Customs duty on personal items - airport - retirement visa

[TerraplaneGuy]

Hi all,

I'm a Canadian citizen, Thai resident on a retirement visa. Been out of Thailand for a few months and want to bring some items back with me from Canada on the flight to Thailand, including new items and some used items I've owned a long time (e.g. guitar). Does anyone know or have a link to info on how much duty is payable on arrival at Suvarnabhumi? I'm hoping that my pre-owned items are exempt (if so, is documentation of ownership required or is it enough that the goods are obviously used?). Any experience re how strict the system is?

Thanks!

TG

[Ricardo]

IME it helps to remove any packaging from the new items, and to mix them in with the obviously-second-hand stuff.

[craigt3365]

I've brought all sorts of stuff over during the past few years. And never had a problem. I stay within the limits for booze, and don't bring cigs. Those seem to be the biggies. As well as fresh food products.

I did have to take out my pre-amp one time, but they just wanted to make sure it was electronics. Not sure what they thought it was.

Last trip I came back with a brand new Martin D-18. I took off all the tags. Got through OK.

This is Thailand, so your experience may be different.

http://www.customs.go.th/wps/wcm/connect/custen/travellers/allowance+and+relief/allowancerelief

[TerraplaneGuy]

...

Last trip I came back with a brand new Martin D-18. I took off all the tags. Got through OK.

...

Craig, thanks. For the Martin, did you have to explain it at all (maybe relying on the THB 10,000 exemption?) or did you just go through the exit that says "Nothing to Declare" and nobody stopped you?

[craigt3365]

...

Last trip I came back with a brand new Martin D-18. I took off all the tags. Got through OK.

...

Craig, thanks. For the Martin, did you have to explain it at all (maybe relying on the THB 10,000 exemption?) or did you just go through the exit that says "Nothing to Declare" and nobody stopped you?

I almost always have to have to put my bags through the x-ray machines. One reason is probably the fact I have 6-8 bags! 555555 But I think they are primarily looking for cigs and booze. If you are over on that, the fines can be huge. And they catch people on a regular basis.

I know of quite a few who have come here with their instruments and no problems. But again, this is Thailand. You never know what's going to change in the future, or how things may go on a particular day.

[aarn]

Have been flying to-and-fro for 18 years, bringing in everything from folding bicycles to expresso coffee machines.

A coupla times was asked if the item was new, but everything on inspection was wearing real mud or 'pretend' mud (talcum powder).

Of course, most was well-used, nothing was in the original wrapper.

So put some old stickers and talc on that guitar, computer and electric shaver.

Walk through the 'Nothing to Declare' lane, quicker for all. AA

[TerraplaneGuy]

Thanks for the comments so far, very helpful! Does anybody know what the rate(s) of duty are for various items like electronics, musical instruments if you DO have to declare them? I see the THB 10,000 exemption on the Thai customs page but there's not much more information. So what is the % payable for non-exempt items? Also, does that exemption apply to reduce the duty payable on an item that is worth more than THB 10,000? For example, if an item is worth THB 25,000, do they charge you duty only on the excess THB 15,000 or do they consider that the whole item is outside the exemption and charge duty on the full THB 25,000?

Cheers,

TG

[craigt3365]

Thanks for the comments so far, very helpful! Does anybody know what the rate(s) of duty are for various items like electronics, musical instruments if you DO have to declare them? I see the THB 10,000 exemption on the Thai customs page but there's not much more information. So what is the % payable for non-exempt items? Also, does that exemption apply to reduce the duty payable on an item that is worth more than THB 10,000? For example, if an item is worth THB 25,000, do they charge you duty only on the excess THB 15,000 or do they consider that the whole item is outside the exemption and charge duty on the full THB 25,000?

Cheers,

TG

Can't answer your question, but I'd just make sure nothing is in original packaging. Make sure they look a bit used. Keep instructions separately. And you should be fine. You are allowed to bring in personal effects.

[cassde]

I would advise bringing the items with you and following the advice given here. I have just used DHL to bring personal items from the UK - a 20 kilo box containing items as old as 40 years - Customs opened the box and I had to pay 4710 baht duty and vat. I could have appealed but to save time and expense backwards and forwards I paid up!

[Vioner]

Hi,

Just to make sure - so I would pay only for NEW personal goods that I fly into Thailand with? Like new laptop etc? I'm about to fly in with a few months old hybrid tablet, 2 well used smartphones and a few months old reflex camera. Do I need to report them at customs? They're value exceeds 10000 THB roughly. I'm flying with my girlfriend.

Please reply.

[sean in udon]

Came through November 2013 with 2 like new laptops, 3 mobiles (2 in suitcase, 1 in my pocket, electric toothbrush, PC speakers and a 2 month old 3 tier steamer for veggies.

Had no problems/no questions asked in UK or Thailand.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Vioner]

Came through November 2013 with 2 like new laptops, 3 mobiles (2 in suitcase, 1 in my pocket, electric toothbrush, PC speakers and a 2 month old 3 tier steamer for veggies.

Had no problems/no questions asked in UK or Thailand.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

That's the answer I was looking for. Thank you!

[Commander Tamson]

If you do declare NEW items, the duty payable should only be the current GST rate (7% I think). That's why you can get GST/VAT rebates at the exit airport.

TiT however and if they can squeeze a few more baht out of you, they will.

[SirDrumsalot]

Has anyone here had any expereinces bringing new jewelry into Thailand? I'm bringing an engagement ring for my Canadian girlfriend living in Bangkok. I have all the documentation and receipts for it.

I don't want to pack it in my checked luggage and it doesn't seem worth the risk trying to get away without declaring it. The value definitely exceeds 10,000 baht, but not the 80,000 limit.

I was wondering if anyone can give me an idea of how much duty I'll have to pay on this. I've read it's up to 30% which would be a huge fee! But others say only 7%...

Any insight you can provide is much appreciated. Thanks!