Avoiding Getting Ripped Off By Undertakers During Repatriation Of Remains

[Larry]

No one likes to talk about death, but I am facing my father's imminent demise. He wanted to be buried abroad, and I was quoted a transport cost of 4000 USD for "transport costs" and a couple of forms. Anyone have any experience with this and how to avoid this kind of thing.

[lopburi3]

It might be helpful to specify where now and where abroad you are talking about. Guess would be Northern Thailand to USA? (based on this being Thailand and price in USD - but it could be anywhere). Suspect Embassy can supply a list of such services (although not recommend) as they would often have to arrange such for families.

[Sheryl]

I know it is very very expensive, in fact I am surprised the quote was that low. In addition to the formalities at this end and the transport charge you may have to consider formalities and charges at the3 receiving end, and that is just to get through customs. then the cost of the burial itself in whatever country it is, is a whole other matter. In th US this will in itself be at least 4-5,000 even if you select the least expensive coffin and headstone, and that's just burial, tack onto it for any sort of service.

I don't think there is any less expensive way around it. unless you can sell him on the idea of a cremation here and scattering the ashes there. (even then technically speaking the airlines have rules and charges for transporting ashes but has to be cheaper than a body).