ask
Search
Ask
Answered2 years ago

What should I know about bringing expensive road bikes into Thailand without facing taxes or issues at immigration?

John **********
asked Jul 20, 2024
811
views
2
replies
0
likes
I have a question that some of you may have experienced .

I am a cyclist and my wife & I are moving to Thailand to live . I have 3 road bikes and they are expensive . I want to ride the track out by the airport and some other areas .

My wife is a Thai national and lives with me in Canada .She has her PR and has lived here over one year , that allows her to bring items back into Thailand without being taxed from what I've researched

We will be bringing 3 road bikes with us , 2 are mine and 1 is hers . Total value of the bikes is around $35,000 and I'm wondering when we come through the airport in Bangkok are we going to have to get into a deep discussion over bringing the bikes to Thailand and immigration wanting to try to tax us ?

We will have sold everything else we own but the bikes were custom builds and I can't replace them in Thailand for what I paid for them . 2 are 1- 2 yrs old and the other is 10 yrs old .

Ive tried to sell the older one but most people at this time ( in Canada) do not have the extra money so I'm going to be stuck with bringing it with me

Anyone just rolled through immigration without issue ?

I do not plan on telling immigration that we are planning to live in Thailand at that time . I will apply for a marriage visa later but I do not want to commit to staying in Thailand until we learn more how the income tax may affect us .

If it does then we will jump countries and live 179 days in thailand and then go another country for the remainder and come back again but thats to be determined once we have been there for a few months and speak to a tax accountant

Anyone have experience bringing bikes with you into Thailand ?
Answer summary
A cyclist couple moving to Thailand with three expensive road bikes is concerned about the customs process and potential taxes when arriving in Bangkok. The wife, a Thai national, is familiar with customs rules that exempt her from taxes on personal items. The couple is uncertain whether they'll face scrutiny or need to justify bringing the bikes into the country, especially since they plan to stay but are initially entering as tourists. Comments from others indicate that bringing bikes often does not attract questions if entering as tourists.
2 repliesnewest first
3

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Pascal ********
Pascal ********
immigration wanting to try to tax us ? 😂😂😂
Todd *********
Todd *********
If you are simply coming in as a tourist visa or exemption to cycle, there will be no questioning. I bring my Cervelo in and out often.

You will have no problem finding replacements for the bikes though in BKK or especially KL. Exceptional luxury bike shop
*******************************

Activity

3 joined
John **********
John **********
John **********
3
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What should I do about my 90-day reporting while traveling in the US?
3.6k41081mo
Why was my DTV application replaced with a METV visa after my interview in Savannakhet, Laos?
7.7k77584mo
What is the process for extending my DTV visa in Thailand and what documents are required?
1.6k505mo
Why is it difficult to obtain a DTV visa extension in Koh Phangan?
14.3k1131807mo
What are the updated options for expats in Thailand regarding flight cancellations and overstay fines?
6.5k351228mo
How can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand without a permanent address?
2.4k18259mo
What should I expect at passport control after obtaining a single re-entry permit for my non-O visa in Thailand?
736461y
What could be the reasons behind the rejection of my DTV visa application in Vietnam?
2k17111y
What are the steps and requirements for applying for a Soft Power DTV visa in Thailand?
2k11251y
What are the requirements for traveling to Cambodia and re-entering Thailand with a non-O visa?
3.5k23421y
What are the best options for relocating with a DTV visa to Thailand, especially concerning shipping belongings and pet import rules?
1.6k11141y
What is the best order of tasks after receiving a Non-O visa and arriving in Hat Yai?
14.6k1052101y
Is the DTV visa suitable for my family moving to Thailand, and can my kids attend school?
627242y
What kind of insurance is needed for a DTV extension in Thailand?
10.9k761572y
Can you exchange your foreign driver's license for a Thai driver's license without taking tests?
4.9k37392y
What are my options if my non-O visa is expiring and I don't have enough valid pages in my passport for a marriage visa extension in Thailand?
2.3k19162y
What are the best visa options and strategies for a 60-year-old retired Canadian planning to stay in Thailand longer than 90 days?
6.1k59362y
Is a notarized marriage certificate required for an ED visa in Thailand, and what documents are needed for unmarried parents?
2.8k2962y
What are the risks and recommendations for applying for a METV in Thailand for US passport holders over 50?
1.8k1742y
What steps should I take to secure a retirement visa for Thailand when I don't have specific travel plans?
6.1k58393y
What proof can I provide for accommodation in Thailand if I'm staying at my girlfriend's place without a booking?
1.2k5103y
What should I do about my visa situation with a non-O visa and the COVID extension expiring soon?
2.9k24236y
What immigration procedures should I follow after returning to Thailand on a non-immigrant B Visa?
3448y
Is there a minimum stay requirement for retirement visa holders in Thailand?
535128y
How do I check the approval status of my 90-day report online in Thailand, and will I receive something to keep in my passport?
1.4k899y

Resources

Need help with your retirement visa?