Shipping a new laptop to Thailand vs. buying one there.

[SS1]

Hi All,

I'm going to Chiang Mai for 3 months in a week and wondering how I should go on about buying a new laptop, since my current one is dying..

I originally wanted to buy a laptop from PC Specialist (https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/) who build high spec laptops/desktops and offer pretty good value. Unfortunately however, I don't have enough time to order one from there, so I'll have to think of something else. I had the following options in mind:

1. Have the laptop shipped to my parents address first, have them open it and make it "used" and then send it to me insured by a courier. Do you think there would be any issues?

2. Look for a shop with a similar service in Chiang Mai, but there will be the problem that once I'm gone back a warranty won't be much of use if I'm not in Thailand anymore.. Does anyone know any similar type places that build high spec laptops for you?

Thanks,

[NeverSure]

I do know that within about the last 6 months another member here and I both bought new laptops from Walmart in the US. He got his to look used and brought it back on his return flight. Both of ours are good and well known brands and came with a legitimate copy of Windows installed.

I think we both paid about US$395 (12,000 bht.) Mine is a Toshiba Satellite with Windows 8 Pro + free upgrade to 8.1, I forget the CPU atm, and it came with 6 gigs of ram. It has been very good and plenty fast. That would give you your warranty when you return home.

If I subtract from the purchase price the amount that a legitimate copy of Win 8.1 Pro would cost if purchased separately, the laptop was darned cheap.

[NeverSure]

PS You can go online, surf to the Walmart store closest to your parents, find a laptop you want and perhaps even on sale, and your parents could drive a short distance and buy it in the store. No need to wait for shipping to your parents.

[muratremix]

You'll buy from UK at inflated price and VAT then send to here in order to pay high custom fees and fedex/dhl shipping price for what? An English keyboard?

Thai keyboard has all english letters for you and VAT here is only 7% so buying a laptop from Thailand is the most logical action.

Just compare prices and you'll see what I mean.

[Pib]

Yea...although computer prices in Thailand are higher than most western countries when shipping costs and the high possibility of being hit with 30% customs tax plus another 7% VAT tax regardless of the customs slip being annotated as used or new, I think I would buy in Thailand. Plus the warranty may be country-specific. Now if you can get someone to hand carry over the computer that changes the equation.

Sent from my Samsung S4

[chris2004]

Buy it here, if you shop around prices are fairly similar to the UK.

[Digitalbanana]

I always order high spec laptops that are not on sale in Thailand and ship them here with a shipping agent. Fedex charges 7% on the declared cost. Usually arrives 5 days later from ordering.

[Pib]

I always order high spec laptops that are not on sale in Thailand and ship them here with a shipping agent. Fedex charges 7% on the declared cost. Usually arrives 5 days later from ordering.

Maybe you paying the customs in advance like described at this article? Link.

Hard to believe FedEx is just letting the new laptops pass customs-free and only collecting the Thailand 7% VAT unless the customs was paid during computer checkout/payment/order. DHL, FedEX, UPS, etc., are good at getting things through customs fast usually because they are doing all the customs paperwork/collection of customs which makes the govt very happy.

Edited June 25, 2014 by Pib

[JSixpack]

Search the forum. Could be mistaken, but seems I read that laptops don't attract Customs duty.

[Pib]

Search the forum. Could be mistaken, but seems I read that laptops don't attract Customs duty.

Not the posts I remember reading where people were complaining about the customs hit on their computers. However, when you look at the Thai Customs tariff data base they show a statutory 40% rate, a 20% rate, and some Exempted categories. Which one and when it would apply is beyond my interest at this point. A person can go to the Thai Customs Tariffs Database at this Link and search for the rate...I used "notebook" in the search function to find the laptop/notebook customs related info.

Edited June 25, 2014 by Pib

[dinger]

As one of the above post mentions: computers in the U S come pre loaded with Windows (please don't start an argument as to which o/s is better0 and included in the purchase price. To get windows loaded here some kid takes the computer in the back and loads a hacked version, so up to you if you want a legitimate copy of windows or not. Not advising on how to purchase simply stating my own observations

[rambling]

I always order high spec laptops that are not on sale in Thailand and ship them here with a shipping agent. Fedex charges 7% on the declared cost. Usually arrives 5 days later from ordering.

Hi, I'm also considering doing this since high end laptops are hard to find here. Can you tell me where you ordered yours from?

[juehoe]

I strongly recommend to buy in Thailand. It is easier and cheaper at the end.

[garyinhuahin]

Legit Window 8.1 will add 3000 baht to your cost. I've found Dell to have excellent support and they don't seem to care where you bought it.

[StrandedBusinessPerson]

Legit Window 8.1 will add 3000 baht to your cost. I've found Dell to have excellent support and they don't seem to care where you bought it.

That's what I remember... the last time I bought a laptop at "Prawn Tip Plaza", I had the choice - hacked or not. Of course I went legit and the kid would have even installed it for me if I let him, which I did not. best of luck to the OP.

[TechnikaIII]

Pantip Plaza in Bangkok - huge IT shopping mall with more and better deals than you will find anywhere. It's where I shop for anything to do with computers. .. repairs, programs , the lot.

[leoedgar]

Bye a Dell here in Thailand, it will give you world wide support. I bought one 2 years ago, only problem is the keyboard, but on the net I found a supplier who could deliver a Danish keyboard for peanuts.

[Digitalbanana]

I always order high spec laptops that are not on sale in Thailand and ship them here with a shipping agent. Fedex charges 7% on the declared cost. Usually arrives 5 days later from ordering.

Hi, I'm also considering doing this since high end laptops are hard to find here. Can you tell me where you ordered yours from?

I have used Amazon (US) and Shipito, all mentioned on this forum in the past. Only cost effective for more expensive laptops. The o/p mentioned an interest high end laptops.

[Traveling Sailor]

I just received a new HP Pavilion from America. I worked with a friend of mine in California. He purchased it, tested it, installed some software and shipped it to me Priority Mail. I got it 10 days later, paid some duty (under 1,000 baht), and am now a happy camper.

All the best to you.

Edit: I have heard that Apple computers are not acceptable to hacking the way Windows machines are. Just saying.

Edited June 25, 2014 by Traveling Sailor

[Frank James]

I think you will do well to buy it here. All of the major brands are readily available, priced equivalent to the West, and many come preloaded with legitimate Windows 8, backed up by the 'official sticker'. You will find shops here in Chiang Mai that can set up your computer any way you want it, for a very reasonable price.

[LloydD]

Bear in mind when you import a laptop, the x-ray machines cannot see what is in the package properly. Like when you have to take your laptop out of your bag when you go through airport security. Customs are more likely to open a package containing a laptop than an average parcel for this reason. I don't work in Thai customs but it's possible that they will almost always do so.

Which means, almost certainly 30% import tax. Unless you can try and make it look used or take the screen or keyboard off and try and get it through as spares, but you're still leaving yourself open to the discretion of a customs officer.

Unless the potential saving buying abroad compared to in Thailand is significant, or the particular model is very high-end/expensive, it's not worth the hassle.

I like Pantip Plaza.

[Estrada]

Many of the laptops are made here or in this region. 90% of the hard drives are also made in Thailand. If you buy a PC here check that the Manufacturer has a worldwide warranty so that you don't have problems when under warranty. Quite often there is a 3 year warranty on better makes. You can get a VAT refund at the airport, so buy in a shop such as I.T. City who give you all the forms you need to get your refund. You need to get to the airport 2.5 hours ahead of the flight so that you have time to get checked in and then obtain the refund at the Customs VAT refund desk. You will not get charged for laptops at your customs unless you specifically declare it as a brand new purchase, if you are carrying it like thousands of other people in a laptop shoulder bag. So ditch the box but keep the guarantee and booklets.

Edited June 25, 2014 by Estrada

[Jeffrey346]

There is no duty on computer products

http://www.dutycalculator.com/hs-lookup/174883/hs-tariff-code-for-computers/

[LloydD]

There is no duty on computer products

http://www.dutycalculator.com/hs-lookup/174883/hs-tariff-code-for-computers/

Why is that?

I paid it on mine. But I had other things in the parcel too.

[Jeffrey346]

I have been ordering computer products from the States for years and never paid any import duty fees. You do pay VAT.

You most likely paid on the additional items you had shipped.

You can check any product with the link I provided above.

[dumbo3200]

I guess I was lucky. I bought a new dell i5 touchscreen with w8.1 into the country the other day. In my backpack. Claimed GST refund at Sydney before leaving and no checking at customs.

[louse1953]

Yea...although computer prices in Thailand are higher than most western countries when shipping costs and the high possibility of being hit with 30% customs tax plus another 7% VAT tax regardless of the customs slip being annotated as used or new, I think I would buy in Thailand. Plus the warranty may be country-specific. Now if you can get someone to hand carry over the computer that changes the equation.

Sent from my Samsung S4

Plus get the VAT back when you leave.

[Pib]

Yea...although computer prices in Thailand are higher than most western countries when shipping costs and the high possibility of being hit with 30% customs tax plus another 7% VAT tax regardless of the customs slip being annotated as used or new, I think I would buy in Thailand. Plus the warranty may be country-specific. Now if you can get someone to hand carry over the computer that changes the equation.

Sent from my Samsung S4

Plus get the VAT back when you leave.

Well, the Thailand VAT refund only applies if leaving Thailand within 60 days of buying the item within Thailand which usually applies to tourists on short visits....and of course with the associated VAT refund paperwork provided by the merchant.

[ironbark]

I have bought a couple of computers in Aust and here in Thailand over the years.. There really is now difference in quality or performance, except the keyboard will have both Thai and english alpphabet printed on them.

Thailand tends to be about 15% cheaper I think mostly because of retail markups. (higher wages in Oz). The only reason I bought in Oz was because I thought warranties and guarantees were stronger. But I have never had to make a claim, so I go for the convenience of buying local.

If you take it out of the country wiyhin 30 days you can get sales tax refund too.

[Jeroen]

I bought a Lenovo 11S and a Yoga Pro 2, both in Fortune Town Bangkok. Much cheaper than in the Netherlands. For both computers I got the Vat returned when leaving the country (on different occasions).

I had one issue with Wifi and I delivered my computer for repair in Ubon and could pick it up in Phuket. Very good experience overall.