Shipping Laptop To A Friend In Thailand

[Qiixi]

I want to buy a laptop here in USA and ship it to my Friend in Bangkok. I was wondering how the whole VAT/Duty determination occurs. Is there any way to pay the duty upfront to keep everything legal and everybody happy? I just want the thing to get to her, paid for and safe. Does the shipper do that (DHL, FEDEX, ETC.) I know I have an option to buy it with plastic at a store in Bangkok, but If I do that I cant set up the antivirus, etc. for her. Any advice? Thanks!

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

I want to buy a laptop here in USA and ship it to my Friend in Bangkok. I was wondering how the whole VAT/Duty determination occurs. Is there any way to pay the duty upfront to keep everything legal and everybody happy? I just want the thing to get to her, paid for and safe. Does the shipper do that (DHL, FEDEX, ETC.) I know I have an option to buy it with plastic at a store in Bangkok, but If I do that I cant set up the antivirus, etc. for her. Any advice? Thanks!

Import Customs Entry : THB 3,000.00 (Lumpsum for 1 Laptop)

I would contact these shippers to help you do it smoothly.

http://www.thaitranspeed.com/airfreight.htm

[astral]

Check the conditions of the guarantee to see if it is Worldwide.

If I were you I would buy locally and talk her through the setup of the Antivirus, or have a friend set it up for her.

Shipping will not be cheap, plus the taxes...........

Alternatively have someone hand carry it over, if airline/airport security permits.

[migrant]

Just curious,

If you buy in Thailand, is it set up for Thai 220? or do you need an adapter?

[Crossy]

Just curious,

If you buy in Thailand, is it set up for Thai 220? or do you need an adapter?

Most laptops have 'universal' power supplies, work from 100-240V

All electrical items sold in Thailand (possibly with a few highly specialised exceptions) are 220V 50Hz.

[lingyai]

A couple years ago laptops were a few hundered dollars more expensive in Thailand than the US but now the gap has narrowed. While still cheaper to get in the US, make sure you check out the prices here so that what you are saving buying the laptop in the US covers more than the cost of shipping, taxes, etc.

[The Coder]

It may depend on what model you choose, but the price differences I have seen lately are still hundreds of dollars so best to check it first as you say. If you buy in Thailand you might be able to get VAT back depending on your situation which can help. Typically, the advantage of buying in Thailand: (1) warranty (2) thai keyboard. The disadvantages are (1) price, (2) not as many models on offer (3) availability of new models lags behind the US.

[Sakeopete]

I have never shipped anything of value to Thailand but there are several post on TV discussing the risks and high costs of dealing with Thailand’s customs mafia. Assuming the laptop doesn't disappear you or your friend may be in for a nasty hand written duty amount.

[Guest Reimar]

The Import Duty is 1% + 7% VAT. The main 'extra' cost is the shipping. Better to buy in Thailand with an Thai/Eng. Keyboard layout also. The prices varies from US$ 500.00 up but include all cost, it seems to be more cheap here in Thailand for the same model. Also the factor Guaranty you should think about!! And not forget: SERVICE!!

[nikster]

I want to buy a laptop here in USA and ship it to my Friend in Bangkok. I was wondering how the whole VAT/Duty determination occurs. Is there any way to pay the duty upfront to keep everything legal and everybody happy? I just want the thing to get to her, paid for and safe. Does the shipper do that (DHL, FEDEX, ETC.) I know I have an option to buy it with plastic at a store in Bangkok, but If I do that I cant set up the antivirus, etc. for her. Any advice? Thanks!

There is currently a small gap in prices between Thailand and the US because of the devaluation of the USD.

However, I don't think it's worth it. Of all laptops I had - and there were many - more than 50% needed to be returned for service at some point.

Buy a brand-name laptop in Thailand and be happy. HP, Acer, IBM/Lenovo are all good options. The shop will set up some illegal AV software on your computer as well though I don't know how well that works.

I don't use AV software - let's not discuss it but I generally set up my machines much safer than AV software could do and have email viruses filtered server-side (GMail).

I am certain any brand name laptop won't be more than $100 more expensive than in the U.S. and you save tons of hassle and worry with the shipping and you get good local service (this is why I recommend brand names - if you buy some Belta no-name it might be the same machine, but they might send it to China for repairs for 3 weeks...).

Personal experience with Acer service, was excellent. Friend's experience with HP service, was also very good.

[astral]

I recommend AVG which is a free anti virus system.

The odd virus that has been sent to me has been picked up immediately.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

I want to buy a laptop here in USA and ship it to my Friend in Bangkok. I was wondering how the whole VAT/Duty determination occurs. Is there any way to pay the duty upfront to keep everything legal and everybody happy? I just want the thing to get to her, paid for and safe. Does the shipper do that (DHL, FEDEX, ETC.) I know I have an option to buy it with plastic at a store in Bangkok, but If I do that I cant set up the antivirus, etc. for her. Any advice? Thanks!

There is currently a small gap in prices between Thailand and the US because of the devaluation of the USD.

However, I don't think it's worth it. Of all laptops I had - and there were many - more than 50% needed to be returned for service at some point.

Buy a brand-name laptop in Thailand and be happy. HP, Acer, IBM/Lenovo are all good options. The shop will set up some illegal AV software on your computer as well though I don't know how well that works.

I don't use AV software - let's not discuss it but I generally set up my machines much safer than AV software could do and have email viruses filtered server-side (GMail).

I am certain any brand name laptop won't be more than $100 more expensive than in the U.S. and you save tons of hassle and worry with the shipping and you get good local service (this is why I recommend brand names - if you buy some Belta no-name it might be the same machine, but they might send it to China for repairs for 3 weeks...).

Personal experience with Acer service, was excellent. Friend's experience with HP service, was also very good.

Depends on the product. On a generic low to mid end PC sure. The gap can be quite a bit higher. You can find great deals on Ebay or Fry's in the States. On Apple products they are about 30% more in Thailand. I have imported and shipped thru transpeed and saved close to 30,000 Baht after all fee's and customs.

[think_too_mut]

I want to buy a laptop here in USA and ship it to my Friend in Bangkok. I was wondering how the whole VAT/Duty determination occurs. Is there any way to pay the duty upfront to keep everything legal and everybody happy? I just want the thing to get to her, paid for and safe. Does the shipper do that (DHL, FEDEX, ETC.) I know I have an option to buy it with plastic at a store in Bangkok, but If I do that I cant set up the antivirus, etc. for her. Any advice? Thanks!

You can buy a DELL laptop in Thailand, fully Thai and with local warranty and everything.

Very likely, you can go to DELL site, chose Thailand (there is English guidance), buy it and give Thai delivery address.

[Maestro]

I know I have an option to buy it with plastic at a store in Bangkok, but If I do that I cant set up the antivirus, etc. for her.

Your concern is to get the computer delivered to your friend with Windows, anti-virus and possibly also other software installed.

Will the online store you have in mind install Windows XP and also set it up for Internet connection? This, I guess, would apply only for dial-up connection, as for an ADSL connection the provider would supply the modem and configure the connection.

Once your friend’s computer in Thailand is connected to the Internet, you can access it remotely under Windows XP and install programs and configure them the way you see fit.

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Maestro