Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Everything you need to know about moving to, from, and within Thailand.

GENERAL FAQ

  • What does A1 Relocations Thailand do?

    We provide full-service international moving, domestic moving, packing, storage, customs clearance, groupage shipping, office relocations, and specialized handling (fine art, antiques, pianos, vehicles, Buddha images, etc.) throughout Thailand and worldwide.

  • Do you handle moves both to and from Thailand?

    Yes. We manage relocations into Thailand, out of Thailand, and within Thailand.
    We handle sea freight, air freight, LCL, FCL, and groupage options depending on your needs.

  • Are you an accredited international moving company?

    Yes — A1 Relocations Thailand is IAM-accredited, part of the International Association of Movers, the world’s largest network of certified movers. This ensures global standards, vetted partners, and seamless worldwide coordination.

MOVING TO THAILAND (IMPORT) FAQ

  • What documents do I need to import household goods into Thailand?

    Depending on your status:

     

    Foreigners:

    • Passport 
    • Non-Immigrant Visa 
    • Work Permit (must be active at time of clearance) 
    • Inventory list 
    • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill 
    • Power of Attorney 

     

    Thai nationals returning after 12+ months abroad:

    • Passport 
    • Proof of residence abroad 
    • Immigration movement record 
    • Inventory list 
    • Shipment documents 

     

    Diplomatic shipments:

    • Embassy letter 
    • Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval 
    • Inventory list
  • Am I eligible for duty-free import into Thailand?

    You may qualify if:

     

    • You’re a foreigner with a valid Work Permit (active)

    • You’re a returning Thai resident who lived abroad 12+ months

    • You’re a diplomat or BOI-approved staff

     

    We review your documents and confirm your status BEFORE shipment to avoid costly mistakes.

  • What items are restricted or require special permits?

    • Buddha images: Fine Arts Department permit required

    • Antiques / artifacts: May require review

    • Vehicles: Very high taxes; approval required

    • Alcohol: High duties; limited quantities

    • Food & supplements: FDA regulations

    • Electronics: Taxable; quantity matters

    • Plants/wood: Quarantine restrictions

     

    We advise what’s allowed and handle all permits.

  • How long does customs clearance take in Thailand?

    Typical times:

     

    • Air freight: 3–5 days

    • Sea freight: 5–7 days

     

    Delays happen mainly due to incorrect documents — we prevent this through pre-move checks.

  • What happens if my shipment arrives before I do?

    We store it safely until you’re ready.

     

    ✔ Our warehouse
    ✔ Storage-in-transit
    ✔ 30 days free (import)
    ✔ AC-controlled units available

MOVING FROM THAILAND (EXPORT) FAQ

  • What is required for exporting household goods from Thailand?

    Export clearance is usually simple. Required documents:

     

    • Passport

    • Inventory list

    • Packing list

    • Permits for regulated items (Buddha images, antiques, vehicles)

     

    We handle all export formalities and documentation.

  • Do Buddha images really need a permit to export?

    Yes. Thailand strictly controls export of Buddha images, even replicas.

     

    We handle the entire Fine Arts Department application and clearance process.

  • How long does international shipping take?

    Depends on route and transport:

     

    • Air freight: 1–2 weeks (door-to-door)

    • Asia-Pacific sea freight: 2–4 weeks

    • Intercontinental sea freight: 6–10 weeks

     

    Transit times depend on shipping lines and global port conditions.

PACKING & MOVING FAQ

  • Are you packers experienced in international packing?

    Yes. All our packers and movers are trained in-house to international standards, and have decades of experience in Packing & Moving companies in Bangkok.

  • What packing materials do you use?

    We use export-grade materials:

     

    • Double-corrugated cartons

    • Bubble wrap & foam wrap

    • Furniture blankets

    • Custom crates (ISPM-15)

    • Acid-free paper for artwork

  • Do you offer unpacking and reassembly?

    Yes. We can unpack everything, remove debris, and reassemble furniture in your new home.

  • Can you move fragile, oversized, or valuable items?

    Absolutely. We specialize in:

     

    • Fine art

    • Sculptures

    • Chandeliers

    • Pianos

    • Antiques

    • Luxury furniture

    • Motorcycles

     

    A1 is one of the top specialized movers in Thailand.

GROUPAGE SHIPPING FAQ

  • Do you offer groupage (shared container) services?

    Yes, on select high-volume routes:

     

    • Thailand → Europe

    • Europe → Thailand

    • Singapore → Thailand

    • France → Thailand

    • Thailand → UK

    • Thailand → Australia

     

    Groupage is ideal for small, flexible shipments.

  • What are the benefits of groupage?

    • Cost-effective

    • Perfect for smaller moves

    • Professional handling

    • Crating included

    • Works well for expats and students

     

    Availability varies — ask us for current schedules.

STORAGE FAQ

  • Do you offer storage services?

    Yes — we offer multiple storage solutions:

     

    ✔ Our own secure warehouse
    ✔ Short-term storage
    ✔ Storage-in-transit (Before export or after import)
    ✔ AC-controlled private units (24/7 access)

  • Is storage included with international moves?

    Yes — this is one of our advantages.

     

    🎉 30 DAYS OF FREE STORAGE INCLUDED

    • Before export (if container departs later)

    • After import (if you’re not ready for delivery) 

     

    No catch. No hidden fees.

INSURANCE FAQ

  • Do you offer moving insurance?

    Yes — full All-Risks international moving insurance.

     

    Two options:

     

    1️⃣ Lump-Sum All-Risks Insurance

    • Value = USD 3,000 per CBM
    • Only list items > USD 1,000
    • Premium = 3.5%
    • USD 250 deductible

     

    2️⃣ Valued Inventory All-Risks Insurance

    • You list each item
    • Full control over insured value
    • Premium = 3.5%
    • USD 250 deductible
  • Is storage covered by insurance?

    Yes — you get 90 days of free storage insurance.

    Extensions only 0.25% per month.

DOMESTIC MOVING FAQ

  • Do you handle local moves within Bangkok?

    Yes — daily.

     

    We specialize in Bangkok high-rise buildings, including elevator booking, management coordination, protection, and timing restrictions.

  • Do you handle provincial moves?

    Yes. Common routes:

     

    • Bangkok ⇄ Chiang Mai

    • Bangkok ⇄ Phuket

    • Bangkok ⇄ Pattaya

    • Bangkok ⇄ Hua Hin

    • Bangkok ⇄ Khon Kaen

    • Bangkok ⇄ Udon Thani

     

    We offer door-to-door service nationwide.

  • How far in advance should I book?

    • 2–4 weeks is ideal

    • End-of-month & holidays fill quickly

    • Urgent requests possible depending on schedule

PRICING FAQ

  • How are international moving costs calculated?

    Based on:

     

    • Volume/weight 
    • Origin & destination 
    • Sea or air freight 
    • Packing requirements 
    • Insurance 
    • Customs duties/taxes 
    • Special items (piano, art, antiques) 

     

    We provide detailed, transparent quotes with no hidden fees.

  • Do you offer free surveys?

    Yes — virtual or onsite surveys depending on shipment size and customer’s preferences.

OTHER QUESTIONS

  • Can I track my shipment?

    Yes. We provide transit updates at key checkpoints and you’ll have a dedicated Move Coordinator.

  • Can you store my items longer than 30 days?

    Yes — warehouse or AC-controlled units available at excellent rates.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    Bank transfer (THB, USD), or corporate billing depending on the project.

  • How do I get started?

    Simple:

     

    1. Contact us 
    2. Provide origin/destination 
    3. Give approximate move date 
    4. Send photos or do a video survey

     

    We’ll prepare your quote and explain everything clearly.

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