Transporting A Pc Onto A Aeroplane

[salamandingo]

Sorry - if this has been asked before, probably has!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be moving to Thailand in July and seriously thinking of taking my computer with me (Hard Drive / LCD screen).

What’s the procedure and if anyone has done it before - Any experiences? Will I have to declare it at customs and also will I have to mention it to my Airline beforehand?

Thank you in advance.

[OZEMADE]

I and my wife carry Laptop's on flights to and from Thailand and have used many different Airlines. Never had a problem.

In fact you can carry it on to an Aircraft along with your other carry on luggage as an addition at no extra cost.

Hope this helps.

[garyh]

You can do it but a few things to be aware of, baggage handlers do throw bags, anything like a cpu cooler or graphics card may get dislodged, I have had it happen. Coming through customs into Thailand you are required to declare it, but so long as it is secondhand they will not ask for any duty.

However unless there is something special about your computer you will find it far easier to get a laptop as mentioned already. You can carry that on to the plane and not be concerned about it being thrown also it is not counted as part of your baggage allowance.

[JurgenG]

Before boarding your flight when you pass the xray they usually ask you to take the computer out of your back, but that's it. (can someone please explain why ?).

When you arrive in Thailand, if it's not brand new in its original packaging, there is no problem. Definitively not as bad as Australia where they may check your computer, mobile phone, camera and all your memory sticks looking for porn ...

[BngkkB]

It sounds like you want to bring your Desk Top Computer with here when you move? Computers in Thailand are much more expensive then in the USA. If you moving here you will probably want all the extra room you can get in your suitcases. Depending on how much you use your PC and what for is the big question. Also if you will be returning home very often. If you do use your PC a lot and are planning on staying for a long time, I would get a new model Slim Case PC. HP makes one in a small case it even has a Voltage option button on the back 120V / 220V. Remember Thailand is 220 V. You may also want to get a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate installed before you come as that is the only way you will be able to type Thai. You can either get a English / Thai keyboard here, or get little stickers with Thai on them for you keyboard from places like MBK.

Be sure to pack it really well, with the original packing in your checked baggage and label the bag fragile. You can pick up new flat screen monitors here for not much money. You don't want to risk breaking that in your checked baggage and you will want the extra space.

Good luck.

[JurgenG]

Before boarding your flight when you pass the xray they usually ask you to take the computer out of your back, but that's it. (can someone please explain why ?).

'

Too late to edit, what I mean is " to take the computer out of your bag"

[travelmann]

Before boarding your flight when you pass the xray they usually ask you to take the computer out of your back, but that's it. (can someone please explain why ?).

When you arrive in Thailand, if it's not brand new in its original packaging, there is no problem. Definitively not as bad as Australia where they may check your computer, mobile phone, camera and all your memory sticks looking for porn ...

They want you to believe they can stop a bomber when in reality the bomber is more than likely already working at the airport and most likely ground crew/ baggage handler.

[IanForbes]

I would suggest buying a laptop. Bringing a full sized computer to Thailand is just not practical. However, I do know a guy who disassembled his main frame computer and brought the intregal parts to Thailand in his hand luggage, and then bought another case when he arrived. It takes some knowledge though. I wouldn't want to pack a flat screen though. It's just too much hassle for what it's worth.

[salamandingo]

Thank you for your replies - much appreciated.

I have took everything into account what was said.

It has put my mind at ease, I will decide nearer the time.

Thank you once again.

[bangkokcitylimits]

I plan to do the same next month from Thai to Europe with a 2 year old PC.

Will have a box made to size, box with Styrofoam inside, wrap the PC and monitor in bubble plastic, separated with Styrofoam and will make it easy to unpack and repack if needed. It's within the size limits of hand luggage.

Don't see any problems except that it's possible that the customs charge full VAT when entering the country of destination, no matter if it is an old one or not.

[Darrel]

Most of the volume of a desktop PC is empty space inside the case. Most of the weight is the power supply and the case.

I would remove the motherboard (leaving the memory, fan and processor attached) and the hard drive and the video card and just bring those. You can very cheaply buy a suitable case and power supply here (along with a cheap DVD drive) and if you arent up to fitting the bits back together then a local shop can do it for a small sum. You will not need to reinstall Windows.

[astral]

Strip it down to motherboard, memory and hard disk.

Leave everything else behind and buy your self a new case and power supply

when you arrive.

The bits can go in your checked luggage.

As stated screens are easy to replace and also need to be 220V!!!

I do know a guy who disassembled his main frame computer and brought the intregal parts to Thailand in his hand luggage

A fascinating thought.

I guess he means a desktop like yours.

However one of the F1 teams was carrying a gearbox in hand luggage for the GP last weekend.

[mallyrd]

I and my wife carry Laptop's on flights to and from Thailand and have used many different Airlines. Never had a problem.

In fact you can carry it on to an Aircraft along with your other carry on luggage as an addition at no extra cost.

Hope this helps.

I do believe the OP is talking about a desktop PC, bit difficult to carry on.

[electrozebra]

Whatever else you do regards the computer (and I'd also advise stripping it down) there are 2 things that spring to mind.

1) What size is the LCD screen? Many airlines would allow you to take a reasonable size LCD on as extra hand luggage. Make sure you pack it well so the screen itself is not damaged. After all, LCD screens are transported from manufacturer to shops all the time.

2) The Hard drive(s) do not bang them about. A hard knock can seriously damage a hard drive.

Apart from that I see no real problems. A power pack and a new tower will be cheap enough to buy here.

[whimsy]

You may also want to get a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate installed before you come as that is the only way you will be able to type Thai.

For the benefit of future readers of this topic I feel I should correct this. Any version of Windows 7, Vista or Windows XP can type in Thai just by enabling the software for a Thai keyboard. This is found under language options in the Control Panel. If you want the Windows menus, panels and help files to be in Thai, THEN you need Windows 7 or Windows Vista Ultimate or Enterprise editions in conjunction with a downloaded Thai language pack.

[tombkk]

Before boarding your flight when you pass the xray they usually ask you to take the computer out of your back, but that's it. (can someone please explain why ?).

'

Too late to edit, what I mean is " to take the computer out of your bag"

The official reason is that they are looking for "wires", as these could be indicators of bombs. If you take your laptop out of the case and leave the cables in, they can somehow see that these are computer cables and not wires.

IATA (or was it ICAO?) has already announced that they are in the process of approving "safe" laptop cases, so that in the future, it will not be necessary to take them out.

Some nonsense as with the water bottles. "New scanners" are in the process of being approved, so that in the near future (maybe within this year), you don't need to through your LAGs away anymore.

Edit: Well, at least not the non-hazardous liquids.

[tombkk]

When I moved to Thailand, I only took my HD with me. Unless your motherboard and monitor are fairly new, it's a good excuse for an upgrade anyway. Bringing the whole PC is transporting mostly air.

[raylo]

It sounds like you want to bring your Desk Top Computer with here when you move? Computers in Thailand are much more expensive then in the USA. If you moving here you will probably want all the extra room you can get in your suitcases. Depending on how much you use your PC and what for is the big question. Also if you will be returning home very often. If you do use your PC a lot and are planning on staying for a long time, I would get a new model Slim Case PC. HP makes one in a small case it even has a Voltage option button on the back 120V / 220V. Remember Thailand is 220 V. You may also want to get a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate installed before you come as that is the only way you will be able to type Thai. You can either get a English / Thai keyboard here, or get little stickers with Thai on them for you keyboard from places like MBK.

Be sure to pack it really well, with the original packing in your checked baggage and label the bag fragile. You can pick up new flat screen monitors here for not much money. You don't want to risk breaking that in your checked baggage and you will want the extra space.

Good luck.

As per a recent posting (2 weeks ago) where PC prices were checked against major western countries, the US in particular, by being diligent a custom PC built here was up to 30% cheaper. That means you have a local warranty as well. ALthough I have brought more than 1 PC with me when I have moved back I would still consider purchasing a locally assmebled unit.

If you are the sort that goes into a store and says I will take it without checking then that is your problem.

As to the OP: Assuming we are talking desktop as your description implies I never had an issue except where I brought the case as well and had it shipped as excess baggage. The PC ends up in the freight terminal and then you face a long wait and need local knowledge unless you hire a customs agent. There are plenty.

[raylo]

I would suggest buying a laptop. Bringing a full sized computer to Thailand is just not practical. However, I do know a guy who disassembled his main frame computer and brought the intregal parts to Thailand in his hand luggage, and then bought another case when he arrived. It takes some knowledge though. I wouldn't want to pack a flat screen though. It's just too much hassle for what it's worth.

Why buy a laptop when you need a desktop??

Why buy a desktop when you need a laptop??

Each has their uses and individual benefits / downside. You bring/buy what you need depending on the work intended for it. For 99% of people on TV a tin can and string.

[mike404045]

unless you got a beast of a rig i'd say dont bring your pc with you (even if you do have a beast, you wouldn't need to bring the whole thing with you)

building a rig in thailand is very very cheap, if your planning on staying here long term then id suggest just buying a new setup overhere.

obviously you know that theres a certain amount of weight for carry-on's and luggage, your pc would probably be too heavy as a carry-on and the way airlines treat baggage me personally i wouldn't risk it getting damaged or lost or whatever else....

but in the end its your choice

[dmax]

ive brought my lp many times without any problems, carry it in your hand luggage if it can fit. if it doesnt fit then hold luggage and make sure you put plenty of bubble wrap around it some of these baggage handlers can be complacent if if you have a fragile tag oon your bag.

[bkk_mike]

Before boarding your flight when you pass the xray they usually ask you to take the computer out of your back, but that's it. (can someone please explain why ?).

'

Too late to edit, what I mean is " to take the computer out of your bag"

The official reason is that they are looking for "wires", as these could be indicators of bombs. If you take your laptop out of the case and leave the cables in, they can somehow see that these are computer cables and not wires.

IATA (or was it ICAO?) has already announced that they are in the process of approving "safe" laptop cases, so that in the future, it will not be necessary to take them out.

Some nonsense as with the water bottles. "New scanners" are in the process of being approved, so that in the near future (maybe within this year), you don't need to through your LAGs away anymore.

Edit: Well, at least not the non-hazardous liquids.

Wires by themselves isn't what they're looking for.

They're looking for wires attached to something that could be an explosive.

The issue with laptops (and mobile phones) is that the batteries look a LOT like explosives on the scanner.

As for the OP, unless it's high end hardware, I'd be inclined to only take the hard drive, and I would only ever carry a hard drive in hand luggage.

Even if it's high end hardware, I'd take the hard drive out and would definitely think about only taking the graphics card or graphics card + motherboard unless you're REALLY fond of the case and multi-voltage power supply. I wouldn't even think of taking the screen.

[tombkk]

The official reason is that they are looking for "wires", as these could be indicators of bombs. If you take your laptop out of the case and leave the cables in, they can somehow see that these are computer cables and not wires.

IATA (or was it ICAO?) has already announced that they are in the process of approving "safe" laptop cases, so that in the future, it will not be necessary to take them out.

Some nonsense as with the water bottles. "New scanners" are in the process of being approved, so that in the near future (maybe within this year), you don't need to through your LAGs away anymore.

Edit: Well, at least not the non-hazardous liquids.

Wires by themselves isn't what they're looking for.

They're looking for wires attached to something that could be an explosive.

The issue with laptops (and mobile phones) is that the batteries look a LOT like explosives on the scanner.

That's not what the (supposedly educated on this matter) security officer in the US said to me. She was definitely referring to wires and not batteries.

This just shows to me that the whole "security screening" is a farce. They just do it to make us (the passengers) feel better, to prove that they "are doing something".

Without any reason, all they are doing is inconveniencing us.

[bobo42]

Done it twice now, Flying from LAX to BKK both times.

The first time I put an assembled in-case computer in one of my checked bags (which pretty much filled that bag), and removed the base from an LCD screen and put it in the near the middle of my other bag, surrounded by most of my clothes for padding. Both bags X-rayed departing LAX (as they all are), but neither bag xrayed or inspected coming into Thailand. I did not make any claims or anything for customs, I just figured I would tell them it was for my own use while I was here (which was true). Everything came out fine, but the case got dented pretty good in one spot by the end of it all - actually was pristine in BKK, but I flew up to Phitsanulok a few days later, where it must have taken a good bash somewhere along the way. Cards and CPU fan were knocked loose, but not detached, still working just fine to this day.

Second time had better results disassembled sans-case. Split between 2 checked bags, bubble-wrapped and padded with clothes. Both bags xrayed at LAX, at BKK they xrayed only one of my bags (no idea why only one) , it was the one with everything but the LCD in it. I happily hefted it onto the xray, and then walked around to collect it without so much as a raised eyebrow from the customs guy. Bought a case at pantip (nice to have the correct voltage by default on the power supply) and re-assembled. That's the computer I'm on now.

Maybe I was lucky, but no problems for me. I wouldn't recommend bringing more than one of anything though, hard to claim personal use for that.

[ETatBKK]

good advice ! before very powerful notebook available, I used to bring my workstation following :

- detach harddisk and hand-carry it

- detach graphic card or any other adaptor card, wrap them with towels or undershirts inside the box

- stuff the case with soft materials, no movement around motherboard

Thai custom usually ok. many years back I did hand-carry a 24-in LCD in a bag, they stopped me and asked nothing :-)

As for the OP, unless it's high end hardware, I'd be inclined to only take the hard drive, and I would only ever carry a hard drive in hand luggage.

Even if it's high end hardware, I'd take the hard drive out and would definitely think about only taking the graphics card or graphics card + motherboard unless you're REALLY fond of the case and multi-voltage power supply. I wouldn't even think of taking the screen.

[Seismic]

dump everything except your hard drives, you can put them in your pocket if you want but to be honest hard drives today with SMART monitoring can take a lot of abuse.

pop down to panthip plaza or .....several other places and say here is my hard drive with all my data, give me a case/psu/graphics card/monitor/keyboard/mouse with windows XXX (your choice)

stick in your HD and all your data is there.