I work at a school and my parents will be visiting from the U.S. and bringing in boxes with about 200 to 300 donated library books and textbooks, some used, but many are new. They don't have any receipts for them.

Has anyone had any experience bringing in donated items through customs?

Would it help to have my parents print out a large label in Thai describing the box contents as "donated books"? Or would that make matters more difficult?

My parents are in their 70's and I want them to come through arrivals with as little grief as possible. I've heard of so-called "VIP Arrivals Services" that meet travelers at the gates and escort them through, but can't seem to find any phone numbers.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

<br />I work at a school and my parents will be visiting from the U.S. and bringing in boxes with about 200 to 300 donated library books and textbooks, some used, but many are new. They don't have any receipts for them.<br /><br />Has anyone had any experience bringing in donated items through customs?<br /><br />Would it help to have my parents print out a large label in Thai describing the box contents as "donated books"? Or would that make matters more difficult?<br /><br />My parents are in their 70's and I want them to come through arrivals with as little grief as possible. I've heard of so-called "VIP Arrivals Services" that meet travelers at the gates and escort them through, but can't seem to find any phone numbers.<br /><br />Thanks for any help you can offer.<br />

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This being Thailand you can expect to have to pay duties on them. Help is not welcome, your money is.

if you have already decided who is going to receive the books then ask them to write a letter in Thai explaining the situation. For example if it's a local school an explanatory letter of headed school paper might do the trick. Just an idea...

I thought books were one of the imports that are exempt from duty.

i.e. I've never had to pay duty on books delivered here by Amazon.

I have often taken 20kg boxes of books through without issue. Just mention they are for country schools if asked.

Sometimes the airlines have donated the transport for them.

Flamers: yes, I have had free freight with some airlines and no, I don't care what you think.

When i moved to thailand (last april) about 80% of what I brought into the country was books. I didn't get hit for import duty of them; in fact the only thing on the manifest they did me fore was used cloths!!!!! I don't think money countries tax books.

In the arrivals area they will see porters available to help with bags. Have the porter put the boxes or bags on his cart and FOLLOW them thru customs. It is highly unlikely that customs will bother them, especially at their age. If they do question them just give them the name of where the books will be going. That should do it.