Getting MacBook from US

[PowerFullMac]

Right, seeing as I just realized the price of a mid-range MacBook is cheaper than a entry level MacBook in the US, I think it would definatly be cheaper, but would it be practical to get it shipped from the US? I know I would need to get a new charger (from where?) but is there anything else (except the warranty) that might be a problem?

Thanks in advance

 

[slybeans]

You might get charge by customs.

 

[PowerFullMac]

You might get charge by customs.

How much will that charge be though?

 

[tremendous]

How much will that charge be though?

17.5% VAT and then customs duty on that too.

and there's no might about it. you WILL get charged.

oh, and don't forget the fee Parcelforce/DHL whoever will probably charge you for settling the fees so they can deliver them to you.

 

[PowerFullMac]

So basically, theres no point.

If you go to the USA, buy it, unbox it and claim you brought it with you from home, will that work to avoid charges?

 

[slybeans]

So basically, theres no point.

If you go to the USA, buy it, unbox it and claim you brought it with you from home, will that work to avoid charges?

Yep, that works perfectly.

 

[bigbadnewill]

So basically, theres no point.

If you go to the USA, buy it, unbox it and claim you brought it with you from home, will that work to avoid charges?

Just done that method myself! BOught one from CyberGypsy on here and my dad brought it back from me as he was visiting family over there! Customs never even loked twice.

And you wouldn't need a new charger, just a plug to convert the american two prong thing to a real plug

Do it, you know you wanna!

 

[PowerFullMac]

Yep, that works perfectly.

Woo! Now to buy plain tickets

Luckily, my mum goes on buisness trips to the USA twice a year, so ill see when the next one will happen, and if she will help me out...

Thanks for the help guys!

EDIT: This is not illegal is it?

 

[bigbadnewill]

If you really wanted the box you could always empty it, and just send it home empty. It'll cost, but not too much. If customs open it, it's just an empty box

Enjoy the macbook if/when you get one..they're ace!

 

[bigbadnewill]

Yes it probably is, but who cares! (joke)

Apple should learn a fair pricing policy for the uk though, it sucks how we have to pay so much more!

I think Australia is even worse too!

 

[tremendous]

Woo! Now to buy plain tickets

Luckily, my mum goes on buisness trips to the USA twice a year, so ill see when the next one will happen, and if she will help me out...

Thanks for the help guys!

EDIT: This is not illegal is it?

only problem you might get, depending on where you get it, is having a legitimate delivery address in the states and sometimes they only accept US cards. However, it is worth a try.

 

[bigbadnewill]

only problem you might get, depending on where you get it, is having a legitimate delivery address in the states and sometimes they only accept US cards. However, it is worth a try.

Yeah, his best bet would be to get his mum to go into an actual apple shop and pick one up. Fine if a standard model is required, sucks if he wants a BTO

 

[durant0s]

just a plug to convert the american two prong thing to a real plug

Because in America we use imaginary plugs, you'll learn that real quick once you get here. =)

And yes it is illegal to do that, but being an American is almost illegal these days in the US, so you should be ok.

 

[bigbadnewill]

Because in America we use imaginary plugs, you'll learn that real quick once you get here. =)

you know our plugs make sense! hehe

For all i know USA might not even exist, i've never been....perhaps your whole nation is imaginary!....why do i always get suckered into going off topic!

 

[durant0s]

you know our plugs make sense! hehe

For all i know USA might not even exist, i've never been....perhaps your whole nation is imaginary!....why do i always get suckered into going off topic!

We don't exist, we are just a figment of Parliment's imagination to make themselves look like genuises. O man does it work.

 

[Macky-Mac]

.....

EDIT: This is not illegal is it?

you mean illegal as in failing to properly declare your overseas purchases in order to evade tax you're supposed to pay?

And speaking of tax, don't forget you'll most likely have to add a sales tax to those USA prices you're seeing.

 

[slybeans]

And speaking of tax, don't forget you'll most likely have to add a sales tax to those USA prices you're seeing.

People overseas always seems to forget about sales tax in America and complain about the prices.

 

[kamm]

17.5% VAT and then customs duty on that too.

and there's no might about it. you WILL get charged.

oh, and don't forget the fee Parcelforce/DHL whoever will probably charge you for settling the fees so they can deliver them to you.

UK is not signatory to the Singapore Agreement? If it is then there shouldn't be customs, only sales tax.

 

[kamm]

Yep, that works perfectly.

Yes, that's what all my friends do when I send laptops to the EU with them.

 

[bigbadnewill]

People overseas always seems to forget about sales tax in America and complain about the prices.

But the USA tax is far less, and can it not be avoided by buying from states such as Delaware, and from places such as Amazon?

Anyhow, i'm just happy i got mine for cheap from the good olf U.S of A. Thanks

 

[durant0s]

But the USA tax is far less, and can it not be avoided by buying from states such as Delaware, and from places such as Amazon?

Anyhow, i'm just happy i got mine for cheap from the good olf U.S of A. Thanks

Sales tax unavoidable somewhere in the U.S.A.? HA, I think not. As they might not actually tax each individual sale in Deleware, they tax the buisness an extra gross tax, so the product cost more. If your in the U.S.A., your getting taxed possibly more then once, whether you know it or not.

 

[bigbadnewill]

So if you buy a macbook in delaware the base cost is different to say new york, or texas etc? I have never been to sunny usa so have no idea really. Not that i care too much either, i just know we pay too much tax over here! (as i bet everyone thinks)

Those Governments are stealing all of our money!!

 

[tremendous]

UK is not signatory to the Singapore Agreement? If it is then there shouldn't be customs, only sales tax.

According to a parcelforce invoice i have for the last thing i got from the USA I had to pay VAT, customs duty and a parcelforce handling fee...

hmmm

oh and i'm not doubting you, just confused!

 

[.adam]

People overseas always seems to forget about sales tax in America and complain about the prices.

6-8% sales tax vs 17.5% VAT PLUS a higher base cost. IT'S STILL CHEAPER OVER THERE.