How to ship fiancée's clothes to USA?

[Elkski]

How much stuff do thai women bring when they get a K1 visa?   I get 3 checkin bags when using my Delta card  on delta.    She may have to come without my escort.  

What is the cost and best way to ship extra boxes?  I'm not having much luck getting her to try on closets of clothes and give away  stuff.  Seems she bought much stuff she never wore.   

[kingofthemountain]

2 hours ago, Elkski said:

How much stuff do thai women bring when they get a K1 visa?   I get 3 checkin bags when using my Delta card  on delta.    She may have to come without my escort.  

What is the cost and best way to ship extra boxes?  I'm not having much luck getting her to try on closets of clothes and give away  stuff.  Seems she bought much stuff she never wore.   

No more worry about the change in her schedule at work then?

 

If it's her first time traveling to USA (And maybe traveling out of Thailand) she has no idea

what to take or not, hence she is trying to take anything, just in case.

You need to help her and give to her precises information about the climate

at the moment at your place, what the US ladies usualy wore here, all of this with photos\videos.

It depends also of the duration of her stay (2 weeks isn't the same than 2 months) and the

activities you plan to do together. (Some sports for example require specifics clothes)

 

Also inform her if you agree to go on a shopping tour when she arrives or not

maybe she is afraid you are not ken to spend your money on clothes for her.

 

Shipping extra boxes for second hand clothes is imo pointless

second hand clothes worth nothing and it's a lot of weight and volume 

you will pay much more than if you buy news ones when she arrives

plus the bother to send and receive, with the customs and so on

Edited December 12, 2020 by kingofthemountain

[Salerno]

13 minutes ago, kingofthemountain said:

It depends also of the duration of her stay (2 weeks isn't the same than 2 months) and the

activities you plan to do together. (Some sports for example require specifics clothes)

 

Pretty sure you don't go for a fiancee visa just to go on holiday neither do you ship extra luggage. Looks like OP is talking about a "permanent" move.

[kingofthemountain]

4 minutes ago, Salerno said:

 

Pretty sure you don't go for a fiancee visa just to go on holiday neither do you ship extra luggage. Looks like OP is talking about a "permanent" move.

Yes i just read about the K1 and see what kind of visa it is

i am not american so i wasn't aware of this type of visa.

 

However and on a more general view, i have learned something 

during few decades in contact with thousands of thai people

in their mind,  nothing is permanent, the OP will have probably to deal with that

 

 

[oldhippy]

I so much like the word "fiancée".

 

[Elkski]

1 hour ago, oldhippy said:

I so much like the word "fiancée".

 

555

 

Yes sorry. A K1 visa gives us 90 days in US to get married.  Known each other  35 months.   Many of her clothes are never  worn things.   She is thrifty but seems to enjoy shopping.  Buys things but then has no where to go to wear them.  I am not having luck getting her to try on everything on video chat  so we can sort it #1  Bring,

#2 keep at moms for next visit, 

#3  donate.  

I can see she hates idea of tossing unworn stuff.  

I plan to buy her many  clothing items,  But mostly  cold climate  related   stuff and  things required for hiking and biking.   I know extra luggage can be 50$ a bag  but I don't want her to hassle with more than 1 person can navigate in an  airport with.  I will make sure she gets a flight where luggage doesn't need to be  picked up and rechecked in midway like sometimes happens on my trips.   I book direct through airlines  but get this surprise occasionally.   I will meet up with her on US soil wherever that may be.  I do have a SUV but...

I have read DHL is not the most  economical way.   I will call around on Monday.  

If she can pack 15 items om a box for 4$ each it may be worth it.   Would there be customs fees going this way?

 

Edited December 12, 2020 by Elkski

[GinBoy2]

Well, forget about the idea of shipping stuff over and above what we can bring as checked baggage. The cost will be prohibitively high.

The only way shipping boxes of clothing is worth it, is if it's part of a relocation shipment along with household items, not a UPS, Fedex kind of shipment

 

For what you would spend doing that you can send her on multiple shopping trips to satisfy her shopping cravings. Introduce her to Marshalls, TJ Max, she'll soon forget all those clothes she left behind

 

You also talk about cold weather clothing. So don't know where you are but unlike Thailand most of us experience seasons, so a lot of what she already has, will for at least a few months of the year be worthless

Edited December 14, 2020 by GinBoy2

[Jeffr2]

I had a friend who shipped a lot of her clothes to the US via the Thai post office.  Cheap and easy.  Took about a month, but easy.

 

The problem we had with the move to NYC, was most of her clothes weren't appropriate.  The cold climate there doesn't require so many flip flops! Nor thin clothes.  And most of what she originally had, were cheap stuff from the local markets. 

 

Good luck!!!  It will be an interesting journey.

[Damrongsak]

My wife here in the U.S. is a good clothes shopper.  She was a seamstress in Thailand.  She buys stuff here of better quality and often at less price than Thailand.  Much of it comes from Vietnam and Bangladesh.  She sends clothes home as gifts!

[JRinPDX]

I've shipped clothes the other way...USA to Thailand, using shopandshipus.com with great results and prices.  Maybe they can ship to USA too or know of a similar company that can. 

[Damrongsak]

On 12/14/2020 at 4:58 AM, GinBoy2 said:

... Introduce her to Marshalls, TJ Max, she'll soon forget all those clothes she left behind ...

Also Ross stores.  My wife used to work at one and got an employee discount on top of the closeout prices.  And Walmart has seasonal closeouts and whatnot. 

[thailand49]

Typical women?  Sorry!  You LIED!   you tell her you can only bring two bags on the airplane anything you need she can buy!  Get some pictures of snow true or not and inside of Walmart!  Tell her can't ship now due to Virus and even if you could will get held up in Custom!

 

Guarantee if you ship it all frustrate yourself when it arrives it will stay in the box and she will still want to buy new sadly how long have you known her seem a bit high maintenance?  ????

 

 

Edited December 17, 2020 by thailand49

[sirineou]

On 12/14/2020 at 4:58 AM, GinBoy2 said:

Well, forget about the idea of shipping stuff over and above what we can bring as checked baggage. The cost will be prohibitively high.

The only way shipping boxes of clothing is worth it, is if it's part of a relocation shipment along with household items, not a UPS, Fedex kind of shipment

 

For what you would spend doing that you can send her on multiple shopping trips to satisfy her shopping cravings. Introduce her to Marshalls, TJ Max, she'll soon forget all those clothes she left behind

 

You also talk about cold weather clothing. So don't know where you are but unlike Thailand most of us experience seasons, so a lot of what she already has, will for at least a few months of the year be worthless

I  second what GinBoy said.  Married over 11 years now me and the wife still laugh about all the things she brought with her when she came over, Clothing is of better quality and cheaper here than in Thailand.

"Introduce her to Marshalls, TJ Max,  " to that I would ad Ross   dress for Less,  I checked and there are a bunch of them there. .

I think you are in Utah. If she is coming any time soon, she would need warm clothing, of which I am sure she don't have in Thailand. So plan to go shopping. 

My wife is on a FB group of Thai ladies in the US, she has an FB friend in Utah with which she speaks often , we are in Florida, last week we mailed her Papayas  from out garden . She can get every spice fish sauce etc on Amazon,  The first thing any Thai wants is a good pestel pestle ,

PM me and I can give you contacts.  

take her to Ross, ot TJ Max  and let her go to town. Tell her to leave  many of her clothes in Thailand for when you go back to visit. LOL

Edited December 17, 2020 by sirineou

[GinBoy2]

38 minutes ago, sirineou said:

I  second what GinBoy said.  Married over 11 years now me and the wife still laugh about all the things she brought with her when she came over, Clothing is of better quality and cheaper here than in Thailand.

"Introduce her to Marshalls, TJ Max,  " to that I would ad Ross   dress for Less,  I checked and there are a bunch of them there. .

I think you are in Utah. If she is coming any time soon, she would need warm clothing, of which I am sure she don't have in Thailand. So plan to go shopping. 

My wife is on a FB group of Thai ladies in the US, she has an FB friend in Utah with which she speaks often , we are in Florida, last week we mailed her Papayas  from out garden . She can get every spice fish sauce etc on Amazon,  The first thing any Thai wants is a good pestel pestle ,

PM me and I can give you contacts.  

take her to Ross, ot TJ Max  and let her go to town. Tell her to leave  many of her clothes in Thailand for when you go back to visit. LOL

I think we're pretty aligned on our advice to the OP, that trying to ship a boat load of clothes is a bad idea.

 

Yes it can be done, but it's expensive and a lot of her stuff won't be appropriate.

 

We've all mentioned a bunch of stores, Ross, TJ Max, Marshalls, Kohls and thats before you get to the JC Penny's and Macys etc where for she'll be able to easily replace her wardrobe.

 

And on a social acclimatization, shopping at least in my experience is very therapeutic for women, especially as she gets to grip with moving to a new culture. I might add, she's coming on a K1, so she won't actually get her greencard for quite a long while, so won't be able to work.

Going out shopping will be a huge distraction for her until she can get a job!

 

Just my 2 cents!

Edited December 17, 2020 by GinBoy2

[yankyoakum]

one other thing to consider is American washers and dryers tend to eat all the clothing she took to USA but that was many moons ago..1976. Even today here in LOS, our washing machine does not agitate like the US models did.  But understand your dilemma do what you can and best of luck, mine came on same visa in 76, had 90 days to get married or go home...we just came back last year..Took her 43 yrs to return..

[ChouDoufu]

check with thai post.

 

last time i sent boxes to the us, SAL was about 700 for the first kg, then 250 for each additional kg.  up to a max of about 30kg/box.  if surface is available, that should be about 1/3 cheaper.

 

personal items/used clothing - even if new (remove price tags) - should not be hit with customs fees.  declare a reasonable amount per box, maybe $75 or so.

 

https://www.thailandpost.co.th/un/rate_result/?country_code=US&weight=10000

[Elkski]

5 hours ago, GinBoy2 said:

I think we're pretty aligned on our advice to the OP, that trying to ship a boat load of clothes is a bad idea.

 

Yes it can be done, but it's expensive and a lot of her stuff won't be appropriate.

 

We've all mentioned a bunch of stores, Ross, TJ Max, Marshalls, Kohls and thats before you get to the JC Penny's and Macys etc where for she'll be able to easily replace her wardrobe.

 

And on a social acclimatization, shopping at least in my experience is very therapeutic for women, especially as she gets to grip with moving to a new culture. I might add, she's coming on a K1, so she won't actually get her greencard for quite a long while, so won't be able to work.

Going out shopping will be a huge distraction for her until she can get a job!

 

Just my 2 cents!

No no no!   Don't want to encourage any growth in a shopping habit. Yes  plenty of stores here. 

Yes I plan to buy warm stuff.  she will need sweaters, warm clothes, hats, gloves, thermal layers, wind breakers. Down coats, for cold.  

 

[GinBoy2]

6 hours ago, ChouDoufu said:

check with thai post.

 

last time i sent boxes to the us, SAL was about 700 for the first kg, then 250 for each additional kg.  up to a max of about 30kg/box.  if surface is available, that should be about 1/3 cheaper.

 

personal items/used clothing - even if new (remove price tags) - should not be hit with customs fees.  declare a reasonable amount per box, maybe $75 or so.

 

https://www.thailandpost.co.th/un/rate_result/?country_code=US&weight=10000

The thing to remember about the postal system, is not weight but volume.

 

Mail systems don't, unlike the DHL, Fedex's and UPS's deal with large packages, regardless of weight

[windas]

Hi guys

UK: I solved the problem years ago by asking her to pick clothes from a UK high fashion ( ie H&M) web site that would be delivered to new home or can go to stores. 

H&M is not high price and is a must go to shop in Thailand for girlies.

They have same in the US.

 

Happy days.

 

[Ireland32]

On 12/13/2020 at 3:19 AM, oldhippy said:

I so much like the word "fiancée".

 

Seinfeld Fam 

[sirineou]

6 hours ago, Elkski said:

No no no!   Don't want to encourage any growth in a shopping habit. Yes  plenty of stores here. 

Yes I plan to buy warm stuff.  she will need sweaters, warm clothes, hats, gloves, thermal layers, wind breakers. Down coats, for cold.  

 

ohh my poor poor deluded sorely unprepared for married life friend. shopping is to women like hunting is for man. It's not that they need the clothes, it is the hunt they enjoy, i thing it's a vestige from the hunter gatherer days, You deny  them that release and they will take it out of you in many many other ways. I take the wife to to TJ MAX and Ross once every week, she often never buys anything, much like our success at hunting, and when she does buy it, chances is she will return it a day later.

I will share a secret with you my friend, Shopping is The secret to a successful  marriage. 

[ChouDoufu]

4 hours ago, GinBoy2 said:

The thing to remember about the postal system, is not weight but volume.

 

Mail systems don't, unlike the DHL, Fedex's and UPS's deal with large packages, regardless of weight

 

not a problem.

 

you buy the largest boxes sold by the post office.  when filled with clothing and random stuff the lady will need (chili peppers and green curry sauce).....should not exceed 15kg although they will ship at least up to 20kg.  perhaps more, would have to ask.  when i move between china and thailand, i use the postal boxes, usually sending 4-6 boxes each weighing 12-15kg.

 

any larger or heavier and the boxes become difficult to handle and run the risk of sides splitting open during transit.

[Damrongsak]

11 hours ago, yankyoakum said:

one other thing to consider is American washers and dryers tend to eat all the clothing ...

Mine run on alternate fuel - socks. 

[ericthai]

As stated I would not ship allot of clothes, but if there is no way around it (we know how women can be) I do know a shipping company that could do it ad a reasonable cost. It would be slow. It's Thai company in Bangkok. The girl I work with speaks English very good and has traveled to the USA many times.   PM me if you want their contact info.

 

PS be careful about the bags being overweight as the fees can be high.   One time I had to take stuff out of one suitcase and move to another. You can get the hand held suitcase scales for less than 300baht. 

[Pmbkk]

My wife bought a Singer sewing machine(not that expensive) when she came over, Allowed her to make/alter clothes/material she buys that maybe a bit too big for her. It also gives her something to do as a hobby when she wants a bit of alone time.

[Damrongsak]

19 minutes ago, Pmbkk said:

My wife bought a Singer sewing machine(not that expensive) when she came over, Allowed her to make/alter clothes/material she buys that maybe a bit too big for her. It also gives her something to do as a hobby when she wants a bit of alone time.

My wife was a seamstress in Thailand.  Learned to make her own patterns and all.  She'll buy closeout stuff off the rack for $3 - $5 and modify/resize to suit her.  It's cheaper than buying cloth.  She's bought the majority of my clothing for the last 42 years except for socks and underwear. 

 

Used but serviceable basic sewing machines are cheap in the U.S.  My Thai bro-in-law has 4 sitting in his garage/workshop.  I'm sure he got them for free. 

[orchis]

Take your fiancee to do some fancy shopping when she gets there.

[GinBoy2]

On 12/17/2020 at 7:05 AM, sirineou said:

ohh my poor poor deluded sorely unprepared for married life friend. shopping is to women like hunting is for man. It's not that they need the clothes, it is the hunt they enjoy, i thing it's a vestige from the hunter gatherer days, You deny  them that release and they will take it out of you in many many other ways. I take the wife to to TJ MAX and Ross once every week, she often never buys anything, much like our success at hunting, and when she does buy it, chances is she will return it a day later.

I will share a secret with you my friend, Shopping is The secret to a successful  marriage. 

I've long since stopped going with Mrs G to shop.

 

She gets off works, meets a friend then can do all their hunting and gathering without me!

 

This weekly event of the female of the species is leading me to conclude we need a bigger closet!

[RocketDog]

On 12/13/2020 at 5:00 AM, Elkski said:

555

 

Yes sorry. A K1 visa gives us 90 days in US to get married.  Known each other  35 months.   Many of her clothes are never  worn things.   She is thrifty but seems to enjoy shopping.  Buys things but then has no where to go to wear them.  I am not having luck getting her to try on everything on video chat  so we can sort it #1  Bring,

#2 keep at moms for next visit, 

#3  donate.  

I can see she hates idea of tossing unworn stuff.  

I plan to buy her many  clothing items,  But mostly  cold climate  related   stuff and  things required for hiking and biking.   I know extra luggage can be 50$ a bag  but I don't want her to hassle with more than 1 person can navigate in an  airport with.  I will make sure she gets a flight where luggage doesn't need to be  picked up and rechecked in midway like sometimes happens on my trips.   I book direct through airlines  but get this surprise occasionally.   I will meet up with her on US soil wherever that may be.  I do have a SUV but...

I have read DHL is not the most  economical way.   I will call around on Monday.  

If she can pack 15 items om a box for 4$ each it may be worth it.   Would there be customs fees going this way?

 

1. Tell her to give most her clothes to friends/family and everybody is happy.

2. If she doesn't wear them here she won't wear them there. 

3. You WILL be buying her new clothes; that's a given. Save your shipping fees for that. Along with jewelry, cosmetics, and shoes. 

4. She loves shopping so that makes my second and third points obvious. 

5. It's also entirely possible that she will grow up two sizes after a year in America anyway so her old clothes will be but a fond memory for you and her both. It's seldom planned but often happens (to other people of course) . 

6. Devote one entire suitcase to Thai rice and spices. She won't be happy with what she finds in America. 

[NanLaew]

On 12/13/2020 at 5:00 AM, Elkski said:

I can see she hates idea of tossing unworn stuff. 

 

Get some of those traveling baggage scales, weight the packed suitcases then download and print out Delta's excess baggage charges in Thai. The let's see if she hates that more.