DHL service - how long from UK to Thailand?

[billybatson]

Just looking at my options for sending my folder of supporting documents (for visa application) to my GF in Thailand. I found some DHL sevice points near me so that's maybe the easiest, but looking on their website I can't find any info about how long it takes. Is there a guaranteed minimum delivery time? How many days ? And is it working days only?

[ocean268]

I just had a box mailed using DHL. Sarasota, Florida to CHA-AM. FRIDAY at 2pm picked up by DHL and delivered by DHL TUESDAY (today) at 10am. They're very fast. Good Luck!

from my iPad in Cha-Am

[billybatson]

I see the receiver has to pay duty/tax as well. Any idea how much it is? (I don't know the weight of my package, but it's just a folder of A4 size paper documents)

[ocean268]

I'm not sure about fees for sending papers. I think you only have to pay import custom fees for clothing, etc. You might send them an email. Good Luck!

http://www.dhl.co.th/en/contact_center/contact_express.html

from my iPad in Cha-Am

[NanLaew]

DHL will collect from your home or office in the UK. But you need to know the weight and dimensions as it's pre-pay online and print the declaration and shipping label. Don't seal it, wait for their driver to come collect, he does a visual inspection, then seals and affixes the labels and away it goes. You can track it online if you are bored. Usually goes via East Midlands, Leipzig and Hong Kong.

Can cost from £70 to £80 quid. Yes, NOT cheap!

My experience from UK to Pattaya is around 3 days, 4 days tops; collection on Monday is usually available for collection afternoon on Wednesday. I always opt to collect from their office to avoid a missed delivery because nobody's at the house.

The key would be where in Thailand the OP's girlfriend is. Bangkok would be same as Pattaya with probably morning delivery. Up-country will add one day to locations near provincial hubs. If she's totally in the boonies, could be +2 or 3 days as it may have to get punted to Thailand Post for the last leg (which exposes it to possibly being buggered about with).

These quotes are ALL working days (not weekends). Although you have the option to have something delivered on Saturday, it depends if the receiving station does Saturday deliveries.

Mark the package content as 'Documents: no commercial value' so you (or the girlfriend) don't worry about import duties. Do NOT include anything else as they may and will charge duties. A Uk Client once decided to chuck in a couple of their giveaway desk calendars to 'make up the weight' on a light shipment and I was stung for about 800 baht at this end as Thai Customs (not DHL) classed the calendars as merchandise.

[billybatson]

Thanks for all the info. The package is A4 size (folder of paper documents) and weighs less than 500g. I'll mark as documents with No Commercial Value. But I'll take it to a DHL service point rather than get them to collect. BTW £70 or £80 sounds very expensive. I saw a chart on the wall at a DHL service point and it mentioned £36 and £50 fees. Guess I'll find out soon enough.

[baneko]

Picked up in my village 3000 and 3 days.

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