Receiving a mobile phone from China, with DHL

[geoffphuket]

Does anyone have any RECENT experience? I've read that sometimes there are import taxes to pay - sometimes not. The person I'm buying from is offering free postage with either DHL, or much slower standard air-mail - which will arrive import duty free. Obviously I'll go with DHL if I think it's worth the gamble.

[longball53098]

Just my own one time experience. Last week I ordered a Maige TV box from China. It arrived by DHL 3 days later with no customs fee. The shipping cost was included in the buy price. I have heard horror stories about DHL and customs. In my one case all was perfect. When the package arrived the way bill was written showing the price of the contents at 20 USD so maybe this influenced the customs fees.

[geoffphuket]

Just my own one time experience. Last week I ordered a Maige TV box from China. It arrived by DHL 3 days later with no customs fee. The shipping cost was included in the buy price. I have heard horror stories about DHL and customs. In my one case all was perfect. When the package arrived the way bill was written showing the price of the contents at 20 USD so maybe this influenced the customs fees.

Thanks for that. Nice there's at at least one decent person left on Thai Visa. I gave up with the forum long time ago because of the number of fowl mouthed idiots. The only other reply I've received is a fine example.

[geoffphuket]

Just my own one time experience. Last week I ordered a Maige TV box from China. It arrived by DHL 3 days later with no customs fee. The shipping cost was included in the buy price. I have heard horror stories about DHL and customs. In my one case all was perfect. When the package arrived the way bill was written showing the price of the contents at 20 USD so maybe this influenced the customs fees.

Thanks for that. Nice there's at at least one decent person left on Thai Visa. I gave up with the forum long time ago because of the number of fowl mouthed idiots. The only other reply I've received is a fine example.

Just to add, a moderator has since removed the offending comment - thank you

[TobiasML]

All shipments with DHL, UPS and FedEx are subject to duty and taxes. You are allowed to bring in staff with a value of up to THB1000 without duties and taxes payment (might have changed already). For a mobile phone expect to pay. Half a year ago I have shipped the new iPhone from Singapore with a value of only SGD 400 on invoice and documentation. Had to pay THB1700 for duties and taxes.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[impulse]

Caveat- GF bought a Samsung S3 from China (she lives there). It was a very convincing fake. Looked authentic, but worked poorly. She sent it back, sucked it up and paid the money for a real Samsung.

[h90]

Caveat- GF bought a Samsung S3 from China (she lives there). It was a very convincing fake. Looked authentic, but worked poorly. She sent it back, sucked it up and paid the money for a real Samsung.

These Samsung fakes are also everywhere in Thailand...some office staff have it...very cheap and surprisingly good....but far away from the original in quality and often they die fast...

[Sandman77]

On dream box with the right plugin I can receive over 3000 tv channels from all over the world!

Mostly Chinese boxes run for a while, after the Make good business the server disappear including your money!

Was not the first wonder box this happens!

[geoffphuket]

Caveat- GF bought a Samsung S3 from China (she lives there). It was a very convincing fake. Looked authentic, but worked poorly. She sent it back, sucked it up and paid the money for a real Samsung.

These Samsung fakes are also everywhere in Thailand...some office staff have it...very cheap and surprisingly good....but far away from the original in quality and often they die fast...

They're improving all the time. There are some really good Chinese phones available on the market right now - some of them exceeding the spec' of genuine Samsung originals. But that said, yo get what you pay for!

[dddave]

I recently purchased 2 decent quality Chinese (Xaiomi, THL) phones through AliExpress..one shipped free by China Post, one I paid a premium ($12) for DHL 5-7 day express. The DHL arrived at my apartment reception in 7 days...duty charged B340 (Phone cost $170)

Phone sent China post arrived in 26 days, dropped at reception desk, no duty. (Phone cost $120)

Edited September 15, 2014 by dddave

[vincent13]

I recently bought an android nexus tablet that was shipped from Hong Kong (I think by DHL). Had to pay 7% VAT upon delivery.