Buying a video camera in USA?

[seobaina]

Apologies if this is a dumb question but I was just wondering if anyone has done this.

I'm looking at the cost of some nice cameras, like a Sony Z1, and they are considerably cheaper in the USA. However, I know if I have it posted to me I'll get hit by HUGE charges but what happens if you buy something like this when you are abroad?

Thanks

 

[j9000]

video cameras in the USA used to run on NTSC format which has a different frame rate to the UK (which is PAL) but i dont know if that is an issue anymore now everything is digital.

legally you are allowed to bring back with you an allotted amount of merchandise (i think its £160) plus your duty free allowance of cigs and alcohol. Anything above this you should in theory declare and pay import duty and vat on.

you could shove it in your bag walk through nothing to declare and claim you already owned it if questioned, but you could end up in trouble.

 

[seobaina]

Thanks, that's what I figured. Didn't know the amount was so low though. These camera are way above that amount. They do both Pal and NTSC though. Thanks.

 

[j9000]

Thanks, that's what I figured. Didn't know the amount was so low though. These camera are way above that amount. They do both Pal and NTSC though. Thanks.

i actually gave you duff info mate, i apologise

the amounts gone up to 390

this should help

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/arrivingnoneu.htm

 

[mikki.young]

Ooh, the allowance has gone up again, it was only £340 in January! Lets hope it keeps going up!

 

[seobaina]

Thanks