Buying from the USA, Charges?

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Ciwan
Ciwan Posts: 186 Forumite
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in I wanna buy it or do it
Hi Guys

I have a cousin living in the USA. Certain things are way cheaper in the USA. Does MoneySavingExpert have tool for calculating charges when purchasing form abroad?

What do I have to keep in mind? What are some things to watch out for?

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You.
Only Student Loans to get rid off (Plan 1)

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  • Stevie_Palimo
    Stevie_Palimo Posts: 3,306 Forumite
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    May be cheaper but factor in shipping and customs costs on an item and you may be nearer side of the same value as purchasing in the UK.
  • Ciwan
    Ciwan Posts: 186 Forumite
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    Yep, those would have to be taken into account. Am I right in thinking MSE doesn't have a tool to calculate this?
    Only Student Loans to get rid off (Plan 1)
  • Cisco001
    Cisco001 Posts: 4,019 Forumite
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    Warranty will be an issue
  • Ciwan
    Ciwan Posts: 186 Forumite
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    @Cisco001, you're right, but I'll only be buying certain stuff mentioned on /r/buyitforlife. So hopefully they'll last a long long time :)
    Only Student Loans to get rid off (Plan 1)
  • DomRavioli
    DomRavioli Posts: 3,136 Forumite
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    Ciwan, Reddit isn't a reputable website in that capacity.

    You would need to pay a fair chunk in tax and duties as well as shipping, most products work out almost the same if not cheaper here in the EU.
  • KxMx
    KxMx Posts: 10,605 Forumite
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    edited 26 August 2015 at 2:34PM
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    Generally speaking- you get charged VAT (20%) on anything with a value over £15. Once the £15 value has been met, you also pay that VAT on the postage cost.

    So something with a value of £25 and postage of £10 means VAT is payable on the total of £35.

    Customs duty is payable on values of £135+ & VAT is charged also.

    Anything liable for charges will incur a handling fee, for Royal Mail this is £8 and many couriers are £13+.

    Some product categories are exempt or have lower rates of fee.

    Try this as a rough guide and remember to add on handling fees.

    More general information here
  • Cisco001
    Cisco001 Posts: 4,019 Forumite
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    I don't know what you are buying, but you can also check amazon.fr/ amazon.it/ amazon.de

    You may find paying Euro is cheaper, and you won't have problem of tax.
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