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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
Apr 26, 2024
8 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!
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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
8 months ago
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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..
8 months ago
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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.
8 months ago
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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.
8 months ago
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Christopher *************
Sell it all, new life, new start. Easier to and cheaper to buy new stuff here and cheaper too?
8 months ago
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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.
8 months ago
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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.
8 months ago
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Pascal ********
you don't change a visa, you get an extension. Why you should need a permit to bring your things over?
8 months ago
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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.
8 months ago
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Mel ******
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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.
8 months ago
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Lynnette *******
I'd not ship stuff over. Just bring suitcases and as much as you can.
8 months ago
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Debbie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
 I agree but my husband wants his "stuff"😩
8 months ago
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Greta *****
@Debbie **********
 I think they might sell those pills in Thailand.
8 months ago
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Lynnette *******
@Debbie **********
 he could end up paying more in import taxes than it's worth. What on earth has he got that he "needs".
8 months ago
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Tore *********
@Debbie **********
probably gonna cost more in import taxes and shipping than the stuff is worth….
8 months ago
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Tore *********
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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.
8 months ago
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Graham ******
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