How can I minimise import duty on my personal use musical instruments?

[Tunesmith]

Hi all, I plan to move from the UK to Hua Hin on a non-immigrant O visa.

As far as personal possessions go, my collection of musical instruments, recording equipment and tech gear is all I want to bring with me. I just want to use them for my own projects, not for anything commercial. However, I'm concerned that Thai customs might not see it that way.

I also read the "Non Immigrant Quota" posting by @MangoKorat which, while fascinating, was inconclusive, alas.
 

Can anyone advise me on the best approach? Maybe the contents needs to be documented in some preferred way. I also read somewhere about 'brokers' of sorts, who hang around the ports and negotiate the duty charges for you. Obviously I'd prefer not to pay anything but I suspect that's unlikely, I just don't want to overpay.
 

Incidentally, I will probably use Seven Seas Worldwide 'MoveCube' for shipping to BKK, but am open to suggestions. Thanks.

[DrJack54]

Volume and total weight? 

I will move your thread to correct forum.

Thinking you are in for world of pain. 

[Tunesmith]

Thanks for the swift response. I chose this section based on the placement of the posting I referred to, which was on a vaguely similar topic. There wasn't a particularly obvious alternative, as far as I could see. But I'm a n00b here, what do I know? 🙃

Weight probably less than 700kg.
It won't be solely music gear, some useful but inexpensive domestic stuff too.
Volume: the 'MoveCube' wooden crate container is about 20sqm or 220 sqft.
I suspect I wouldn't fill it to the brim, though it's hard to judge at this stage.
 

As for the world of pain, you could be absolutely right here. Yet, as is so often the case on these forums, experiences differ or, as many are wont to say: Your mileage may vary. That said no further comments so far, perhaps they're still dealing with PTSD after trying something similar with their own prized possessions. 😉

[Liquorice]

Cheaper just to buy new here.

 

I know an American who transported a load of electrical gear in a container at great cost.
The US use 120 V, and he thought the rest of the world was the same.

[cjinchiangrai]

55 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Cheaper just to buy new here.

 

I know an American who transported a load of electrical gear in a container at great cost.
The US use 120 V, and he thought the rest of the world was the same.

Amps, mixers and electronics, absolutely. Replace them. The speakers are fine but expensive to ship.

 

Instruments, you need to offer the depreciated value of the used equipment on the manifest. For things like keyboards, check the label for dual voltage power supplies. Computer gear is fine, except maybe monitors..

[jimmybcool]

Tagging out of interest.  If I ever move to Thailand I have about 15 somewhat expensive guitars I would bring.  Anything else I could replace.  

 

[jacnl2000]

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/thailand-sign-agreement-with-european-free-trade-association-next-week-pm-says-2025-01-13/

 

There’s currently no trade deal between the UK and Thailand, so once your guitar lands, you’ll also need to pay around 17% in taxes (that’s 10% import duty + 7% VAT) based on its value—before you can get your hands on it and play.

 

[DrJack54]

OP, this thread perhaps not helpful however in my first post there are links to few threads. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1289296-shipping-personal-items-from-uk-to-thailand/ 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1020269-shipping-electronic-goods-to-thailandtaxvat-etc/

 

[frank83628]

When moving to Thailand you have a 6 month window to move your personal affects, without incurring duty costs. 

 

I forget the name of the site but you will find it under Google search 'import charges Thailand'

 

 

[placnx]

On 6/23/2025 at 6:48 AM, frank83628 said:

When moving to Thailand you have a 6 month window to move your personal affects, without incurring duty costs. 

 

I forget the name of the site but you will find it under Google search 'import charges Thailand'

 

 

I did this 20 years ago. No tax on electronics. Later I shipped a 50 year old grand piano and used a broker. The charge was reasonable, and I am not aware of any import duty.

[Luuk Chaai]

On 6/21/2025 at 9:14 PM, Tunesmith said:

Hi all, I plan to move from the UK to Hua Hin on a non-immigrant O visa.
 

Non - O based on marriage ?   if yes.. opens up a who;e different lane for the  "Wife" to bring "her" goods home

[xtrnuno41]

I think you have to make some inquiries with moving companies.

Situations (could) change all the time and they should know a lot, all.

They also have connections, you will never have.

Be aware the companies are moving from DOOR to DOOR!

Otherwise you have your box in BK harbor and you have to take care for transportation in Thailand.

You don t like that, or do? 

[Sparkling]

Hi, if the non O is based on marriage your wife may import, only if she has stayed in UK long enough (i think it s two years but better check) and relocates. She can reduce the duty then. In any case i recommend to ask the shipping company for their ususal and best way to handle it. they do it all the time and know the options.

There will be duty.

 

Ask the World Wide Seaven Seas for that.

I can recommend https://www.thailand-transport.de/en/

 

[Tunesmith]

On 6/22/2025 at 6:16 PM, Liquorice said:

Cheaper just to buy new here.
The US use 120 V, and he thought the rest of the world was the same.

Thankfully, the gear was for the UK market, so should be compatible in Thailand.
Buying new is tempting, but heartbreaking too. I might spend all my savings on therapy afterwards. 😢

[Tunesmith]

4 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

Non - O based on marriage ?   if yes.. opens up a who;e different lane for the  "Wife" to bring "her" goods home

My partner is in the UK, trying to sell her place, so I'm trailblazing. I don't have any marital Thai connection, not planning on one either. I just want to escape eye-watering costs of Net Zero and to be able to drive at more than 20mph.

[Tunesmith]

On 6/22/2025 at 7:18 PM, cjinchiangrai said:

Amps, mixers and electronics, absolutely. Replace them. The speakers are fine but expensive to ship.

 

Instruments, you need to offer the depreciated value of the used equipment on the manifest. For things like keyboards, check the label for dual voltage power supplies. Computer gear is fine, except maybe monitors..

Thanks. That's good to know. I don't use the amps much, but I'd miss my 1960s Vox AC10... sacrifices, sacrifices. 🧐

[Tunesmith]

3 hours ago, xtrnuno41 said:

I think you have to make some inquiries with moving companies.

Situations (could) change all the time and they should know a lot, all.

They also have connections, you will never have.

Be aware the companies are moving from DOOR to DOOR!

Otherwise you have your box in BK harbor and you have to take care for transportation in Thailand.

You don t like that, or do? 

I was following advice of an acquaintance. She used Seven Seas, shipping from the UK to BKK. Then used a local firm to get it to the door. Much cheaper she said. I thought I'd do the same.

[richard_smith237]

Options to avoid getting shafted by customs: 

 

1) Looking at value of the same items here (if available) on sites like FaceBook market place.

2) Looking at sale value of the items in the UK - and thus: Sell in the UK and re-purchase here.

3) Hand-carrying the smallest / most valuable / lightest options where practical.

 

Ultimately, by the time you've shipped everything - it may just turn out more cost effective to sell in the UK and re-purchase here.

 

 

[cjinchiangrai]

3 minutes ago, Tunesmith said:

Thanks. That's good to know. I don't use the amps much, but I'd miss my 1960s Vox AC10... sacrifices, sacrifices. 🧐

I get it but no way is an old tube amp dual voltage. A transformer might work if it is OK with 50hz.

[Tunesmith]

On 6/22/2025 at 10:21 PM, jacnl2000 said:

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/thailand-sign-agreement-with-european-free-trade-association-next-week-pm-says-2025-01-13/

 

There’s currently no trade deal between the UK and Thailand, so once your guitar lands, you’ll also need to pay around 17% in taxes (that’s 10% import duty + 7% VAT) based on its value—before you can get your hands on it and play.

 

Yes, that is a concern. Thanks for the link. Does that mean someone with dual citizenship, say UK and Ireland, could get an O visa on the Irish passport and then get the FTA benefits or would they have to live in Ireland? Asking for a friend 😉

[Tunesmith]

5 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Options to avoid getting shafted by customs: 

 

1) Looking at value of the same items here (if available) on sites like FaceBook market place.

2) Looking at sale value of the items in the UK - and thus: Sell in the UK and re-purchase here.

3) Hand-carrying the smallest / most valuable / lightest options where practical.

 

Ultimately, by the time you've shipped everything - it may just turn out more cost effective to sell in the UK and re-purchase here.

 

 

This all makes perfect sense. However, I have a custom made dual rack-cum-workstation with 96-way patch bay – the gear is all hardwired. The rack can also be unscrewed to a flat-pack of sorts. Would be shame to let all that studio wiring goodness go to waste. From the wisdom on here, I feel it's fast becoming a bit of an albatross now, alas.

[Tunesmith]

10 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

I get it but no way is an old tube amp dual voltage. A transformer might work if it is OK with 50hz.

It was made for the UK market, so it's very happy with 220-240VAC @ 50Hz.

[Tunesmith]

On 6/23/2025 at 12:48 AM, frank83628 said:

When moving to Thailand you have a 6 month window to move your personal affects, without incurring duty costs. 

 

I forget the name of the site but you will find it under Google search 'import charges Thailand'

I think I read somewhere that if you kept the insurance valuations for used items below 20,000THB (450GBP, 610USD) that they didn't attract attention. That might be ancient history now though.

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, Tunesmith said:

I feel it's fast becoming a bit of an albatross now, alas.

Just one person's opinion... 

I can't get my head around your overall plan. 

You state moving to Hua Hin.. 

What type of place do you plan to live in. 

No way I would be happy with you as a neighbor along with the amps etc. 

 

From your OP (only a guess) but seems you don't have extensive experience with Thailand. 

 

I'm with @richard_smith237 post. 

Bring as little as possible. 

Most likely just instruments. 

Look into excess accompanied flight baggage. 

 

[Tunesmith]

2 hours ago, Sparkling said:

Hi, if the non O is based on marriage your wife may import, only if she has stayed in UK long enough (i think it s two years but better check) and relocates. She can reduce the duty then. In any case i recommend to ask the shipping company for their ususal and best way to handle it. they do it all the time and know the options.

There will be duty.

 

Ask the World Wide Seaven Seas for that.

I can recommend https://www.thailand-transport.de/en/

 

When I phoned Seven Seas they were very opaque on tariffs. Maybe it's a movable feast or the agents have been instructed not to give details so they are not quoted if you get landed with a hefty bill from customs when your stuff arrives in port.

[Tunesmith]

4 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Just one person's opinion... 

I can't get my head around your overall plan. 

You state moving to Hua Hin.. 

What type of place do you plan to live in. 

No way I would be happy with you as a neighbor along with the amps etc. 

 

From your OP (only a guess) but seems you don't have extensive experience with Thailand. 

 

I'm with @richard_smith237 post. 

Bring as little as possible. 

Most likely just instruments. 

Look into excess accompanied flight baggage. 

 

OK, I don't use the amps much at all but they are part of my collection. Nice to have, but not essential. I do mostly recording and a lot of that with headphones. I'm more into composition than thumping out tunes to upset anyone. I'm also a writer, so I'm pretty quiet a lot of the time. Probably family TV, gaming neighbour kids and local wildlife will make more noise than I ever will. I have a property agent and have personally visited about 25 places with her during my lengthy visits to Hua Hin. A 2-bed townhouse seems a likely pick.

[DrJack54]

16 minutes ago, Tunesmith said:

OK, I don't use the amps much at all but they are part of my collection. Nice to have, but not essential.

Look extensively into the meaning of the word "Cull"

[jacnl2000]

2 hours ago, Tunesmith said:

Yes, that is a concern. Thanks for the link. Does that mean someone with dual citizenship, say UK and Ireland, could get an O visa on the Irish passport and then get the FTA benefits or would they have to live in Ireland? Asking for a friend 😉

 

Documentation proving the country of manufacture of a guitar is the key that unlocks any FTA benefits. So, when your Irish friend plays on a Japan-made Fender and provides the proper proof of origin, he’ll only have to pay 7% VAT — no import duty applies.

However, if he plays on a USA-made Fender, he’ll face an additional 10% import duty, regardless of his passport — and even after the EU–Thailand FTA is signed (expected by the end of 2025), because the FTA only applies to EU-origin goods, not U.S.-made instruments.

 

[Celsius]

Good luck with humidity and your instruments. Waste of effort and money. And you will get taxed. 

[jimmybcool]

2 hours ago, Tunesmith said:

Thanks. That's good to know. I don't use the amps much, but I'd miss my 1960s Vox AC10... sacrifices, sacrifices. 🧐

 

Could get a transformer if you are only using the amp in your home.  I know I'd hate to give up my Mesa Boogie Mark IV.