How much will $1299 USD cost me in GBP if I put it on my AMEX Credit Card?

tonynz

Girlfriend going to the States for ten days and I want her to bring back a new Macbook.

It's always difficult but I think I need to pay an extra 2.9% on top of the $1299 - So can I assume that I will need to pay about £840+ £25 = £875 in total?

Anyone know what's the best way to work it out or buy a laptop there?

I have an American Express Platinum Credit Card if that helps.

OllyM

There is a calculator available on the American Express website, log in to your account and click 'Foreign Transaction Calculator'.

TadleyBaggie

Don't forget it needs to be declared to customs when she returns...

spadoosh

Take into account a new charger lead, no guarantee from supplier (though apple are very good with this stuff) exchange rates.

Its £830 on xe.com so id say add another 20 quid or so to take into account of 'retail exchange rates' also you have the possibility of inport taxes.

Do you not know a student who can get the 10% off apple.com/uk??

Also which macbook is it your after?!

dzug1

I think it's 2.99%, not 2.9.

But (assuming Amex use a rate similar to Visa's) the exchange rate is a little better than the one you've used. 1.58 today

And don't forget US sales tax - it's not reclaimable (except in Indiana) and unlikely to be included in any price quoted - and any customs charges here.

tonynz

OllyM wrote: »

There is a calculator available on the American Express website, log in to your account and click 'Foreign Transaction Calculator'.

Ahh found it - thanks. Never seen this before!

Currency Conversion Rate 1.564
Currency Conversion Commission 2.99%
Currency Commission Amount £24.83
Total Amount £855.39*

tonynz

spadoosh wrote: »

Take into account a new charger lead, no guarantee from supplier (though apple are very good with this stuff) exchange rates.

Its £830 on xe.com so id say add another 20 quid or so to take into account of 'retail exchange rates' also you have the possibility of inport taxes.

Do you not know a student who can get the 10% off apple.com/uk??

Also which macbook is it your after?!

Macbook Air - I should have a adaptor lead lying around somewhere but it's about £1000 here with heavy discounts so about £150 worth of savings... not that much...

spadoosh

i get it to about £900 for the entry 13" but depends what youve added, not sure if there still doing a free ipod touch aswell in the uk stores?!?

£150 better in your pocket or are you only getting it because 'its too good to say no?'

tonynz

spadoosh wrote: »

i get it to about £900 for the entry 13" but depends what youve added, not sure if there still doing a free ipod touch aswell in the uk stores?!?

£150 better in your pocket or are you only getting it because 'its too good to say no?'

In the UK with discounts (HE or 10% Discount code) - it's about £989.10 (and about another 1.5% Quidco on top - not guaranteed)


USA: Macbook Air 13" 128GB = USD$1299
and:
Currency Conversion Rate 1.564
Currency Conversion Commission 2.99%
Currency Commission Amount £24.83
Total Amount £855.39*


So savings of about £134

However - my gf will need to throw away the boxes just so we don't get stung with custom taxes.

As my gf have said to me many times - "Are the boxes worth £130 to you" ?

OllyM

Remember that you'll have to add 6-10% sales tax to the $1299 unless she's buying it from one of the very few no sales tax states. Oh and Apple has a Black Friday sale on this Friday in the UK

tonynz

OllyM wrote: »

Remember that you'll have to add 6-10% sales tax to the $1299 unless she's buying it from one of the very few no sales tax states. Oh and Apple has a Black Friday sale on this Friday in the UK

Thanks! Just worked it out and it's about £70-£80 difference, not worth it if I have to throw away the boxes and run around customs.... getting it in the UK.

• Cart subtotal $1,299.00
• Free Shipping $0.00
• Estimated Tax $77.94
• Total $1,376.94