Introduction
If you want to move to Australia, this article is made for you! We will give you the reliable information you need to know about the customs, the best ways of transportation, our dedicated services and about your future life in Australia. SIAM Relocationās expert team can handle your logistic and relocation needs. Whether you leave from Thailand or anywhere else, our decades of experience in this domain give us credit to take care of your move.
Summary (Click on the subject you are looking for):
1. Customs clearance in Australia
- 1.1 Customs process
- 1.2 Taxes exemption
- 1.3 Vehicle importation
- 1.4 What duties and taxes will I pay for my personal effects?
- 2.1 Sea freight
- 2.2 Air freight
- 3.1 Moving insurance
- 3.2 Moving with your pet to Australia
- 3.3 Packing service
- 3.4 Warehousing service
- 5.1 Visa & Business
- 5.2 Living in Australia
- 5.3 Local contacts
1. Customs clearance in Australia
Customs are inevitable when you travel or ship your goods from a country to another. You have to go through them and clear your goods.Ā Of course, Siam Relocation knows perfectly this process and can offer you to deal with customs.
1.1 Customs process
When you arrive into Australia, you will need to go through Customs check, as it is the case for any other country. But in Australia, procedures are quite strict and well organized. First proof,Ā the documents required for importing removal goodsĀ are almost twice more than in other countries:
- Ocean Bill of LadingĀ orĀ Airway Bill
- Duly completed CustomsĀ form B534Ā (version 6/00)
- Passport IDĀ and signature page(s) needed for clearance. Signature on the B534 must match passportās.
- A blank copy of the currentĀ Unaccompanied Personal effects StatementĀ (B534 form)
- Inventory of goodsĀ written in English
- Each package needs toĀ display list of contentsĀ in English
- Copy of Identification page andĀ Visa from ownerās passport.
- Visa grant letterĀ where visa stamp is not in passport for non-Australian citizens.
- Full name and Australian residentialĀ (not business) address of the owner.
SIAM Tips:Ā You can find the mentioned form on the following link:Ā FORM B534
*If you travel by sea, you will be needed to issue the Incoming Passenger Card to the officers.
You should note that allĀ household and personal effectsĀ entering the country are subject to anĀ examination by the Department of Agriculture (DOA). This quarantine examination can cause a delay of up to 14 working days after the arrival of the shipment. To facilitate the process, we advise you to clean thoroughly your goods before shipping them, especially those who may have come into contact with soil or vegetation.
Usually,Ā goods with a value of less than AUD.1000,00 are not subject to any duties, taxes or chargesĀ during custom clearance. But since July 2018, some goods, even of low value, are subject to a 10% GST (Goods and Services Tax).
Info SIAM:Ā For goods with a value over AUD.1000,00, duties and taxes will be charged at the border. You will have to fill out an Import Declaration.
1.2 Taxes exemption
The biggest tax exemption in Australian Border Customs simply is that goods with a value lower than AUD.1000,00 are not subject to duties (apart from some exceptions like alcohol).
Missions, posts and privileged individuals can import or purchase goods without paying duties if it is related to an official use.Ā To be granted this status, you have to contact the ABFās ACT Regional Office atĀ act.op.command@abf.gov.au and then ask for a Customs Identification Number to claim customs duty exemption. For instance, administrative staff or humanitarian volunteers may be granted the status.
SIAM Tips:Ā Here you will find further details about Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE):
1.3 Vehicle importation
*Like in many countries, bringing your car in Australia is very complicated. You will face many rules and regulations.
First, here is the list of documentsĀ you will need:
- A formal customs entry
- A copy of passport
- Registration papers
- Sales invoice
- Paid receipt
- Vehicle import approval
- OBL
- B534
- Registrant compliance form if the vehicle is equipped with an air conditioning system
The first thing to do is toĀ obtain a vehicle import approval by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. You will need to apply to the Vehicle Safety Standards office in Canberra.
When granting your approval, the Department of Customs will attribute a levy to the car, calculated thanks to the age and type of the vehicle, which should vary between 0 and 20% of the value of the vehicle (Duty + GST). The value of the vehicle is calculated with the original country purchase price and the Australian Landed Value.
SIAM Alert:Ā A Luxury Car Tax also exists and is levied at 33% of the value above AUD.57,466.
To be given the Import Approval Permit, your vehicleĀ must meet safety and pollution standards, which can be quite strict in Australia. For instance, your car must be equipped with seat belts, child restraint anchor points, Australian standards mirror on the driver side, etc.
The documents to submit to the Department of Infrastructure and Transportation to get your permit include:
- Weighbridge certificate
- Engineer certificate
- Imported Blue Slip ensuring the RTA the vehicle fits with the road
- RTA Visual Identification Unit inspection.
1.4 What duties and taxes will I pay for my personal effects?
Warning SIAM: For there are many variables factors to be taken into account, it is hard to anticipate how much duties and taxes you will pay. For instance, your personal situation, the nature of your effects, the method of shipment⦠Fortunately for you, our SIAM moving consultants can help you if you fill our online form in 1 minute !
SIAM Plus:Ā OurĀ moving consultant will help you finalize every administrative and logistics tasks. Thanks to our experience, we are used to help and accompany our customers from departure to arrival, just to make sure everything is fine ! Your satisfaction is our success !
Customs contact in Thailand
- Official name:Ā Thai Customs Department
- Official Website:Ā Thai Customs Website
Customs contact in Australia
- Official name:Ā Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
- Official Website:Ā Australian Customs Website
Customs process
Our custom broker inform you
PROHIBITED & RESTRICTED ITEMS
Remark SIAM:Ā If you have one of the following item, you should check directly with ourĀ SIAM Moving consultant.Ā Some of those items are restricted or even totallyĀ prohibited, it is important to anticipate such shipment to avoid any problem.
Drug Contreband
Explosives
Biohazard
Chemicals
Corrosive
Counterfeit
Ivory
Batteries
Flammable
Firearms
Drugs
Counterfeit notes
Poison
Pornography
Knife
Tobacco
Gambling
Hazardous
SIAM Relocation - Best price moving company in Thailand !
Due to our attractive pricing, many customers trust our services and we thanks them. Stop to overpay the services and save money with our tailored package matching will all type of removals, from small volume to full house, let us find the best and cost-effective option.
Communication is important, which is why we strive to discuss in the most suitable way for you!
2. Method of transportation
In order to move to Australia from Thailand, you can choose the way you want. It can be by sea or by air. Each one has advantages and drawbacks, so our moving consultant will help you determine the most suitable solution according to your budget.
MOVING BY SEA FREIGHT TO AUSTRALIA š¦šŗĀ
Ocean freight will be the best deal for you if:
- You move aĀ full house/condo
- The goods you need to ship areĀ greaterĀ than 3 CBM
- YouāreĀ not in a hurryĀ to receive them
SIAM Advice:Ā To have precise rates and transit times for your Sea freight from Thailand to Australia, donāt hesitate to contact our SIAM Experts.
Overview
Remark SIAM:Ā Sea freight between Thailand and Australia will probably be the most effective way to ship your personal effects (mainly if you have a big volume).
In the last BITRE statistical report on Australian Sea Freight, the country is depicted as an ever-growing sea freight nation with a growth of sea freight of 3.1% in 2015-2016.
Among Australian sea freight, international exports represent more than 87% of the total. This means that Australian freight is oriented towards the world and especially Southeast Asia (and the US).
For this reason, theĀ dynamism of the Australian-Asian sea connectionĀ makes the Thailand-Australia freight very common.
Main ports in the Australia
Totally surrounded by Oceans and Seas, Australia had to build big ports to prosper economically speaking. Here is a list ofĀ the largest seaports in Australia.
The seaport ofĀ Brisbane is currently the third busiest port in Australia and the fastest-growing container port, and that is what we need to ship big volumes for a whole relocation.
The three other biggest ports are located inĀ Fremantle,Ā Melbourne,Ā andĀ SydneyĀ (Port Botany).
Transit times
From | To | Estimated Transit Time |
Bangkok | Adelaide | 22-24 days |
Bangkok | Brisbane | 19-21 days |
Bangkok | Darwin | 24-26 days |
Bangkok | Fremantle | 14-16 days |
Bangkok | Melbourne | 21-23 days |
Bangkok | Port Kembla | 16-18 days |
Bangkok | Sydney | 23-25 days |
Bangkok | Townsville | 33-35 days |
*Please note that those transit times are just indicative timing between Thailand and Australia
SIAM Advice:Ā To have precise rates and transit times for your Sea freight from Thailand to Australia, donāt hesitate to contact ourĀ SIAM Experts.
Sea freight rates
We canāt calculate sea freight rates without knowing all the relevant information of the situation. The rates depend a lot on what you ship (nature of the goods and quantity) but also on where you ship it in Australia, if you need trucking after unloading at port, etc.
We generally advise to choose aĀ FCL if you ship more than 15 cubic metersĀ and a LCL if less. Our experts will obviously guide you in this choice.
*According to your budget, we can adapt our solution (with or without a packaging and/or loading service) which could have huge influence on the quotation.
Remark SIAM:Ā You want further information about our packing service ? Contact ourĀ SIAM moving consultantĀ or check our dedicated page:Ā Packing service
Why choose us?
SIAM RelocationĀ provides dedicated services to best respond to your specific needs and has been doing so for years. Our expert consultants will help you get the best for you.
As proof, if you transport small volumes, you should note thatĀ SIAM RelocationĀ is the only moving company to have a rate for the first cubic meter. If you want to ship 1 cubic meter of your goods, other companies will charge you 4 cubic meter as it is their starting rate,Ā SIAM RelocationĀ will charge you 1 cubic meter because we seek for a fair service and relation.
MOVING BY AIR FREIGHT TO AUSTRALIA š¦šŗĀ
Air freight will be the most efficient solution if:
- Your goods areĀ smaller than 2 CBM and 200 kg
- Youāre in aĀ hurryĀ to receive/send the goods
SIAM Advice:Ā To have precise rates and transit times for your Air freight from Thailand to Australia, donāt hesitate to contact our SIAM Experts.
Overview
*From Southern Asia, choosing air freight to join Australia is obviously really common. Australia is a big air hub.
Air freight is a better solution when you want to ship aĀ small volume of goods. If you choose sea freight, you will have to face additional charges like groupage, bundling, handling at ports, etc because you share it with other shipments. Consequently, we advise to choose air freight if your parcel is not over 3 cubic meters.
Remark SIAM:Ā Air freight can be the most adequate solution, it mainly depends on your goods dimensions.
Airport in Australia
Australia counts with around 50 inland airports but mostly count onĀ operational airports in its big cities. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide have the busiest airports in both passenger and commercial transport.
*They all transport millions of passengers each year.
Remark SIAM:Ā You want further information about airports in Australia, check the listing on Wikipedia:Ā List of the busiest airports in Australia
Transit time
Here are some transit time for direct flight from Thailand to Australia. Of course, this only is an estimation and does not take into account the pick up, delivery trucking time, handling at airport etc.
- Bangkok ā Sydney:Ā 9 hours 15 minutes
- Bangkok ā Melbourne:Ā 9 hours
- Bangkok ā Brisbane:Ā 9 hours
- Bangkok ā Adelaide:Ā 10hours 30 minutes
- Bangkok ā Perth:Ā 7 hours
- Bangkok ā Canberra:Ā 12 hours
Remark SIAM:Ā Transit time are hard to estimate as it mainly depends of your budget: a direct flight available within a day is possible, but will probably be more expensive. In average, you can expect 2/5 days (export & import process included)Ā
*Note that the flight does not include the whole logistics process, some parcel could be stuck in customs for X or Y reason.
Air freight rates
To calculate air freight rates, the more important is to know what you ship full well for the cost ofĀ air freight is very sensitive to weight and volume. And also because the final cost of custom clearance will depend on applicable taxes on your goods.
Why choose us?
We, atĀ SIAM Relocation, have been dealing with air freight since our first contracts and are used to working with the very best process in the world. Australian clients are frequent and we know how to make them satisfied. To find out the best solution to your needs, please contact our moving consultants.
Letās see together how air freight are calculated. The most important aspect that you have to understand is the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight. Once you get it, you can understand your air freight quotations.
3. Additional moving services
SIAM Relocation has been dealing with relocations for a long time and always with the same perspective: the client comes first. That is why, through years of operations and observations, we decided to create specific offers in order to better fit your needs.
3.1 Moving insurance
When there is a risk, there is an insurance to cover it. And international freight does not come without a risk. Damages, delay, theft or loss during transit are rare but can happen because of weather, itinerary and other factors.
Remark SIAM:Ā Our insurance program is chargedĀ 3% of your declared value.
Thatās why we think any valuable cargo shipping should be insured.Ā Cargo insuranceĀ ( also called freight insurance or marine insurance, even for air freight) usually covers damages that can be caused by bad weather, inadequate storage, fumigation services, etc.
Of course, each insurance decides what it covers so it varies according to your insurance broker.
To subscribe to an insurance, you can choose to go through a standard insurance company, a specialist insurance broker, your bank or us, Siam Relocation.
*By contacting our consultants, you will be sure to make the right choice.
Info SIAM:Ā You want further information about our Insurance program? Feel free to contact ourĀ SIAM moving consultantĀ or check our dedicated page:Ā Moving Insurance
3.2 Moving with your pet to Australia
The first thing to know is that from Thailand, you will go through a lot of difficulties. But you should keep in mind that it is simply for security reasons and because Australia wants to stay a pet-friendly place.
All animalsĀ must be inspected by Thailandās government vetĀ before leaving the country. For this reason, exactly three days before your departure, you must go to theĀ Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Custom and Animal Quarantine Office. Your animal has to be up to date about its vaccinations (especially Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Para-influenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica).
Info SIAM:Ā You want further information about our the process in Airport? Feel free to contact ourĀ SIAM moving consultantĀ or check the official page:Ā Department of Livestock Development
During this inspection, you will need several documents:
- AĀ rabies certificate, with all the contact details in English of the vet who made it. The pet must also have undergone a blood serology test to check for rabies antibody levels at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. The test result must be at least 0.5 IU/mL.
- A copy of yourĀ valid passport
- YourĀ flight details
- YourĀ petās microchip numberĀ if your animal has one
Then, once at the office, you will have to fill in an export request form.
After conducting the health check, the government vet will hand you the documents you require for your travel and charge you 50 Baht per animal. Do not forget to have your original pet health certificate, the airport vet certificate, and the export permit with you when you travel, three days later.
*That was what you have to do regarding Thailand.Ā But of course, Australia also has its requisites, and they will have you do a lot for your pet importation, even before the airport inspection.
TheĀ Australian Department of AgricultureĀ sets the conditions with which your pet must comply. They vary according to the country.
TheĀ Australian Department of AgricultureĀ does not accept pet import directly from some countries. And unfortunately, Thailand is part of those countries. We explain:
All pets entering Australia must have aĀ rabies titer test run by a licensed veterinarian. This test can be done in Thailand but the blood sample has to be sent and examined in an OIE-approved laboratory in China, France, Korea, the United Kingdom, or South Africa. And for the 6 weeks before transport to Australia, your pet must relocate to an approved country to pass the final rounds of testing. Then your pet needs to enter Australia from this approved country. Please check theĀ Australian Department of Agricultureās websiteĀ to know the list of approved countries.
You need to fill in anĀ import permit application formĀ and pay an application fee. You can do it online. Do itĀ after the rabies titer test is done and sooner than 42 days of import.Ā The import permit is valid for 12 months after being issued.
Info SIAM:Ā Your dog or cat needs to be treated against internal parasites twice. The last treatment must take place within 5 days of transport.
Quarantine is compulsory for all animals arriving into Australia. There areĀ quarantine facilitiesĀ run by the Department of Agriculture in Sidney and in Melbourne. TheĀ quarantine will last quite longĀ (3-4 weeks maybe), especially as your pet originally comes from Thailand.
*Here is a list of banned dog breeds : Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull, Fila Brazileiro, all types of wolfdogs, Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
3.3 Packing service
Remark SIAM:Ā A secured logistic process is a shipment in which goods are packed, and well packed.
*Here are the most common packing materials.
Packing boxĀ surely is the standard packing equipment. Packing boxes exist in different sizes and are resistant enough to transport your goods.
Bubble wrapĀ is useful to be cautious with fragile items. For instance, you should use it for glasses and crockery in order to avoid all damages.
When a large packing size is required (or any fragile items), we opt forĀ wooden crates. They are bigger and more resistant than packing boxes and can resist more things like humidity for example.
SIAM Plus: SIAM RelocationsĀ proposes you to take care of all of your packaging needs. Our packing team is able to pack whatever good you want to ship. Some items have uncommon dimensions? We will pack them ! You donāt own packing furniture and you canāt pack? We will do the job!
Info SIAM:Ā If you feel like having further information about our packing service, feel free to reach ourĀ SIAM Moving specialistĀ or check out our dedicated page:Ā Packing service
3.4 Warehousing service
There are times when a warehousing service can be very useful. Letās imagine your plane leaves one week before the cargo relocation (which would be convenient to be prepared to the goods arrival at destination), you would be glad to have somewhere else than your friendās apartment to stock your belongings.
SIAM Plus:Ā Thatās why we offer warehousing services. Our warehouses are fully secured with alarm systems and 24/7 guard presence.. You can place all your trust on us. Check further on our dedicated page:Ā Warehousing services
4. Our moving packages
In order to adapt our offer to the customer, to his needs but also to his budget, we created three moving packages : from the simple package to the complete package.
5. Life in Australia š¦šŗ
5.1 Visa & Business
Visa
There areĀ dozens of visas in AustraliaĀ with slightly different names and it can be very confusing. Thus, to choose your visa, you will just need to check the visas requirements and see what you are eligible for.
Yet, we can regroup the visa in a few categories: theĀ visitorĀ visas, theĀ working and skilledĀ visas, theĀ studying/trainingĀ visas and theĀ family/spousalĀ visas.
*Obviously, for a durable relocation, a working visa or a family visa are the most suitable.
Info SIAM:Ā To find out further information about the immigration and specificallyĀ about visas in Australia, feel free to check the official website:Ā Ā Immigration and Visas in Australia
Business
With 24 million of inhabitants with relativelyĀ high standard of living compared to the rest of the region, Australia is a big interesting market. It is the second country in the world in terms of wealth per adult inhabitant.
*Service sector is the most profitable and represents the 61% of the GDP.
5.2 Living in Australia
Overview
Coming from Thailand, Australia can be disorienting because very unfamiliar. It definitely is aĀ western country because of its History. Standards of living are very different than in southern Asia.
The 24 million of inhabitants represent a very diverse population where 75% of the Australians can identify at least one of their ancestors who was not an Australian according to a 2016 Census question. 45% report having one parent (or more) born overseas.
*52% of Australians say they are Christians but from different Churches.
Cost of life
Surprisingly, the cost of basic consumer prices only is 34% lower in Bangkok than in Sidney. But what need to be underlined is that purchasing power is also 66% lower in Bangkok than in Sidney.
Below, our table compares Australia and Thailand costs of basic needs and leisure based on August 2018 data:
- Consumer Prices in Bangkok areĀ 33.45% lowerĀ than in Sydney
- Consumer Prices Including Rent in Bangkok areĀ 44.00% lowerĀ than in Sydney
- Rent Prices in Bangkok areĀ 58.87% lowerĀ than in Sydney
- Restaurant Prices in Bangkok areĀ 57.33% lowerĀ than in Sydney
- Groceries Prices in Bangkok areĀ 22.43% lowerĀ than in Sydney
- Local Purchasing Power in Bangkok isĀ 65.88% lowerĀ than in Sydney
Info SIAM:Ā To find out further comparaison and check in details on a large panel of products, check this page:Ā Ā Numbeo ā Comparaison betweenĀ Bangkok and Sydney
5.3 Local contacts
Here are some precious contacts that you must know if you are to live in Australia.
- Fire Engine š: 000
- Emergency Ambulance š: 000
- Police Emergency šØ: 000
Here are some well reputed real estate companies in Australia. They can be of a great help to guide you through your relocation.
Knight Frank Real Estate
- Knight Frank Real Estate
- +61 2 9036 6666
- On the website
Century 21
- Century 21
- +613 8591 0520
- realestate@century21southcoast.com.au
Domain
- Domain
- +61 1300 799 109
- support@domain.com.au
Visa First
- Visa First
- +61 13 0065 5094
- info@visafirst.com
Sidney Migration International
- Sidney Migration International
- +61 2 8005 0487
- contact@sydney-migration.com.au
Easymigrate
- Easymigrate
- +61 7 3261 1388
- reception@easymigrate.com
You will find below four of the most famous international schools in the Australia.
St Paulās School
- St Paulās School
- +61 7 3261 1388
- enquiries@stpauls.qld.edu.au
The Kilmore International School in Melbourne
- The Kilmore International School in Melbourne
- +61 3 9998 2981
- info@kilmore.vic.edu.au
Australian International Academy in Sydney
- Australian International Academy in Sydney
- +61 2 9642 0104
- aiamsc@aia.vic.edu.au
SIAM Relocation - Best price moving company in Thailand !
Due to our attractive pricing, many customers trust our services and we thanks them. Stop to overpay the services and save money with our tailored package matching will all type of removals, from small volume to full house, let us find the best and cost-effective option.
Communication is important, which is why we strive to discuss in the most suitable way for you!