Subject pretty much says it all.

I order about once a year from amazon. Had a bad experience once in Songkhla when I had to pay duty/tax on CDs ...EXPENSIVE! (but didn't have to pay anything for the books in the same box). In fact, have never NEVER paid duty/tax on books. Now, they are delivered to my apartment complex in Bangkok, no problem.

A LOT depends on where you live, i think. I think it's strictly case by case.

I have had six shipments of books from Amazon in the past two years. I have payed only what was charged by Amazon.

Another option is to have books ordered at a book store. Then the shipping is free. However, it can take much longer and they won't order all books.

Thanks for the replies. Better safe than sorry - don't want to order some books and then get hit with excessive duties.