In-Country Experts - British Expat Forum

Help!

We're looking to move at the end of July, and to Pattaya because I know a couple of guys who live there.

What's the situation on importing the contents of our villa? I notice that most of the houses for rent seem to come furnished, so would we be better selling a lot of our stuff before we move? (The bar is definitely coming with us!) Is there any import duty on personal possesions like hi-fi, computers, etc?

We should be making a 2 week visit in late June to check out property, etc. but which areas are best for live-in expats who want a quiet, peaceful place to live (preferably not too far from the beach)? How much should I expect to pay for a 3 bedroom standalone house with A/C and private pool?

What's the situation about importing pets? We really want to bring the cat, and maybe one of the dogs, with us.

Is the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital good? (I'll be a regular visitor.)

Cheers,

Rockin' Jock Scot

Hi and welcome to BE. I hope your plans work out. You have a whole load of questions there - not surprisingly, it's a big move - but it's better if you start a separate new thread for each different topic, eg visas, hospitals, housing etc. so the info doesn't get all jumbled up.

OK, your main point in this one is about your house contents and whether or not you can take them. The answer to this will first depend on what type of visa you have. As far as I'm aware you can't just rock up and get a retirement visa very easily (if at all). There are several conditions you need to fulfil first, such as being over 50 and having proof of savings or income, before you can apply for a retirement visa.

It's a complex subject and we'd need more info about your situation before anyone could give you any advice relevant to your specific situation.

(Please feel free to start new threads about your other questions.)

Cheers

Kay,

Thanks for the reply. As far as I've been able to discover, I meet all the criteria for the retirement visa - I'm over 50 (although my wife will only turn 40 in July), and I can provide evidence on savings and income. We'll be contacting the Thai Consulate here within the next few days to start the application process.

Cheers

Great, it sounds like you've got the visa question sorted. I hate to discuss visas as the subject is so complex and the rules change fairly often.

Be wary of advice from any amateur. You'll find that every man and his dog will have his own opinion and will speak as though they know what they're talking about. Then you find that if you speak to ten people you'll get ten different interpretations of it. The Thai Consulate would seem to be your best bet. Good luck!

It can be quite an job getting through customs with all your worldly goods , they are very keen on DVD's and books they like to tax them for more than they are worth, everything else seems to be a lottery as to how much you are charged although they do have a guide price list. It will definatly ALL day to get your items out you will move from one office to another getting a gigantic pile of forms stamped, restamped removed, added signed, I think you will need to visit something like 40 offices some of them more than once , it would be very hard without a Thai interpriter if you can get one of the girls in the offices to go around with you it will be a big help. One thing DO NOT loose patience and get angry you will be there 2 days if you do that.

The book issue could be a big problem - we've got well over 1000, possibly pushing 1500! How much tax am I looking at paying?

We've also got a lot of wooden furniture (including my beloved bar), and a fairly expensive hi-fi - are they going to hit me with huge taxes on everything?

Cheers

as far as I could tell they have rules but they are fleaxable , i only brought a hadfull of books and dvds and i think the dvds were 1.50 euros each( i think in euros) more than pirate one cost here , they books were around a euro , now the problem is that by no means, means that you will be charged that , or anything , there seems t be a negotiation element as well I would not worry to much about taxes , in theory at least you are able to bring a container in tax free with a correct visa. the main thing is collect the goods yourself, and take a Thai with you , pref an older 'respectable' woman that will help a lot, try to get one of the girls who work there to help you for a small tip she will be worth her weight in gold, and be patient , and smile they can mess you around as much as they wish I was told when i was there that customs officials regard farangs as rude because they lose patience and get angry, i didnt its a long story but it saved me a day and some money