Importing laptops

[AndyB01]

Hi all,

If I buy a laptop computer while I'm out in the US, how much duty and VAT can I expect to pay for it when I return to the UK. I realise it'll be a %age of the value, but does anyone know, or have experience of paying import duties? Or is everyone a bit naughty and not declare it?

Thanks!

[Lyn]

I think it is 10% import duty + 17.1/2% VAT.

[Badger]

I'm afraid I'm a bit naughty... I have bought computer stuff out from the USA on several occasions and just walk through the green channel... sorry!

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

I'd watch what you say as forums are read by all sorts of people, including members of the Police force and I would assume Customs & Excise.

We could never encourage anyone to break the law, no matter how well intentioned.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Badger
I'm afraid I'm a bit naughty... I have bought computer stuff out from the USA on several occasions and just walk through the green channel... sorry!
[/quote]

[wilfy]

Andy,
also bear in mind what happens if it goes wrong and it comes under a warranty repair. There is a chance it would not be honoured outside of the US.

[Rocco]

I bought one last year and then forgot that the electricity for the mains was completely different. So I bought a voltage converter and sadly it just wore my computer down within months. $2000 laptop dead within 6 months. For what you save it's just not worth it.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by wilfy
Andy,
also bear in mind what happens if it goes wrong and it comes under a warranty repair. There is a chance it would not be honoured outside of the US.
[/quote]

Most well known makes have world wide warranties and it is not a problem[msnwink]

[Ana]

I have bought my last 3 laptops form the US and not had a prob with power supply. I always double check that it is 100/110 - 240V - I haven't yet seen one that's not.

Warranty cover is also worth checking for yourself - just go to the manufacturers website and the info will be there somewhere. When you are buying in the US store they will tell you your warranty will be no good in Europe as they want to sell you an extended International Warranty. I personally don't think these are worthwhile as I don't keep my laptops long enough.

[dolphinv]

I wonder could you buy one as a bussiness expense and put it against taxes?

[dolphinv]

Another thought, why don't you do a serch on say Dell.co.uk and Dell.com and compare prices....you may find after taxes you don't save much! And $ is high at the moment!