Bringing back electronics from the USA
Discussion
Don't forget local sales tax.
Don't forget to check if it a US only warranty or if they allow local returns.
Power settings as mentioned.
Oh and getting through customs is easy. Mostly they seem to be unmanned, esp smaller airports with an honesty phone.
Don't forget to check if it a US only warranty or if they allow local returns.
Power settings as mentioned.
Oh and getting through customs is easy. Mostly they seem to be unmanned, esp smaller airports with an honesty phone.
Edited by Vaud on Friday 22 September 16:34
megaphone said:
Check the mixer will run on 230v, most will do both but I've had some 110v only stuff from the US.
it might say it runs on 230, but son had a nasty with one he bought over there in 110 v land. Games consol was lots cheaper over there, and it said on box 110 -230vAC working, so son bought it. First plug in over here, the filter capacitor across mains went bang. Fortunately a mains UK PSU was only a few £theguvernor15 said:
I didn't realise they had sales tax over there added to the prices already shown, in that case it won't make it all that much cheaper so i may not bother.
I was either going to buy the Pioneer DJM-S9, or the new Rane 72.
I know a load of DJ's over there so i could say i'd been DJ'ing over there with them
Z3MCJez said:
h0b0 said:
On line purchases can be tax free in the US. Have mixer delivered to hotel.
I think they've changed this and sales tax is payable at the delivery address. Certainly that way in NY.A friend of mine has done this sort of thing in the past, back in the day when the exchange rate made it worthwhile.
Some places will not charge you Sales Tax if your show your passport to prove you're a tourist.
In the case of electronics the two most important things to check are 1) can the device run on UK-strength electrickery and 2) will the manufacturer honour warranty claims in the UK for a US device.
Some places will not charge you Sales Tax if your show your passport to prove you're a tourist.
In the case of electronics the two most important things to check are 1) can the device run on UK-strength electrickery and 2) will the manufacturer honour warranty claims in the UK for a US device.
gazza285 said:
hairyben said:
BTW have you checked it'll work on a UK 230v 50Hz supply? Most of America is 110v 60Hz.
Transformers are cheap.hairyben said:
gazza285 said:
hairyben said:
BTW have you checked it'll work on a UK 230v 50Hz supply? Most of America is 110v 60Hz.
Transformers are cheap.GCH said:
Z3MCJez said:
h0b0 said:
On line purchases can be tax free in the US. Have mixer delivered to hotel.
I think they've changed this and sales tax is payable at the delivery address. Certainly that way in NY.Some sites will tell you on the front page which states they charge tax in, others will wait until you calculate shipping and taxes.
fizz47 said:
Has anyone ever been stopped and ask to pay vat on purchases?
I would consider myself a reasonably frequent traveller both within the EU and outside..
I have never once been stopped by customs.
A few years ago I traveled back from the US with a friend, we both bought large wheeled Pelican cases over there (way cheaper than here, and under the import limit), the friend was stopped and asked what was in the case. The officer said he was checking in case a carnet was needed (ie. import and re-export ticket for visitors) but I'm sure would have figured out if somebody was bringing in new camera kit. The friend said it was dirty clothes and the case was being brought in - they asked the cost and waved him onwards.I would consider myself a reasonably frequent traveller both within the EU and outside..
I have never once been stopped by customs.
rxe said:
If you get stopped (highly unlikely), the only real issue is whether it is reasonable to have said item with you on holiday/business trip.
If I wanted to buy a new iPad Pro, I'd take my battered old case out (empty), buy one using cash, put it the old knackered case, and walk back home with almost certainly no issues at all.
However, if I wanted to buy a new TIG welder (Miller Dynasty 200), I'd have a hell of a job explaining why it was in my suitcase - so worth declaring. I'd guess that DJ decks come into this category. Even after paying VAT etc, the welder is still a bargain, so I'm getting one on my next trip out to the US.
The Dynasty 200 is only a small one, you'd get that in your normal case fella. If I wanted to buy a new iPad Pro, I'd take my battered old case out (empty), buy one using cash, put it the old knackered case, and walk back home with almost certainly no issues at all.
However, if I wanted to buy a new TIG welder (Miller Dynasty 200), I'd have a hell of a job explaining why it was in my suitcase - so worth declaring. I'd guess that DJ decks come into this category. Even after paying VAT etc, the welder is still a bargain, so I'm getting one on my next trip out to the US.
xxxyyyzzz said:
The OP’s real question is “I know I’m not allowed to because duty will be due, but do you think I’ll get away with not paying tax when I import this mixing desk, and if so how should I do it?”
That is what you are asking is t it?
It's a good question.That is what you are asking is t it?
My view, for what's is worth, is that since in the last 10+ years I've been flying in back in to the UK between 10 and 30 times a year. That's from a range of countries, including the USA and others outside the EU.
I've never been stopped at the customs area, in fact I can only think of two people I've seen in all that time getting pulled over. One I remember, as he was pulling great lumps of shrink wrapped black meat out of a suitcase! Looked like haunch of zebra or similar...
I've have the view (not giving advice here) that if I buy something I just walk on through. If it's a watch I stick it in with my other watches, I usually have three or four with me, if it's electronics I sometimes take it out of the box but not usually - if I was ever challenged I'd just say I didn't realise.
I've never heard of anyone I know get pulled at customs. The only guy I do know that has had hassle is a mate who surname is Ahmed and he used to do frequent travel to the USA...learnt to take a good book with him. USA immigration are quite horrible people.
I now live in Indonesia. On arrival they often x-ray all your baggage at the Customs checkpoint. Again, never had an issue. Helps to be tall, white and confident/friendly!
I'm going to buy my wife a nice watch when on my next trip to UK. Will leave the box at my parents and just bung the watch in my case with three others. They have no idea what they're looking at, in the unlikely event they did want to open my case.
Worst case scenario - you end up paying the duty owed anyway.
Let's say the OP gets pulled over - he's not going to go to jail, unless he's an idiot/rude he won't get a fine either. Just play it as 'I had no idea, really sorry, just never occurred to me, bought it as present for my nephew...sure let me pay what's owed".
As above - this is not advice but my approach and I'm sure other people know friends that went to jail for bringing in an iPhone or similar. Or antelope meat...?
Tomo1971 said:
Take a used three pin 13a plug with you. When purchased, replace US plug with UK one - on return, if checked, you took it out with you for x,y, or z reasons......
Most just have a cord with a kettle or 'figure of 8" lead... so just take one of those.They may not believe you though.
jdw100 said:
xxxyyyzzz said:
The OP’s real question is “I know I’m not allowed to because duty will be due, but do you think I’ll get away with not paying tax when I import this mixing desk, and if so how should I do it?”
That is what you are asking is t it?
It's a good question.That is what you are asking is t it?
My view, for what's is worth, is that since in the last 10+ years I've been flying in back in to the UK between 10 and 30 times a year. That's from a range of countries, including the USA and others outside the EU.
I've never been stopped at the customs area, in fact I can only think of two people I've seen in all that time getting pulled over. One I remember, as he was pulling great lumps of shrink wrapped black meat out of a suitcase! Looked like haunch of zebra or similar...
I've have the view (not giving advice here) that if I buy something I just walk on through. If it's a watch I stick it in with my other watches, I usually have three or four with me, if it's electronics I sometimes take it out of the box but not usually - if I was ever challenged I'd just say I didn't realise.
I've never heard of anyone I know get pulled at customs. The only guy I do know that has had hassle is a mate who surname is Ahmed and he used to do frequent travel to the USA...learnt to take a good book with him. USA immigration are quite horrible people.
I now live in Indonesia. On arrival they often x-ray all your baggage at the Customs checkpoint. Again, never had an issue. Helps to be tall, white and confident/friendly!
I'm going to buy my wife a nice watch when on my next trip to UK. Will leave the box at my parents and just bung the watch in my case with three others. They have no idea what they're looking at, in the unlikely event they did want to open my case.
Worst case scenario - you end up paying the duty owed anyway.
Let's say the OP gets pulled over - he's not going to go to jail, unless he's an idiot/rude he won't get a fine either. Just play it as 'I had no idea, really sorry, just never occurred to me, bought it as present for my nephew...sure let me pay what's owed".
As above - this is not advice but my approach and I'm sure other people know friends that went to jail for bringing in an iPhone or similar. Or antelope meat...?
Anyone suggesting the "oh I didn't realise" routine must think that the customs staff were born yesterday. Try that and I reckon they will not be terribly amused. You never know; they may just take the item off you and trace its origin.
Taking the risk of having to pay duty on this mixer or committing a criminal offence to avoid it seems to be a daft ruse to save a few hundred notes. The guarantee will be stuffed even if you do get it into the country with no duty. The whole idea seems to be something that will give very little benefit.
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