Personal Items sent from UK

Post by **higgy** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 5:52 pm

Hi everyone,coming to Hua Hin in October to live.Has anyone had recent experience of sending personal items from UK.
I have looked through the forum but only found info that is now over 1 year old.
Names of shippers,prices,transit times etc would be a big help.I have toyed with the idea of using an Int,l shipper like TNT,DHL or Fed Ex but not sure if they have branch in Hua Hin.
Thanks
Ian

Post by **PJG** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:43 pm

Really depends on what sort of items you are shipping. The companies you mentioned are best suited for small items. I use Fedex frequently to ship from Thailand to UK and know that they will collect and deliver just about anywhere in Thailand.

Your biggest problem is going to be with customs on entry to Thailand.

Post by **PeteC** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:53 pm

PJG wrote: Your biggest problem is going to be with customs on entry to Thailand.

Yes, yes and double yes. I moved house from Singapore to Thailand in late 1993, I should have sold everything in Singapore.

Shipped house once again Thailand to Hong Kong in 1996 for only 6 months. Paid going out and paid coming back in. Again, should have gone naked in all directions and bought new again everywhere, it would have been cheaper. Yes, you read correctly, they wouldn't release to the carrier OUTBOUND Thailand until we greased the Customs people.

Moved Thailand to Hawaii in 1998. Left everything here with wife's family.

Lost the wife in Hawaii and moved back to Thailand once again in 2004. Sent all things of value to my kids in California. Came with 2 suitcases and two carry on's.

Went back to the ex's Thai house and collected all the big things I left the first time. They still love me!..LOL.

Post by **DawnHRD** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 11:48 pm

Agree with Pete 100%. I moved from HK to Thailand in 2001 & brought my stuff with me. Not a huge amount, as a single woman, but still a bit of electrical stuff (Stereo, TV, video, computer...) & some other furniture, personal items etc etc. It cost more to bring it than it would have to buy comparable items here.

Oh, and I had the fun 6 week period with no stuff! You know, the time that you buy the cheap paper-thin knife set that won't cut, because you won't need it when your stuff arrives!

If I could do it again, I'd sell the stuff in HK, bring only the very personal things & buy new here. Each to their own, but I'd sell or put the majority in storage & buy out here. Saves money & frustration.

Post by **NikkiSixx** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:16 am

I am also coming to live in Thailand sometime next year. I agree it would probably be best to scrap everything and start new on arrival but there are obviously somethings you collect over a lifetime that you can't leave behind. For example, I have four guitars and a small amplifier, CD and DVD collection with some rarities I could never part with! Plus a couple of boxes of books...not a large amount, but just how expensive/difficult is it?

Post by **Governor** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:05 pm

I also will be re-locating to Hua Hin early next year, we have taken earlier advice not to attempt to bring things from the UK so have purchased major items locally.

As I have been a regular visitor, and most of my clothes are already in situ, I have stuffed my suite case with my cds, dvds and some books - oh yes and even some wine, a bit heavy but it was worth it.

Might be an idea if you are intending to make a few trips before you move.

Post by **PeteC** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:56 pm

NikkiSixx wrote:I am also coming to live in Thailand sometime next year. I agree it would probably be best to scrap everything and start new on arrival but there are obviously somethings you collect over a lifetime that you can't leave behind. For example, I have four guitars and a small amplifier, CD and DVD collection with some rarities I could never part with! Plus a couple of boxes of books...not a large amount, but just how expensive/difficult is it?

Maybe things have changed since the 90's NS, I hope so. Back then it was a crap shoot. It all depended upon the mood and character of the particular customs agent that was handling your shipment. Concerning your guitars, they could classify them as old junk or, as antiques and charge you a bundle.

I think anyone's best bet if bringing in things that won't fit into a suitcase, is to contact a freight forwarder at your end who has experience and connections when bringing household goods into Thailand, both sea freight and air freight. You can't go wrong there as they have the knowledge. Not saying you won't still pay but odds are their experience will get you a good deal. I'm not talking Fedex or DHL etc., but a normal freight forwarder. Your yellow pages should list many you can call and check with. Pete

Post by **PeteC** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:06 pm

Small funny story. Years back here I really liked the monogramed dress business shirts Lands End was selling from their catalogue in the States. Ordered four for about $35 each plus shipping. Lands End sent them Airbourne Express. I received a fax that they were being held by customs as imported textile goods and the duty would be $160.00, just about what I paid for them and shipping!

Trecked all the way from Pattaya to Don Muang customs office. They showed me the shirts, still in the plastic wrappers, and my eye caught the small tag beneath the Lands End sewn on tag by the collar, which stated "Made in Thailand".

I pointed this out to Inspector Somsak and he nearly passed out in rage. Pushed the articles across the counter at me and pointed me to the door as he walked back into his office and slammed the door.

One of the best days of my life to get one up on those crooked buggers. Had several pints in celebration!! Pete

Post by **Shirley** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 2:07 pm

HI

We came over nearly 3 years ago from UK and had quite a few things shipped over with no problems at all, except we had to pay 1000 baht to customs to let things go through. We shipped from a shipping firm in Leeds, it was 75 pound per square metre, and was supprised to see how much you can put together in that.

We got in touch with the shipping co here and a very nice thai lady sorted everything out for us and had it delivered within 10 days. We brought cd's dvd's computer and all acces including printer.

If you would like to have info on shipping firms let me know

Good luck

Post by **NikkiSixx** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:58 pm

Yes please Shirley! I would be most grateful if you could PM me with the details.

Post by **higgy** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:08 pm

Thanks everyone for your help.
Pleanty to think about now as maybe not a good idea to send stuff to LOS.
Shirley,I would appreciate the contact details for the people in Leeds if you have time.
Many thanks again guys.
Ian

Post by **Jockey** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:13 pm

Sex toys are usually confiscated at customs. They never arrive by post. Often wonder where they end up?

Post by **DawnHRD** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:28 pm

Off thread a bit, but Jockey, that reminds me of my first Christmas here. My Granny in Scotland sent a parcel containing pressies for myself, my Mum & Dad to my address in HH. Of course, we never got them. 6 months later, she received her parcel back. But instead of the carefully wrapped Christmas gifts, the contents were a couple of old towels & some newspapers. It still beggars belief - I can understand the stealing, but why send towels & newspapers back to Scotland?