Laptop Imported

ExoduS 18.11

I recently saw a HP in pcworld flyer and went to their US site to check out some of there stuff. So anyways i came across one which i could basically max out for 1350 or close to it, the same price as the reasonably good laptop over here. I have relatives in the US who could send this overseas to me, is this a good idea? I also noted the site had some sort of 200$ off due to a rebate or something. Overall a pretty slick laptop for pennies, good idea bad idea. Is there anything i should note? Thanks folks!

Darwin

You'll have to pay import duty - which will come to around 25%. This is added to declared value of the laptop plus postage. Returning to the store may be a problem if there's a problem. You'll also need to chop off the US 2-pin plug and attach an Irish one! Having said all that I've bought several laptops from the US in the past and saved a packet

ExoduS 18.11

Ah but isn't there some way around the import duty. For example christmas presents marked as such are let by? Or some kind of catch like that?

Darwin

Anything over 22 euro (open to correction on the exact amount) from outside the EU is liable to attract import duty gift or otherwise. To be honest the whole issue of import duty has been discussed to death already on these and other forums.

ExoduS 18.11

Ah, maybe i should mark it $21.99 ha ha !anywho, thanks for your advice. Might just get my faithful grandmother to haul it home on her way back or something. Poor Gram Grams.. she don't know what she in for.

ExoduS 18.11

By the way if anyone has any tips on shipping this laptop successfully, i.e tricks of the trade and such, please reply thanks!

localchap

I don't think its wise idea to declare quite low price.In case your parcel lost or stollen (which happens time by time and the most weird fact it happens to most reliable couriers like DHL, TNT, etc:) ) you'll be refunded with declared value only. I have had imported Dell laptop from US my auntie didn't know Id encounter here customs duty thus I've paid 170euro on 1000usd value declared.
However, you might try your luck and declare lower price but my advice, don't start it now before Christmas 'cos chances to have it lost in this postal Xmas fever are too high:)
Unfortunately, customs don't care whther its a gift or whatever, every item over 45euro value is a subject of customs duty to be paid:mad: which is now fair at all IMHO.
Maybe, you have someone who's going to travel to US and you might ask of a favour?
PS. check ebay, there was great UK Dell dealer in there selling dell laptops quite cheap.

ExoduS 18.11

Is the import Duty rate 25% though? Seems quite alot!

ianwalsh2

This exact topic was discussed a couple of weeks ago here.