa affect import regulations?

Shipping to ThailandVancouver to Phuket ShippingNON-O VisaRetirement VisaImport Taxes ThailandExpat Moving TipsCustoms Regulations ThailandVisa and Import Relations
April 26, 2024
5 months ago
Debbie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can anyone recommend a shipping company to send roughly half a container of belongings from Vancouver Canada to Phuket? Anybody use Siam Shipping? It would be so much easier to just come with two suitcases. Also, we plan to come on a 90 day Non O visa then change it to the retirement visa once we get the bank accounts and everything in order. Do we receive a "permit" to bring our things once the retirement visa is approved? Thank you to everyone for the advise. It's been very helpful!
1,693
views
2
likes
35
all likes
16
replies
0
images
12
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is seeking recommendations for a shipping company to send belongings from Canada to Phuket and has questions regarding the logistics of moving and visa regulations. The comments provide various suggestions, primarily emphasizing that it may be more practical to bring minimal luggage rather than ship a container due to high import taxes and the hassle of customs. Additionally, the NON-O visa does not grant any special privileges for importing personal effects, and it's suggested to consider selling most belongings or buying new items in Thailand.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement 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.
Bob **********
Good chance his stuff won’t hold up in this heat and humidity electronics it’s 220 over here ,he won’t need his stuff over here anyway it’s no Canada anymore
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Alma ***************
We keep a small condo unit in Ontario where we keep our stuff esp those with sentimental values to me (clothes , bags, shoes, antique home shoes, etc) that I couldn't bring here..we came with 2 luggages each and furnished our rental house from here..
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Mel ******
The import tax is the wild card. Your shipping company can tell you an estimate but no way to guarantee the cost. So be prepared for surprises.
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Deanna *******
It would be WAY cheaper to store the stuff your husband can't live without, and start new here. It is hard letting go sometimes, but once here, he will most likely realize you don't need any of it. With the storage option, you can always retrieve it Iater.

Furnishings are super cheap here. All the expats have been in your spot and are advising you. I've been in Thailand for 9 years. We came with 3 back packs. It was great not to have to deal with the "stuff" headache.

I hope you will show him these comments.
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Christopher *************
Sell it all, new life, new start. Easier to and cheaper to buy new stuff here and cheaper too?
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
Leave the furniture behind. Leave as much as you can behind and buy it here.

Hire a company that specialises. They will likely include a small facilitation fee for customs and even if you are relocating some items will still be dutiable. Do not even bother with alcohol. Drink it before you leave.
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Michael *******
Visa has no relation to import of effects. If you really must bring effects, talk to a removal company like Stuttafords, and get a quote, based on what you are importing customs will assess duties payable on arrival. We brought a 20 foot container, and paid around $500 in import taxes…….as mentioned it may be better to replace stuff here.
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Pascal ********
you don't change a visa, you get an extension. Why you should need a permit to bring your things over?
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Mel ******
@Pascal *******
 I all guessing they thought it would help reduce or eliminate import tax but that it not the case for their type of visa and extension.
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mel ******
Reply
Robert *****
Time for a garage sale in Canada Debbie. Really important stuff just pack into a 3rd large suitcase and pay the Airlines extra bag fee.
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
I'd not ship stuff over. Just bring suitcases and as much as you can.
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Debbie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
 I agree but my husband wants his "stuff"😩
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Greta *****
@Debbie **********
 I think they might sell those pills in Thailand.
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Debbie **********
 he could end up paying more in import taxes than it's worth. What on earth has he got that he "needs".
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Tore *********
@Debbie **********
probably gonna cost more in import taxes and shipping than the stuff is worth….
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Graham ******
Your Non-O which gets you stamped in for 90 days is your Retirement Visa.When you extend it for 12 months you are no longer on a Visa, you are on an Extension of Stay but neither gives you and privileges when importing anything, you will be taxed.
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Graham ******
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 are the taxing rules for shipping personal belongings to Thailand on a tourist visa?
11 comments
a month ago
What are my options for entering Thailand from Cambodia with extra luggage and obtaining a retirement visa?
5 comments
3 months ago
What are the customs regulations for shipping belongings to Thailand for expats?
3 comments
5 months ago
What are the regulations for importing used household goods to Thailand with a non-O retirement visa?
17 comments
5 months ago
What are the rules and costs for importing a container of household goods to Thailand?
31 comments
6 months ago
What are the best ways to send packing boxes to Bangkok when moving to Thailand?
91 comments
6 months ago
What should I consider bringing or leaving behind when retiring to Thailand?
232 comments
6 months ago
What are the rules for bringing personal items and books into Thailand on a retirement visa?
12 comments
6 months ago
What are my options for bringing my bulky music system to Thailand with a retirement visa renewal?
27 comments
6 months ago
What are the customs duties on personal possessions for a retiree moving to Thailand on a non-immigrant O visa?
24 comments
7 months ago
What are some recommended shipping agents for moving from Thailand to the UK?
8 comments
a year ago
What steps should I take for visa and passport issues when moving back to Thailand with a UK passport?
75 comments
a year ago
What are the customs duties and shipping experiences for moving to Thailand?
36 comments
a year 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 fastest way to obtain a Non-O immigrant retirement visa for shipping belongings to Thailand?
5 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
2 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 is the best approach to obtain a retirement visa and enter Thailand in February?
67 comments
4 years ago
Can a tourism visa in Thailand be converted to a Non-O visa and what are the importation rules for belongings?
12 comments
6 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.