Mailing Personal Laptops From Bkk To Abroad

[laceyjane]

Hey all.

We're moving back to America soon but want to do some traveling first. Thus, I want to ship most of our stuff home (which isn't much...a small amount of clothes, books, and computers) so we can travel lightly. I'm concerned, however, about our two laptops. I've read many similar threads but none addressing my specific concerns.

First of all: Do you think they'll be safe if shipped UPS? If yes, any recommendations? I presume I should let UPS pack them themselves and take out the insurance. Is there a better company than UPS to use?

Next: Are we going to be subjected to any kind of export tax? If so, is there a way to get around it while still shipping them out of the country? I've heard terrible things about electronics be dismantled by customs when coming into Thailand...anything like that happen for stuff going out?

Finally: If you were in my position, how would you handle it?

It is possible for us to carry them around with us while we travel (we did that last time) but it will be a big hassle and a constant worry that they will be stolen.

Thanks a million in advance for any helpful information!

[Maizefarmer]

Send it with DHL/UPS/FEDEX or similar, not by normal post (no brainer) - and have it insured, it will be fine.

As for customs - so long as its not new and its personal property - no duties, but make sure you haven't got porn on it - or any sensitive personal/business info on it as customs normally have the right to go through everything, and without a warrant of any sorts - well, thats the case with UK and USA customs.

[473geo]

Contact Information

Why not ask here

UPS Parcel Delivery Service Ltd.

Head Office

16/1 Soi Sukhumvit 44/1

Sukhumvit Road, Prakhanong, Klongtoey

Bangkok 10110

Thailand

Tel.: 66 2728 9000

Fax: 66 2712 1818

Were the laptops purchased in the USA? - if not you may wish to check they do not incur tax on entry - the correct paperwork on this is essential

edit: to add last line

Edited July 29, 2009 by 473geo

[robertsonmartin]

I agree that Fedex / UPS / DHL will be fine but make sure you declare a low value and mark something like personal property / not new on the paperwork. The power adapters etc could be shipped with your normal belongings to keep weight down and reduce costs.

I once shipped some dive equipment home via UPS (old well used stuff) for a friend but they still tried to sting him for import duty back in the UK. I think he managed to persuade them otherwise but it can be tricky. Even with used equipment.

Did you buy the laptop from your original country and do you have the original invoice to prove where you bought it? If you so then duty shouldn't even be an issue.

I'd also be inclined to remove the hard-drives and take them with you. They are only tiny things and if anything did happen to the shipment then you'd still have all your files. (Or full backup to a portable drive).

Edited July 29, 2009 by robertsonmartin

[Ta22]

if it a latop i suggest hand carry .

mailing it with UPS value box would be a good choice also ,

there do allow as much as 28- 29 KG . as long as it fix the BOx size gaven ..

---

i had send 29 kg - using the 20kg or is it 25 kg value box .

still get the same rate ..

good luck

[laceyjane]

Send it with DHL/UPS/FEDEX or similar, not by normal post (no brainer) - and have it insured, it will be fine.

As for customs - so long as its not new and its personal property - no duties, but make sure you haven't got porn on it - or any sensitive personal/business info on it as customs normally have the right to go through everything, and without a warrant of any sorts - well, thats the case with UK and USA customs.

Thanks for the reassurance on sending it and the info about duties.

To your last point: Holy sh**! They can pull out my computer and turn it on if they want? What do they do when they hit the BIOS password? Will they go so far as to hack into my stuff?! Crazy!

Thanks 473geo and robertsonmartin for your help as well.

I have a portable backup drive that I will carry with us while we travel so i'm not worried about losing information. Though I really don't like the idea of being snooped on. Separating the power adapters is a good idea. I don't have the original invoices because both machines are a few years old (bought in america).

Do you think I should pay to have the laptops arrive in the states as quickly as possible? I would imagine that the longer they spend in the system, the more likely they are to get banged around or am I being too worried at this point?

[robertsonmartin]

Doesn't really matter if express or normal. Normal would be about 7-10 days max if not before.