I bought my laptop in Thailand about six months ago. In March I plan on going back to the UK. I will take my laptop in hand luggage. Does anybody know if I have to declare anything when I arrive at customs in the UK? And is there anything I should know about using a computer from Thailand while abroad.

Hello Sunshine,

Don't take it as law, but I have never declared my laptop anywhere I have been, and I do travel a fair bit. Although, everytime I go back to Australia they swab my laptop and test for drug residue, but that is a different story.

As far as using your Thai laptop overseas, the only things I can think of is make sure you have an international warranty, and that your language settings are set for english

But I am not a customs official, computer specialist or a drug taker, just a traveller with a laptop I bought in thailand. This is my opinion.

Done the journey at least thirty times with laptop, never any problem, hereor BKK.

Recently returned to UK three weeks ago, with my company laptop, AND brand new laptop with Thai keyboard bought for daughter to use here in UK.

Absolutely no problem.

In fact, there wasn't even a customs officer on duty at Bristol when we arrived via Amsterdam.

And by buying from a shop in Panthip who took care with their paperwork, even got the 7% VAT back from Thai Customs on departure BKK travelling on UK passport. And a worldwide warranty to boot.

Have not made the trip to the UK.. but I carry two sometimes three laptops with me and even then I have never had an issue.

Just don't bring the box.. When I go to hong kong to buy stuff. who is to say that I bought it outside of the US.

1 Laptop for own use is absolutely acceptable and even customs officers in places like China or Vietnam kow you need one.

Buying in Thailand and getting VAT-refund, yes, but you must be here as a tourist.

Having no problems with a new lap top (or more) in your luggage. Sure, as long as nobody asks you to open the bag. The customs rules incl. UK, EU and US are a different story. You can bring back items bought abroad up to a certain value. The rest must be declared.

When I go to hong kong to buy stuff. who is to say that I bought it outside of the US.

Customs offices around the world are regularly supplied by electronic-makers of production identification. So they can trace e.g. Laptop No 1-5000 of model so and so by maker xx have been shipped to Hong Kong for retail.

Wether or not they bother is a different story, but yes, take it out of the factory-box.