US/Las Vegas Camera Stores

ronanc15

Hi all,

I'm travelling to Las Vegas in the New Year and was hoping to take advantage and upgrade the camera body while I'm over there.

Would anyone have any reputable stores or chains over there that you could recommend? Preferably ones you have dealt with previously. I'm completely in the dark when it comes to US retailers etc.

Also would I have much issue coming home with the gear. I would really prefer to preserve the packaging etc and bring it home with me but I'm assuming customs might try sting me for VAT if they spotted it? Would I be correct in thinking so?

Regards
Ronan

ronanc15

Anyone at all?

Corkbah

order from B&H online and get them to deliver to hotel (saves on state tax) .... probably the best option.

www.bhphotovideo.com is the web address I think

ronanc15

Corkbah wrote: »

order from B&H online and get them to deliver to hotel (saves on state tax) .... probably the best option.

www.bhphotovideo.com is the web address I think

Thanks. How much is state tax btw? And would incur that if I just walked into a shop over their and bought it?

Corkbah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sales_taxes_in_the_United_States

sales tax changes from state to state ... generally around 7/8% ... if you order from one state and deliver to another you avoid this tax.... remember the price you see in the shop is before tax is added....so yes, if you go into a shop they add sales and state tax.

top tip..... keep all your receipts and claim all the taxes back in the airport on your return journey.

ronanc15

Ok so you can tell I've never been to the US before so bear with me

How would I go about claiming those taxes back at the airport/why am I entitled to do so?

Should I not be kind of hiding the fact that I had bought the camera in the US and bringing it home i.e. would they not try to charge me some type of customs tax?

Corkbah

Ok so you can tell I've never been to the US before so bear with me

How would I go about claiming those taxes back at the airport/why am I entitled to do so?

Should I not be kind of hiding the fact that I had bought the camera in the US and bringing it home i.e. would they not try to charge me some type of customs tax?

there's a number of booths set up in the airport to assist you in claiming back all the tax you've paid while in the country, its perfectly legal and majority of people dont do it because it takes a bit of time.

As regards returning to Ireland you are legally supposed to declare the purchase and pay the appropriate import tax (approx 20ish%)....I'm not telling you to not declare.

ronanc15

Thanks for that info. At least I know what to expect now!

Corkbah

if you get a chance ..... goto the bellagio and play "casino wars" ...its the best card game ever !! (highest card wins)

enjoy vegas .... death valley, hoover dam, grand canyon, yosemite national park ...all within a few hours ...hell even tijuana, san diego and LA are within a few hours.

ronanc15

Corkbah wrote: »

if you get a chance ..... goto the bellagio and play "casino wars" ...its the best card game ever !! (highest card wins)

enjoy vegas .... death valley, hoover dam, grand canyon, yosemite national park ...all within a few hours ...hell even tijuana, san diego and LA are within a few hours.

Ill be sure to check that out. Staying in the bellagio :-)

Better start making a bit of a plan. Heading for mexico after vegas too :-)

Corkbah

bellagio all you can eat buffet I think its $35-40 ... all you can eat and top food

better than any restaurant (and cheaper) ...everything from lobster/crab claws to steak available .... all day breakfast , lunch and dinner.... unless you prefer mcdonalds other fast food places (i.e.. budget is important)

Decoda

Corkbah wrote: »

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sales_taxes_in_the_United_States

sales tax changes from state to state ... generally around 7/8% ... if you order from one state and deliver to another you avoid this tax.... remember the price you see in the shop is before tax is added....so yes, if you go into a shop they add sales and state tax.

top tip..... keep all your receipts and claim all the taxes back in the airport on your return journey.

Hi,

I don't mean to hijack this thread but could you provide any link that backs up your claim "all taxes" can be claimed back at airports upon your departure from the USA if you have been on vacation?

DC

twowheelsonly

I was recently in Vegas for the first time and checked out as many camera stores as I could.
In a word...Don't.
I found that they reminded me of the Spanish 'special price for you' if they get a slightest inkling that you may be interested in spending a few quid.
Prices seemed to be marginally higher than NY but in many cases were much the same. It's the hard sell and trying to add stuff on that killed me.
'Best Buy' (PC World type place) in Vegas is an impressive shop but with the second most useless staff that I ever came across anywhere. First place goes to their staff in the New York shop!!
I ended up getting the stuff that I wanted in B&H when we got back to NY.
If you're passing through there or have a few hours to spare there be sure to check the place out. Amazing shop.

One other tip for Vegas - Avoid using taxis if you can. Robbing ********. (I got this tip when I got back!!!)

Enjoy!! Great place..

wilsixon

I've used B&H and Adorama (over the internet - never been to the US) - both excellent and reputable. I'd go with whichever one worked out cheaper on any given item.
Adorama's website is: http://www.adorama.com/

Rew

Corkbah wrote: »

top tip..... keep all your receipts and claim all the taxes back in the airport on your return journey.

USA dont do that, Ireland does.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/373/~/how-to-obtain-a-refund-of-sales-tax-paid-while-visiting-the-united-states

Gumbo

ronanc15 wrote: »

How would I go about claiming those taxes back at the airport/why am I entitled to do so?

Dont forget you are only allowed bring in X amount of goods from the USA without paying duty. so you think you may be saving by declaring some items t claim back the tax but if they find everything else and charge you duty on everything, you will be in a worse position.

I'd imagine one decent lens or SLR camera will bring you over the threshold alone.

ronanc15

Reading that last link I very much doubt I would be going through the hassle of declaring it.

At the moment the most convenient option appears to be buying from the likes of b&h or adorama and getting it delivered to the hotel. Not sure how willing they would be to do that, anyone know? Also there is this store in vegas itself:

http://store.bandccamera.com/index.php?c=24