Do you need to send a letter or package to a friend or family in Thailand? Or perhaps you are moving to Thailand and need to send your entire life's possessions? Are you worried the care package or your belongings won't arrive or will arrive very late? Don't be! The shipping procedure isn't complicated or risky. All you have to know is which option is best for your situation.
If you are looking to send a package FROM Thailand, read this article.
Packaging Tips
First, you must ensure you package your items well, bearing in mind all the circumstances your package may have to go through - like rain, excessive heat, and friction. Therefore, always put items in a plastic bag before packaging to protect them from water damage and expect temperatures to reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit or more. In addition, choose sturdy packaging material.
During the course of getting a package to its final destination, it is handled by various parties, including first-mile service providers, air freight staff, customs, and last-mile partners. So many stages mean several moments when your package comes in contact with other parcels, causing friction and potential harm to the box and its contents. If the packaging material you choose is weak, it can break, and your item(s) could be damaged.
Additional tips include:
- Wrapping each item individually.
- Filling any empty space with cushioning like bubble wrap, airbags, shredded paper, foam, etc.
- Seal openings and flaps with wide tape in the H-taping method
- Attach shipping and handling methods (like "fragile" and "this side up") but don't count on them being followed
Appropriate packaging is perhaps the most crucial part of the shipping procedure. It can make all the difference.
Preparation of Shipping Documents
To import goods into Thailand, you must fill out a Customs Declaration form. Your local post office may help.
You must provide the following information:
- what goods are in the shipment
- how much they are worth
- where you are sending from and receiving
The form might differ depending on the carrier, but the information required is the same.
Shipping Large Quantities of Things
Use container shipping or a freight forwarder to transport large things or many things to Thailand, such as a car, bike, furniture, etc. It is usually cheaper to ship all your belongings via container shipping when moving to Thailand (compared to buying everything you need again instead). You will have to create a list of the items being shipped and package them, but the shipping company (freight forwarder) usually takes care of the customs paperwork and picks up all your boxes for you and then delivers them.
Shipping Small Packages
Every country has their government-run postal organizations. These ship internationally. In addition, there are privately-owned companies like FedEx, DHL, and UPS. These are popular choices applicable for sending letters or parcels to Thailand.
Shipping Insurance
All carriers offer insurance. However, it is at an additional cost to you. The insurance will cover your package being stolen, broken, or damaged.
Thai Customs
Thai Customs must inspect your package once it arrives in Thailand. Taxes and duties might be added to your package at customs.
If you're unsure about duty rates, taxes, or Thai Customs legislation, click here to visit the Thai Customs Department website for more information.