Great 'Buy now from the US' Hunt.

yankee_rower

boglin wrote:

I don't know if you can do this in the US or not - I would have thought that you could - maybe even at the airport; it is just a question of having enough time set aside as you leave the country to make the claim.

As far as I'm aware (as an American immigrant to the UK) you can't claim back sales tax paid in the USA. The rate of sales tax depends on the state (and sometimes the county within a state!), it is not a federally controlled thing like it is in Canada. However, it might worth asking the sales clerk if you have to pay sales tax as an out of state resident. My guess would be yes, you do unless you can prove you come from one of the states I mentioned in an earlier post that doesn't have sales tax.

The situation is somewhat similar in Canada, however in addition to a national sales tax, there are provincial or HST taxes. You usually only get back the 6%national sales tax. Like the previous poster mentioned, you can get this back via post, or from one of the duty free stations right before crossing the border. You may be asked to show them the goods.

In addition to goods in Canada (that are leaving the country and aren't food or experiences such as ski lift tickets), you can claim back the tax on your accommodation. This can be quite a tidy sum after a holiday.

This link may help those of you going to Canada sort out the tax situation:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4031/rc4031-e.html

Keep in mind that at the moment, the Canadian dollar is really quite strong. This makes shopping there not such a great deal as the goods are usually more expensive than they are in the USA.

Heinz

My mother always buys her lipsticks from the US - a quick 1p/minute phone call (using 18185, you can dial US 800 numbers for the same cost as for geographical numbers).

http://www.lpaigecosmetics.com/

UltraCheap_2

As previously mentioned, the best thing to do with clothes is to pull off the tags and give them a wash if there is time. Also, wear the clothes if you have time - to give them that 'I haven't just been purchased' look. Travel to the US with just a few items of your own clothing so that you will have Plenty of room to pack all of your new things.

Also, I personally do not travel with the receipts from my purchases. You can mail them back instead of carrying them on you, and that way they wont be discovered in your luggage...

nilocmac

Heinz wrote:

My mother always buys her lipsticks from the US - a quick 1p/minute phone call (using 18185, you can dial US 800 numbers for the same cost as for geographical numbers).

http://www.lpaigecosmetics.com/

If you have Skype you can dial US 800 numbers for free.

yenners

hi lesley rod, sorry i should have been more clear - a friend of mine uses one of those US shipping services (as mentioned in the previous pages of this thread) - they charge 10usd for the services, plus whatever the delivery charge is, and it still works out much cheaper to buy from sephora than to purchase the cosmetics here.

hope that helps

Macktv

I usually order loads of stuff from Footlocker.com. They charge $35 or for shipping, then a $1.95 per extra item. Last time I ordered 3 pairs of jeans from there that would normally cost me £60 per pair, for only $80/£50!!! Ok, I did have to pay £50 total to get it past customs but I also ordered another $100 worth of stuff so it more than worked out! So much cheaper ordering from there as you get all the exclusive things that you can't get in the UK for amazing prices. I don't think I'll ever buy sports goods from the UK again.

Coloradokazz

Hi
I can recommend Kohls, Ross, TJ Max and Marshalls.

Kohls have one of the best on-going reduction sales you can ever see, sometimes 70% and more off the price.

Suggest also, if travelling to the US look at https://www.wow-coupons.com for lot's of discounts on shops.

If going to Las Vegas, suggest http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/las-vegas-coupons.htm

Also, if you search through google for the State you are visiting, you can also find discount vouchers for the National Parks etc.

Also, regarding computer/cameras etc. MicroCenter: http://www.microcenter.com/

Enjoy your visit to the USA, and hope you save loads of money!!!!

Sui_Generis

nilocmac wrote:

If you have Skype you can dial US 800 numbers for free.

that's useful thanks

richlo

Could someone please tell us how VAT and tax is collected on imported goods, ie, do you pay the postman on delivery, or does HM Customs send you a bill later? Thanks

Art_2

richlo wrote:

Could someone please tell us how VAT and tax is collected on imported goods, ie, do you pay the postman on delivery, or does HM Customs send you a bill later? Thanks

All imported goods arrive at a Customs depot in the Midlands. It is here that they decide if any duty is payable and the Post Office collect the money on delivery.

Regards,
Art.