Receiving Valuables Via Post

[Super Hans]

I need a new credit card forwarding on from the UK. What are the odds of it arriving safely? The plan at the moment is to forward it to a hotel I'll be staying at on Koh San Rd, Bangkok in a few weeks' time (am in vietnam at present). I plan to contact the hotel in advance to make the reservation, and ask them to look out for mail for me. I'm on a budget, so it won't be an expensive hotel - more of a backpackers haunt, sadly.

Has anyone any experience of this sort of thing? What are the odds it'll go "missing" en route?

Cheers

[coventry]

Yes don't worry. Most Credit cards ask you to phone them to authentificate it's arrival before endorsing. No phone call no usage.

[britmaveric]

UPS/FEDEX - don't even think about sending it regular mail. (All user needs is the info card provides) It may get to you, but the card may be compromised before you even activate it.

[chickenslegs]

My recent experience.

It took 3 attempts before my wife's new ATM card arrived from Barclays UK in March this year. All together it took nearly 4 weeks and many phone calls.

A courier service was used each time, but on the first 2 occasions the package was returned "unable to deliver". I have no idea why - they have our correct address and there is someone here to receive post 24/7.

I am currently awaiting delivery of my new card and 'card reader' so that I can regain on-line access to my account. The first one was sent out in early April, the second late April and the third 7th May - nothing yet.

Add to this, that despite having an address in Thailand, and regularly phoning to tell them I am still here, the bank often 'freeze' the cards for security reasons (most embarrasing when trying to pay for the groceries with a long queue behind you at the check-out).

There, I've got it off my chest.

I wish you better luck Hans. (and suggest you have a back-up plan)

[Carib]

I need a new credit card forwarding on from the UK. What are the odds of it arriving safely? The plan at the moment is to forward it to a hotel I'll be staying at on Koh San Rd, Bangkok in a few weeks' time (am in vietnam at present). I plan to contact the hotel in advance to make the reservation, and ask them to look out for mail for me. I'm on a budget, so it won't be an expensive hotel - more of a backpackers haunt, sadly.

Has anyone any experience of this sort of thing? What are the odds it'll go "missing" en route?

Cheers

Hi Hans, sending something to a hotel you are not a guest in .......ask them to look out for mail for you...You would have to ask ALL staff. Things like that just donot seem to get the attention as you hope to expect.

Couldnot it be send with ups /dhl /whatever to their office, for you to pick up??

Donot know if these `packagehandlers` have this service.

Maybe someone else knows??

[JetsetBkk]

I recently received a letter and a parcel from the UK - one contained my bank's "Card Reader" device and the other contained the card itself. Both were sent by a Royal Mail service called "Priority Handling and Registered Delivery" - about 5 pounds each package.

[Tomkagai]

I need a new credit card forwarding on from the UK. What are the odds of it arriving safely? The plan at the moment is to forward it to a hotel I'll be staying at on Koh San Rd, Bangkok in a few weeks' time (am in vietnam at present). I plan to contact the hotel in advance to make the reservation, and ask them to look out for mail for me. I'm on a budget, so it won't be an expensive hotel - more of a backpackers haunt, sadly.

Has anyone any experience of this sort of thing? What are the odds it'll go "missing" en route?

Cheers

I have faith in the registered/courier mail system in Thailand, having received cards etc from Banks oversea etc many times...but the hole I see in your plan is where you intend to get it delievered to..."wont be an expensive hotel" etc...I would be worried about that part of the plan....Yes if you make arrangements with a reputable hotel you would get your mail, but wouldnt be so sure about a place on Koh San road...!!

Think you should come up with a plan "B"

[Lost in LOS]

I have mine forwarded from the US. it is put in the regular mail between two bits of cardboard so you cant tell it a card and marked "photos" and have never had a problem

[ZZZ]

Many of these backpacker places just put the mail in a box in the reception and anyone can take anything they like.

The best bet would be to check with your embassy if you could have it sent there. Also, don't send it in the original envelope, disguise it as jimmys suggest.

[naka]

My recent experience.

It took 3 attempts before my wife's new ATM card arrived from Barclays UK in March this year. All together it took nearly 4 weeks and many phone calls.

A courier service was used each time, but on the first 2 occasions the package was returned "unable to deliver". I have no idea why - they have our correct address and there is someone here to receive post 24/7.

I am currently awaiting delivery of my new card and 'card reader' so that I can regain on-line access to my account. The first one was sent out in early April, the second late April and the third 7th May - nothing yet.

Add to this, that despite having an address in Thailand, and regularly phoning to tell them I am still here, the bank often 'freeze' the cards for security reasons (most embarrasing when trying to pay for the groceries with a long queue behind you at the check-out).

There, I've got it off my chest.

I wish you better luck Hans. (and suggest you have a back-up plan)

Chickenslegs. I have received courier envelopes for a number of years (DHL) and have never

had one go missing (but I live in a large well known apartment with good staff who sign for it).

Perhaps your home address is difficult to find ?. It may be better to have the

package sent to you C/O the address of your nearest courier depot, and then they can call you to collect.

This may also be a better option for the OP. You would need to find a suitable local depot depending on the carrier used

and advise the bank of their address and tell them exactly how to address it (fax it) rather than let some 16 year old

bank mail clerk in the UK decide.

Just a thought, as Iv'e done this before.

Naka.

Edited May 23, 2008 by naka

[h90]

you can call the creditcardcompany and block the card till you call again.

[Super Hans]

It's actually a Nationwide Flex account debit card. I also need a card reader to enable me to transfer funds and use other online services. Isn' tmodern technology wonderful?

It's been a real pain in the arse so far, with NW providing very poor information and being generally uncooperative. The card and reader have been forwarded to my brother, who'll send them on to me. I actually had a replacement card sent through last year, when I lost my original, and it arrived with no problems. That was when I was in an apartment block I'd lived in for a while, which had good staff I knew well. It's the arriving at a hotel I'll only be at for a few days that worries me. Will have to think of something else I think.

[jayjayjayjay]

UPS/FEDEX - don't even think about sending it regular mail. (All user needs is the info card provides) It may get to you, but the card may be compromised before you even activate it.

agreed

[JetsetBkk]

It's actually a Nationwide Flex account debit card. I also need a card reader to enable me to transfer funds and use other online services. Isn' tmodern technology wonderful?

It's been a real pain in the arse so far, with NW providing very poor information and being generally uncooperative. The card and reader have been forwarded to my brother, who'll send them on to me. I actually had a replacement card sent through last year, when I lost my original, and it arrived with no problems. That was when I was in an apartment block I'd lived in for a while, which had good staff I knew well. It's the arriving at a hotel I'll only be at for a few days that worries me. Will have to think of something else I think.

Try searching for "Nationwide" on this forum.

[Eric1949]

My recent experience.

It took 3 attempts before my wife's new ATM card arrived from Barclays UK in March this year. All together it took nearly 4 weeks and many phone calls.

A courier service was used each time, but on the first 2 occasions the package was returned "unable to deliver". I have no idea why - they have our correct address and there is someone here to receive post 24/7.

I am currently awaiting delivery of my new card and 'card reader' so that I can regain on-line access to my account. The first one was sent out in early April, the second late April and the third 7th May - nothing yet.

Add to this, that despite having an address in Thailand, and regularly phoning to tell them I am still here, the bank often 'freeze' the cards for security reasons (most embarrasing when trying to pay for the groceries with a long queue behind you at the check-out).

There, I've got it off my chest.

I wish you better luck Hans. (and suggest you have a back-up plan)

Your lucky Barclays sent your card to Thailand.

They sent me my card reader and pin for a new card they were also sending......... waited a couple of weeks, no card. When I phoned them to ask about my card, they said they do not send to Thailand. I asked why they had sent the reader and pin, must have been a mistake they said. So I told them I was moving back to England , and gave them my son's address, he sent it on to me, suitable disguised.

[distortedlink]

Banks and credit card companies in the Uk will not post credit cards to Thailand.

If you get the card sent through a third party, the card companies will not be held responsible for any losses or theft.

On your head be it.

Edited May 25, 2008 by distortedlink

[Jingthing]

I have heard if you tell companies like Fedex that you are sending a credit card, they won't send it! True? So you even have to lie to Fedex?

[soisicknote]

UPS/FEDEX - don't even think about sending it regular mail. (All user needs is the info card provides) It may get to you, but the card may be compromised before you even activate it.

sorry dont agree, DHL is by far the most reliable 3 days and a little bit more expensive and the postal servise is good now EMS with tracking number

[kaz49]

UPS/FEDEX - don't even think about sending it regular mail. (All user needs is the info card provides) It may get to you, but the card may be compromised before you even activate it.

sorry dont agree, DHL is by far the most reliable 3 days and a little bit more expensive and the postal servise is good now EMS with tracking number

[kaz49]

UPS/FEDEX - don't even think about sending it regular mail. (All user needs is the info card provides) It may get to you, but the card may be compromised before you even activate it.

sorry dont agree, DHL is by far the most reliable 3 days and a little bit more expensive and the postal servise is good now EMS with tracking number

I have also had success with DHL used for documents to be signed from my bank at home, police clearance sent here etc. Had no problem with them, and its good to be able to track yourself where your mail actually is at any time. Yes, it costs a bit more but it is worth it. The bank wouldnt send direct to Thailand of course but I had my sister arrange to send it to the DHL Head Office, Express International (Thailand) Limited, 175 Sathorn City Tower, Floor 7/1 and 8/1 South Sathorn Road, Thaunhmahamek Satorn Bangkok. Telephone 66 2 345 5111. Had to sign, and produce ID, show receipt once documents arrived.

[sweetchariot]

Banks and credit card companies in the Uk will not post credit cards to Thailand.

If you get the card sent through a third party, the card companies will not be held responsible for any losses or theft.

On your head be it.

Really? Great piece of misinformation. I have had cards sent from Lloyds and Barclays, but have had to pay around £7 each time to use their preferred courier service.

Come to think of it Barclays were reluctant, I had to pull some strings as I was a fairly senior manager with them a few years ago, but Lloyds had no qualms about it at all.

[chickenslegs]

My recent experience.

It took 3 attempts before my wife's new ATM card arrived from Barclays UK in March this year. All together it took nearly 4 weeks and many phone calls.

A courier service was used each time, but on the first 2 occasions the package was returned "unable to deliver". I have no idea why - they have our correct address and there is someone here to receive post 24/7.

I am currently awaiting delivery of my new card and 'card reader' so that I can regain on-line access to my account. The first one was sent out in early April, the second late April and the third 7th May - nothing yet.

Add to this, that despite having an address in Thailand, and regularly phoning to tell them I am still here, the bank often 'freeze' the cards for security reasons (most embarrasing when trying to pay for the groceries with a long queue behind you at the check-out).

There, I've got it off my chest.

I wish you better luck Hans. (and suggest you have a back-up plan)

Chickenslegs. I have received courier envelopes for a number of years (DHL) and have never

had one go missing (but I live in a large well known apartment with good staff who sign for it).

Perhaps your home address is difficult to find ?. It may be better to have the

package sent to you C/O the address of your nearest courier depot, and then they can call you to collect.

This may also be a better option for the OP. You would need to find a suitable local depot depending on the carrier used

and advise the bank of their address and tell them exactly how to address it (fax it) rather than let some 16 year old

bank mail clerk in the UK decide.

Just a thought, as Iv'e done this before.

Naka.

Maybe it also depends on where you live.

My bank have my full address and I receive my bank statements regularly - none have got lost in the post in nearly 3 years, but cards are always a problem.

Just as an update - On Friday I visited my local post office (Ban Amphur) to ask if they could help.

After searching the computer records and finding nothing, the postmaster phoned our local postman. He was out on his route and the new bank card was in his bag.

I drove home and found that DHL had delivered my card reader during the 20 minutes I was away - coincidence or what!

[Ian_B]

When my mum tried to send my last credit card here she called up several courier services in the UK and all said they could not send credit cards via courier

In the end she had to hide the card by gluing the card between 2 pieces of paper as the courier had to see the document being put into the envelope!

[threelegcowboy]

1. Use a shipper and ship to shippers office for You to pick up. Fewer hands that it will pass through.

2. Use a shipper that will let you track over the internet. Its great to see the package route and progress made.

Once the package arrives at office then is the time to go pick it up.

Bangkok is the place to be. Not out in the rice paddys expecting a packge to be delivered in ENGLISH WRITING.

Good Luck

Edited May 26, 2008 by threelegcowboy

[waveydavey]

1. Use a shipper and ship to shippers office for You to pick up. Fewer hands that it will pass through.

2. Use a shipper that will let you track over the internet. Its great to see the package route and progress made.

Once the package arrives at office then is the time to go pick it up.

Bangkok is the place to be. Not out in the rice paddys expecting a packge to be delivered in ENGLISH WRITING.

Good Luck

Never had a problem getting mail addressed to me in English delivered up here in the rice paddy......

Mail from England usually takes 5 days. Had maybe a dozen items sent to me in 2 years and every one has made it ok. Had my last ATM card sent to me from England by my sister. She disguised it between 2 pieces of stiff card and sent it through the normal post.

As a precaution I made sure there was very little money in that account until the card arrived.

[jfk]

Banks and credit card companies in the Uk will not post credit cards to Thailand.

If you get the card sent through a third party, the card companies will not be held responsible for any losses or theft.

On your head be it.

they do send them,no problem. lost my mastercar,rang them up and they sent it straight out(cost the cccompant 15 pounds to send it) they didnt bill me. also organised emergency cash for me for pick up via western union.

[Tafia]

Banks and credit card companies in the Uk will not post credit cards to Thailand.

If you get the card sent through a third party, the card companies will not be held responsible for any losses or theft.

On your head be it.

they do send them,no problem. lost my mastercar,rang them up and they sent it straight out(cost the cccompant 15 pounds to send it) they didnt bill me. also organised emergency cash for me for pick up via western union.

I am moving over later in the year and Nationwide have assured me they WILL accept a Thai address for me and post statements cheque books and cards.

[threelegcowboy]

"Never had a problem getting mail addressed to me in English delivered up here in the rice paddy......"

Guess your lucky!

I can just picture the post delivery person getting an english labeled address in his stack of work. He cant read it. He then puts it in the "to do stack". At the end of his shift he stops off at the local bar and six beers later he could care less about that letter at the bottom of his bag.

[waveydavey]

"Never had a problem getting mail addressed to me in English delivered up here in the rice paddy......"

Guess your lucky!

I can just picture the post delivery person getting an english labeled address in his stack of work. He cant read it. He then puts it in the "to do stack". At the end of his shift he stops off at the local bar and six beers later he could care less about that letter at the bottom of his bag.

Maybe I'm ok because I'm the ONLY farang here. Whenever he gets a letter with strange writing on it he knows it must be for the fat farang who lives in the blue house near the Wat.....

[pattaya_girl]

I have never had any problems with my Bank cards being sent from the UK (signed for on arrival) but if you are living in apartments and not a house, it might be a good idea to have it delivered to a Mail box, then its guaranteed someone will be there to sign for it, and you will have the key for the box. Tell whoever is sending it, DO NOT just put stamps on the envelope, send it by registered or recorded mail where a signature is required - If your not at home to sign for it, it will be taken to the main Post Office awaiting your signature.