Reliable Mail Service From Us To Thailand?

[WholeHearted]

I need a copy of some documents mailed to me from the US, to my home in Chiang Mai. It will be a thick, large envelope or a small package. The documents are very important to me but would be useless to anyone else. I can wait 2 to 3 weeks maximum to receive them. It will be a problem if they're lost (though not life-or-death).

What's the best and most cost-effective way for this parcel to be shipped to me? Is ordinary airmail likely to work okay? How much better (and more expensive) would it be to use DHL? Can EMS get involved in any way, and would that help?

[craigt3365]

I have a friend who used EMS recently. 2 boxes went missing, EMS tracked them but couldn't find them. Then she got an email from somebody in Madrid saying if she wanted her packages she would have to pay over $100 to cover the cost of the insurance...done via Western Union

If it's that important, DHL or FedEx.

[KED]

I definitely agree better to avoid the Thai postal service all together and use DHL or FEDEX. Over the last few years, I have had 5 items mailed to me of no value...only 2 reached me.

If the items sent to you have any importance....use DHL / FEDEX.

[Shot]

I use UPS every month to have my mail forwarded from the states, including important documents. I have never had a problem. I have it shipped from a UPS store, they are everywhere. Ask them to email you a tracking number and you can follow your package.

[bobdown1]

EMS have never failed me

[WholeHearted]

I definitely agree better to avoid the Thai postal service all together and use DHL or FEDEX. Over the last few years, I have had 5 items mailed to me of no value...only 2 reached me.

If the items sent to you have any importance....use DHL / FEDEX.

Thanks to all who responded.

Any ideas about cost? I've been working on getting a price quote for a 1-2 lb. package. FedEx and UPS are around $100 US. That's a lot. I'm still checking on DHL and the US Postal Service.

Since I'm not in a big hurry (two weeks is fine), I'm hoping to find a more economical shipment method.

[lomatopo]

Based on the hundred or so similar threads here over the years, and on the OP's stated requirements, I'd recommend USPS International Flat Rate (Legal or Small Box).

Obviously make a copy or two of the documents before sending.

This assumes the OPs name, address, location is relatively easy to find and/or the local Thai Post employees are familiar with the address in English.

http://ircalc.usps.gov/

[pmarlin]

EMS have never failed me

same here

[WholeHearted]

Based on the hundred or so similar threads here over the years, and on the OP's stated requirements, I'd recommend USPS International Flat Rate (Legal or Small Box).

http://ircalc.usps.gov/

Thanks! They are a whole lot cheaper, $29 to $45.

[WholeHearted]

EMS have never failed me

same here

I'm sorry, but I'm not familiar with how to use EMS. Can that be used from the USA?

[WholeHearted]

Based on the hundred or so similar threads here over the years, and on the OP's stated requirements, I'd recommend USPS International Flat Rate (Legal or Small Box).

http://ircalc.usps.gov/

Thanks! They are a whole lot cheaper, $29 to $45.

Here's how it turned out. The sender chose to use regular airmail at the US Post Office. The cost was $8.89. (Maybe the brown manila envelope was under 1 pound, total.)

I helped the process along by (1) emailing an address label with my name and address in English and Thai, for the sender to paste on the envelope, and (2) posting my name on my mailbox in English and Thai.

It arrived in 8 days with no problems. I was happy.

[hearditallbefore]

USPS registered mail is the way to go. NEVER EVER EVER EVER USE FED EX! THEY SUCK! THEY STEAL! THE CUSTOMS WILL CHARGE YOU "FREIGHT" PLUS DUTY PLUS VAT PLUS ZONE TAX

USPS with tracking is the best, safest way to go. ...ps, I just got ripped off by fed ex last week if you are wondering why I don't like them in Thailand.

'

'

[KimoMax]

TWICE within the last several years, I have not received mail that was sent using the US Postal Service.

Both times were non-activated Credit or Debt Cards sent discreatly from a relative in the US.

Altho the cards were never used, they never arrived and were unable to be traced both by Regular US International Post and by First Class International Post.

Such a hastel, better to use Fed X, DHL or similar method.

If it's important, Never Trust it to Thai Mail to get to you (this includes EMS).

Note: OP was lucky this time.

[hearditallbefore]

TWICE within the last several years, I have not received mail that was sent using the US Postal Service.

Both times were non-activated Credit or Debt Cards sent discreatly from a relative in the US.

Altho the cards were never used, they never arrived and were unable to be traced both by Regular US International Post and by First Class International Post.

Such a hastel, better to use Fed X, DHL or similar method.

If it's important, Never Trust it to Thai Mail to get to you (this includes EMS).

Note: OP was lucky this time.

Yeah, if you want it " sent discreatly" and don't want a "hastel" send it fed x.

USPS registered is the only way to go. You can lead a horse to water.........................................

[zzaa09]

I definitely agree better to avoid the Thai postal service all together and use DHL or FEDEX. Over the last few years, I have had 5 items mailed to me of no value...only 2 reached me.

If the items sent to you have any importance....use DHL / FEDEX.

The only drawback from those large courier/mail companies [DHL, UPS, FEDEX, etc] is that they are extraordinarily limited towards their delivery range - geographically. Great, if one is doing business in a higher populated [city] centre. Otherwise, you're SOL.

Government EMS post will usually suffice in those hard-to-find locales.

[qualtrough]

For my business my customers regularly send me patterns etc via US International Priority Mail. Been doing that for almost 10 years, can't recall ever having one go missing (knock on wood). Usually arrive within a week, and they have flat rate packages that are a good deal. Incoming UPS, FEDEX, DHL can often get hit up for duty or other charges, and I have found their service, particularly FEDEX, leaving much to be desired.