For Your Suitcase - what to bring?

This section is subjective and we and we are more than happy to answer individual queries about what to bring. Generally:

Toiletries, etc.

• You can find most of what you need here but not all international brands are available and when they are they can be expensive, so if you have specific preferred brands pack them. Tops Supermarket will give you a good idea of the brands available in Thailand.

• Please see the dress code, it is advisable to bring your own work clothes. The sizing is a size smaller in the majority of clothing stores, although there is are international brand stores such as H&M and Uniqlo. There are tailors available in Bangkok for you to order fitted suits, shirts and dresses at a much cheaper price than in the UK, but these can take a couple of weeks to prepare so you are advised to not only rely on this when you arrive in Thailand.

• It is hot and humid all year round so no need generally for warm clothes, but do pack a pair of jeans and a jumper / cardigan for cinema visits; these are notoriously cold.

Shipping

For those of your who are shipping items, it is worth considering that some items are prohibited for shipping into Thailand. For example, wine or other alcoholic beverages. Also tax is payable on all items landed unless you have a work permit - this is granted after your visa. Even after a work permit is granted, there are still items that incur tax e.g. children's items and electrical goods. 

Please check with your shipping company for taxes and other prohibited items. Also please check with HR before considering shipping items across. As previously mentioned, shipping items without a work permit can result in excess charges and even the items being held in customs (at a daily rate) until your work permit has been granted - this can take upwards of 3 months after your arrival.