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Post and packaging from the USA.

  • 02-02-2006 8:19pm
    #1
    techtom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 83 ✭✭


    Hi all,

    My sister has bought me a laptop in the USA what is the cheapest way to get it sent back to Ireland. DHL etc etc. Can you send a package via aerlingus ..

    Tom.


Comments

  • #2
    mickymg2003
    Closed Accounts Posts: 990 ✭✭✭mickymg2003


    Cheapest way is probably by post but id advise against that because it is a laptop and its a bit dodgy sending it through the postal sysem and god help you once an post get their hands on it.
    The Best way is by courier(DHL UPS etc...)
    Try the different companies websites. I've used DHL UPS and interlink and its a toss up between Interlink and DHL both have been pleasant and easy to use.


  • #3
    secret_squirrel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,357 ✭✭✭secret_squirrel


    You could book it on Aer Lingus direct but you best bet is with a Courier company as mentioned above.

    You also need to be aware that you may be charged duty on it. Be sure that it is marked gift.*

    I've heard that stuff sent via the US Mail Service attracts less attention from Customs for some reason**

    *Not that Im advising you to avoid any legitimate duty that has to be paid.
    **bloke down the pub told me.


  • #4
    mickymg2003
    Closed Accounts Posts: 990 ✭✭✭mickymg2003


    Well it is a gift and you dont pay taxes on gifts so mark it gift and you wont have to pay anything.


  • #5
    Tom Dunne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,212 ✭✭✭✭Tom Dunne


    Do you really think customs are that stupid?

    I can see it now: "Ok lads, 21% VAT, plus import...wait, sorry my mistake, it has gift written on it. Send it through".

    That might work for smaller items. Something as bulky as a laptop? I think not.


  • #6
    Pythia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,469 ✭✭✭Pythia


    Can't a gift not be worth more than x amount of euros? Myabe that's only for insurance purposes?
    What I heard anyway...


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  • #7
    netwhizkid
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,558 ✭✭✭netwhizkid


    The best way to get it home is just wait till a relative or friend is flying home soon and just buy a case or bag for it and say they had it on buisiness or need for work that they will be undertaking here! Another way would be just post it registered and secure with something like a few old jumpers wrapped around it in the package. Are you aware of the voltage implications for using it here? the USA uses 110v we use 220v could be around €30 to €40 for a transformer in this rip-off hole.

    Hope you get it through okay.

    Post back later and let us know how you got on :)


  • #8
    secret_squirrel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,357 ✭✭✭secret_squirrel


    netwhizkid wrote:
    the USA uses 110v we use 220v could be around €30 to €40 for a transformer in this rip-off hole.

    Most laptop psu's are multi voltage these days.


  • #9
    Padraig Mor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,610 ✭✭✭Padraig Mor


    mickymg2003 wrote:
    Well it is a gift and you dont pay taxes on gifts so mark it gift and you wont have to pay anything.
    Afraid not. Marking it as a gift makes very little difference. You still have to pay tax if the value of the package (INCLUDING shipping) is over something like 40 - 50€. If you send it courier it will almost certainly be passed to customs (definitely with UPS). Note that tax (VAT + duty) on a laptop will be very expensive - like a couple of hundred euro! Your best bet would be to use USPS's (i.e. 'normal' mail) top service - insured etc. As mentioned above, USPS stuff attracts less attention. TBH though, there's not much hope of getting away with it.


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