Buying from the Canaries.

[bigkeeko]

The Islands that is. Was looking to buy anyway and was wondering if it made sense to buy over there. I know the exchange isn't great but I'm guessing there shouldn't be a VAT issue. Or is there? The net is full of the usual conflicting opinions.

Any input appreciated.

[steve-5snwi]

i cannot say they are any cheaper, well certainly in the resort of Playa Blanca Lanzarote.

[bigkeeko]

steve-5snwi said:

i cannot say they are any cheaper, well certainly in the resort of Playa Blanca Lanzarote.

Cheers for that. Looking at Rolex prices here and they have went stupid. Old tatty Subs and Explorers for £5k. Thought it might be worth buying new if I'm planning to keep it.

[jshell]

Two things:

- Canaries were mega-expensive for prestige watches when I was there
- Flights from the Canaries can be targetted by HMRC on return due to tax-free status and you could be hit for VAT, even if you've paid over UK RRP.

I've been last 2 years and no bargains to be found anywhere...

[Adrian W]

I would need to be 100% confident that the watch was genuine,

If you dick about with customs and get caught they will at minimum confiscate the watch.

[bigkeeko]

Thanks for that information gents, that'll do me.

[DocSteve]

The actual ticket prices are not what you will pay in the ADs in the Canaries (certainly not in GC anyway). If you go into the dealer and start a negotiation you will find that the price drops considerably. When I was there prior to Brexit with the exchange rate at the time most watches were considerably cheaper than in the UK.

That said, as above the Canaries are not part of the EU for customs purposes so you would be liable for duty and VAT.

[bigkeeko]

DocSteve said:

That said, as above the Canaries are not part of the EU for customs purposes so you would be liable for duty and VAT.

Thanks. That I was unsure of.

[Buster73]

Adrian W said:

I would need to be 100% confident that the watch was genuine,

If you dick about with customs and get caught they will at minimum confiscate the watch.

Really ?

Any experience of this happening?

I thought not.

[sandman77]

Couldn't you just post the empty box and papers to yourself and wear the watch on the flight home to avoid any import charges?

[Adrian W]

Buster73 said:

Adrian W said:

I would need to be 100% confident that the watch was genuine,

If you dick about with customs and get caught they will at minimum confiscate the watch.

Really ?

Any experience of this happening?

I thought not.

Yes

https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-o...

Idiot

[idontknow]

Adrian W said:

Yes

https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-o...

Idiot

He asked for any experience of it happening, not a link to a website #facepalm

[Blown2CV]

presumably you mean buying from a looky-looky man on tenerife strip? I wouldn't as there is a reasonable likelihood they are fake.

[Tannedbaldhead]

Blown2CV said:

presumably you mean buying from a looky-looky man on tenerife strip? I wouldn't as there is a reasonable likelihood they are fake.

What??? You telling me the £20 Rolex I bought on Veronica's strip isn't real?

[Blown2CV]

Tannedbaldhead said:

Blown2CV said:

presumably you mean buying from a looky-looky man on tenerife strip? I wouldn't as there is a reasonable likelihood they are fake.

What??? You telling me the £20 Rolex I bought on Veronica's strip isn't real?

unfortunately so. It seems you didn't not even secure an "asda price".

[JimmyConwayNW]

Come on nice watch delboy

[bigkeeko]

Update. Was offered a new 116613 Sub in blue and gold for £8900. That's as cheap as the cheapest Greys in the UK. GMT two tones for a couple of hundred less. I reckon there's another couple of hundred leeway. They offered to post the box. They've seen and heard all this before.

[Blown2CV]

Have you spoken to Dom H or not

[bigkeeko]

Not. I'm guessing I should.

[matt666]

Or a website like Chronext or Montredo. They should have stock at Canaries prices with none of the risk. Not that there is much risk anyway.