Moving to Thailand from the USA
Thailand moves ship by sea container to Laem Chabang (Bangkok), with goods then trucked onward. This guide covers costs, transit, Thai customs and the main long-stay visa routes for Americans.
Estimate your move cost
An instant, route-specific range for Thailand. Adjust the details for a closer figure, then get matched with movers for exact quotes.
Estimated shipping cost
$7,350 – $10,900
Indicative only — based on typical 2 bedrooms moves. Get real quotes below.
Visa & residency options in Thailand
Thailand sets its own immigration rules. The routes below are informational — consult Thai immigration guidance for advice.
Non-Immigrant O / O-A
For retirees (50+) and various long-stay purposes.
Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa
10-year visa for wealthy/skilled applicants and remote workers.
Thailand Privilege (Elite) visa
Paid-membership long-stay visa.
Non-Immigrant B / work permit
For employment in Thailand.
These are Thailand immigration routes — consult a local immigration lawyer for advice. Portunus specializes in U.S. visas, not Thailand ones.
Typical moving costs
Indicative ranges by home size for moving to thailand from the usa. Reviewed 2026-06-15.
Studio
$2,964–$4,680
1 bedroom
$4,524–$7,020
2 bedrooms
$6,084–$9,750
3 bedrooms
$8,970–$14,040
20ft container
$4,165–$6,370
40ft container
$7,055–$10,790
What drives the cost
- Shared vs full container (volume)
- Origin coast & port pair
- Door-to-door vs port-to-port
- Packing, insurance & customs handling
- Season — summer is peak
Transit times
Shipping methods
- Sea freight, shared container / LCL (cheapest for partial loads)
- Sea freight, full container / FCL (20ft or 40ft for whole-home moves)
- Air freight (fast but expensive — for essentials only)
Moving companies for this route
Compare what each mover offers, then request quotes to see exact pricing for your move.
| Mover | Best for | Door-to-door | Packing | Storage | Vehicles | Pets | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDC International Shipping | Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas | Get quote | |||||
| Schumacher Cargo Logistics | Vehicle shipping, Large household moves | Get quote | |||||
| International Van Lines | Best overall, Full-service moves | Get quote | |||||
| Crown Relocations | Premium, Corporate relocation | Get quote | |||||
| John Mason International | Established carrier, Sole-use containers | Get quote | |||||
| Sirelo (compare multiple movers) | Compare several quotes at once | Get quote |
Movers serving the Thailand route. Links go to each company's own quote page; we may be compensated for referrals. We don't publish third-party star ratings — request quotes to compare directly.
Customs & import rules
- Used household effects can be duty-free for returning residents or holders of a qualifying non-immigrant visa.
- Goods generally must arrive within six months of your arrival; a detailed inventory is required.
- Import is strict — new items and certain electronics may be dutiable.
- Restricted items (some medicines, drones, e-cigarettes) need care.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move to Thailand from the USA?
A shared-container move is roughly $3,000–$9,800 by volume and service; a full 40ft container can run $8,300+. The estimator above gives a route-specific range.
How long does shipping from the USA to Thailand take?
From the U.S. West Coast, sea freight to Laem Chabang is typically 20–35 days in transit; the East Coast is longer. Add packing, customs and onward delivery.
Do I pay import duty moving household goods to Thailand?
Used household effects can be duty-free for returning residents or qualifying non-immigrant visa holders if imported within six months, with an inventory.
Can Americans move to Thailand?
Yes — common routes include the Non-Immigrant O/O-A, Long-Term Resident (LTR), Thailand Privilege and work visas. These are Thai routes; consult Thai immigration guidance.
Estimates and timelines are indicative; mover and route details last reviewed 2026-06-15. We may be compensated when you request a quote through links on this page.