I would agree. If your bike has any value at all and you want it available when you arrive, I say take it with you. Back in 2001, I bought a CrateWorks plastic bike box. It cost $55 from California to NYS, one way, on UPS. Somehow I don't UPS has reduced their prices.

Some bike shops rent bike boxes. Probably a good alternative if you don't have a continuing need for a box.

The CrateWorks box has been used 8 or 10 times with no problems. However, I bought a Ritchey BreakAway mostly because it was such a hassle handling the bike box. In Asian countries, larger taxis are not that plentiful. Even the vans may be compacts. Also, the fact that the BreakAway has its own piece of luggage decreases the chances that people will think it's a bike and want to charge more.