What bargains to buy in the USA?

saleofthecentury

Dear bargain-hunters,

I'm really lucky to be going to Chicago soon for work :j and would love to hear of any suggestions of things to look out for when shopping in the States.

The £ is really strong against the $ at the mo, giving a great exchange rate - that much I know, :beer: but any brands that you've bought much cheaper over there or examples of how to make my christmas presents budget stretch over there (and back again!) would be very much appreciated. :T

Obviously I can't go too bonkers with the import duty limit of £145 (ish?), but for instance, any cosmetics / clothes / kids stuff that's you'd recommend I can then look out for. :cool:

Many thanks in advance and happy Christmas shopping to all!

jammiev

high defintion or blue-ray dvd players! (samsung or toshiba!)

ipods

clinique products

:beer:

Sarahsaver

Trainers, cds, clothes, baby clothes, kids toys. I went to NYC and I dont know if the clothes store CONWAY is everywhere in the US but its cheap and cheerful and I found it pretty good quality, better say than Primark. ALso the cds and trainers were the same price in $ as they are here in £, plus you get the new styles first over there so you have mega street cred when you get home;)
I took a spare suitcase inside my suitcase and came back with it full

prudryden

Clothes, clothes and more clothes. Clothing prices in the US are at a 20 year low, so I read. If you do go over your import limit - take off all stickers, wash the clothes a few times, and REMEMBER send your visa slips or sales slips, should you wish to keep them, home by mail. Never carry in your wallet or purse. I'm really not recommending this however.

Mercenary

Make-up, toiletries etc
brand name Jeans...clothes generally
Camera bits....like SD cards etc
Watch out for the electricals unless you have the proper voltage transformers at home in UK to run them. US is 110v. You don't want them frying with our 240v.

Liverbird

Trainers, Timberlands, CAT Boots, watches, leather jackets. Just back from Florida where I got ladies Timberlands for £23. The big stores all sell make up and the price is also $ where it is £'s here.

rainbow_carnage

hi.

i travel to the states on a regular basis. just as a warning, make sure that you check the warranty conditions when buying electronics. for example, my laptop is covered in the uk, but only if i'm here for fewer than 90 days. my new canon camera was much cheaper to buy in the us, but it isn't covered at all over here.

i've never had anyone check at customs what i'm bringing in, but i also have dual uk/us citizenship and have homes in both places. if someone stops me in the future, i can just tell them that i am bring some of my own items from my us home to my uk home.

prudryden

rainbow_carnage wrote:

hi.

i travel to the states on a regular basis. just as a warning, make sure that you check the warranty conditions when buying electronics. for example, my laptop is covered in the uk, but only if i'm here for fewer than 90 days. my new canon camera was much cheaper to buy in the us, but it isn't covered at all over here.

i've never had anyone check at customs what i'm bringing in, but i also have dual uk/us citizenship and have homes in both places. if someone stops me in the future, i can just tell them that i am bring some of my own items from my us home to my uk home.

That does work on occasions. But be prepared. The smart ones will ask where your legal residency is and then you are snookered. You can't be legally resident in both places and no matter what you say - they got you.

blackcateddie

Check your warranty - for some reason most electrical stuff in the US is sold to South America and US so warranties don't cover Europe. We bought the kids Nintendo DS's last year from NintendoWorld in NY and when one went kerput the Uk didn't want to know.

Caramelapplebetty

If you can get out of the City to an outlet Mall then they are worth a visit. Chelsea Premium Outlets have a website and if you register they send you a discount voucher. Cosmetics, particularly Clinique, are virtually the same price in dollars as they are in pounds. Give Walmart, KMart and Target a visit too! I am currently saving as we are off to the west coast next easter - oh and always take an empty bag or suitcase within a suitcase - you will need it.

Derv_2

saleofthecentury wrote:

Obviously I can't go too bonkers with the import duty limit of £145 (ish?)

My daughter is returning to the UK next week after living in the US for over 12 months. Does anyone know if the import duty limits will still apply ?