Buying electrical items

[Rach-Muscat]

Has anybody ever bought electrical items in the States ie. laptop, portable DVD players, camcorders? If so, where is the cheapest/best place to buy from? Do you have to pay duty on entering UK? My husband is really keen to buy these items there, but if we're going to stung on duty, I'm not so sure it's worth it. Can anybody help?

Rachael

 

[bubblefactory]

Anything you bring back over your £145 limit is subject to VAT and import duty if you declare it. import duties vary by item and are published by HM Customs - if you enquire they will tell you in advance. VAT is of course fixed at 17.5%.

also all mains electrical items ( including power adaptors and chargers ) operate at 110v in the USA. they require a step down transformer to operate in the UK .

Proceed with caution if you still want to buy.


Alec

 

[patdavies]

The US is starting to join the real world. Many electronic AC adapters (laptop, DVD players etc) are now voltage seeking and can be used in UK.

Household goods usualy do not work on UK voltages, but Radio Shack sell 1600W voltage convertors for about $25. My mother bought a breadmaker before they were commonly available in UK under £150 an it is fine with one of these.

We use them at home for all the Christmas lights we have bought over the years!

 

[juliebro]

DS bought an Apple iPod from Circuit City on our last trip. We just bought an adapter (2 to 3 pin) from the airport shop on our way home. It works fine.

I confess we didn't declare it on entry to UK, though.

Julie

 

[Rach-Muscat]

I confess we didn't declare it on entry to UK, though.

Is it possible for customs to know that you have bought something there or can you say that you took it with you? Do you know if Walmart is the best place to buy?

 

[SidB]

Originally posted by Rach-Muscat

Is it possible for customs to know that you have bought something there or can you say that you took it with you?

I believe that the onus is on you to prove that you DIDN'T buy it in the States.

 

[patdavies]

Ultimately, if it comes to a court case Customs and Excise must prove beyond all reasonaable doubt that you purchase the item abroad (unlike motoring offences, you are innocent until proven guilt - you don't have to prove your innocence).

Note that this doesn't stop them trying to intimidate you at port of entry by trying to get you to prove that the item was purchased without paying UK duty and VAT.

They are allowed to confiscate if there is any doubt, but must return the item if their investigations cannot prove that you have not paid UK taxes on the item.

In the case of electronic goods, a simple enquiry to the manufacturer quoting the serial number will elict a response as to which country (maybe even store) the item was sold in.

 

[MsPennieLane]

We bought a camcorder during our first visit in 2003 from Circuit City, they were very helpful and we paid for the camera plus accessories £182 - the same camcorder alone in the UK was £350 without all the accessories. We didn't declare it either, hubby just wore the case with it as hand luggage and nobody asked any questions. I am tempted to buy a laptop next time and will do the same, take it on as hand luggage. Best Buy, Circuit City and Walmart are all good for electrical goods. Hope this helps.

Anz

 

[mike230652]

Rachael

IMHO it isn't worth the hassle. Different voltages, questions over guarantees , different specifications etc. all combine to make it more trouble than it's worth.......... not to mention the fact it's against the law.

We loked at laptops & cameras out of curiosity last visit, laptops weren't the best spec going and cameras ( Nikon 100D ) were very similar to price in the UK. I think a lot of US traders have caught onto the Brits.

I think patdavies has it right, they can very probably check country of origin from the serial number.

Anyway, with the amount of screening for people going into / out of the USA in the current climate I can't imagine you'd get a very sympathetic reaction if you were caught with electrical type goods about your person !!

If you did decide to buy I'd suggest Walmart since at least you can go to ASDA if you have problems back home.

mike

 

[Rach-Muscat]

Cheers for that Mike. Your probably right, it really is more troubl than it's worth!! Couldn't be doing with any hassle at customs, especially when travelling with 3 young children. You've probably saved me a lot of grief!!!