Buying a MacBook Air

Ado86

Im heading to New York in September and with the current dollar being very weak against the euro, Im thinking of buying a Macbook Air. I can get it for the price that a macbook would cost me here. Im wondering if anyone knows what the story is if there is any complications with charging them or anything else ??

Ham'nd'egger

Ado86 wrote: »

Im heading to New York in September and with the current dollar being very weak against the euro, Im thinking of buying a Macbook Air. I can get it for the price that a macbook would cost me here. Im wondering if anyone knows what the story is if there is any complications with charging them or anything else ??

You do know that to do so is illegal? See the stickies on the top of the forum...

Silverfish

Buying a macbook air in the states isn't illegal?

trant

I'm sorry Ham'nd'Egger, but I don't see what the OP did wrong here. The charter says:

It is ok to:

* Ask about price differences
* Ask about Apple Care
* Ask about voltage issues etc


It is NOT ok to discuss any suggestions of how to evade customs UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, including:

* Posting items/Fed Ex back and asking about getting caught by customs
* Getting through airports with packages and documents
* Packing items in order to bring them back, unless you are asking about protecting the product itself, etc etc

OP - you will have no problem charging the device or using it here, the only thing you will need to buy is a US to UK plug adapter, or replace the lead that goes from socket to power brick altogether.

conzy

OMG Importing is illegal!!!! Everyone stop it now!

Just make sure the included adapter supports 110-240volts and 50/60hz Most modern ones do, but apple may have removed that functionality to shave off another gram or two

Ham'nd'egger

trant wrote: »

I'm sorry Ham'nd'Egger, but I don't see what the OP did wrong here. The charter says:

I'm aware that it isn't illegal to purchase one in the US; it is however illegal to bring one home without declaring to customs on ones return to Ireland. Just clarifying that element of "anything else" OP may be asking about

Silverfish

Hamndegger wrote: »

I'm aware that it isn't illegal to purchase one in the US; it is however illegal to bring one home without declaring to customs on ones return to Ireland. Just clarifying that element of "anything else" OP may be asking about

He never even mentioned that, so your first accusation was a bit out of order, no?

Ado86

I wasnt aware it was illegal, why is it ?

If I did buy it there, what happens when I have to declare it to customs, do I have to pay the tax or something on it here ?

BanzaiBk

I'm not sure we're allowed to give advice about this though. In an ideal world you'd declare it at customs I suppose.

eth0_

Ado86 wrote: »

I wasnt aware it was illegal, why is it ?

If I did buy it there, what happens when I have to declare it to customs, do I have to pay the tax or something on it here ?

It's entirely optional whether you declare it to customs. But yes, you'll have to pay import tax and VAT on it if you do, in the airport.

fasty

It's not illegal, but you're supposed to declare it and pay import duty + VAT on it. The forum rules say you can't discuss how to get around customs.

There'll be no issues charging it here, the adapters are universal. You just need a different plug for the end of it.

babypink

Silverfish wrote: »

He never even mentioned that, so your first accusation was a bit out of order, no?

agreed.......its generally a good idea to be right before you make an accusation like that.

unclebill98

when you declare it you'll pay roughly 25%-30% on top of what you paid for it.

Oriel

Ado86, I'm intrigued - what on earth are you buying a Macbook Air for?
Does it really matter than your laptop is so thin? A get Macbook Pro and get the full shilling.

Rollo Tamasi

Plus, you're going to the States in September.... who's to say that the dollar is going to be weak then?

Oriel

Rollo Tamasi wrote: »

Plus, you're going to the States in September.... who's to say that the dollar is going to be weak then?

Things like that don't happen overnight in fairness, and there doesn't seem up be much of an up at the moment.
There's more chance of Apple fixing 200 bugs for the Macbook Air, the price coming down by €300 and the 2nd rev being out by then.

Ham'nd'egger

Ado86 wrote: »

I wasnt aware it was illegal, why is it ?

If I did buy it there, what happens when I have to declare it to customs, do I have to pay the tax or something on it here ?

Customs have a set fiscal limit of goods that one can purchase abroad outside of the EU states and bring in while traveling that are exempt of excise duty; it is €175 into Ireland; this covers personal effects purchased abroad. If you bring in goods, you are legally meant to declare them in the Red Channel at Customs. Goods declared are levied for excise duty and VAT on the cost price of the product, carriage may also be included into the reckoning.

It is up to you if you choose to purchase in New York. Equally, it is up to you to declare or not declare it at customs; just bear in mind that to not declare it is illegal. As I said earlier, I am merely clarifying the questions not asked

su_dios

My god.. what is it with people and their morality about customs? These issues should be the least of someones worries! We get screwed up the arse as it is on taxes in the country.

Oriel

su_dios wrote: »

These issues should be the least of someones worries!

Exactly, the real question here should be - why the hell would anybody want to buy a Macbook Air? Why?!
All of a sudden it's OK ot get ****ed up the arse by Apple, but as soon as it comes to Irish customs, everybody starts giving a ****...

BanzaiBk

Why are you so interested in what some random person on the internet wants to buy?:p

eth0_

fasty wrote: »

It's not illegal, but you're supposed to declare it and pay import duty + VAT on it. The forum rules say you can't discuss how to get around customs.

Um, that's called tax avoidance and yes, that's illegal. Just because "everyone" does it, or you won't get sent to jail for it, doesn't make it legal.

I'm closing this thread - I think the OP's question has been answered now.