We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

Help? Buying an engagement ring online(USA)?

Lsupwtig
Lsupwtig Posts: 3 Newbie
edited 3 January 2012 at 10:18AM in Marriage, relationships & families
Hello, I'm hoping someone can give me some advice...

I'm going to order an engagement ring online from an American company - we've used them before, so happy with them.

The cost is roughly £5,000.

What is the best way to pay for it- in terms of exchange rates, costs, protection etc?

I have a Barclaycard VISA and Natwest debit card... which would be best, or any other suggestions?

Thank you.

Comments

  • Pollycat
    Pollycat Posts: 36,224 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Savvy Shopper!
    Have you considered if the price is still good value after having to pay Customs Duty and Import Vat on a ring worth £5K?
  • VfM4meplse
    VfM4meplse Posts: 34,269 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    Lsupwtig wrote: »
    I'm going to order an engagement ring online from an American company - we've used them before, so happy with them.
    Which company, and are they ethically sourced? I have heard that the Kimberley process is not considered up to much by the UN. Sorry to detract from your happiness.
    Value-for-money-for-me-puhleeze!

    "No man is worth, crawling on the earth"- adapted from Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio

    Hope is not a strategy :D...A child is for life, not just 18 years....Don't get me started on the NHS, because you won't win...I love chaz-ing!
  • Hello, thanks for the replies... I am happy with the import duty/VAT and also happy with the origin of the diamond.

    As I said, we've used them before - usually when we're in the US... but this time I'm unable to get out there.
  • Pollycat
    Pollycat Posts: 36,224 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Savvy Shopper!
    I think you have more protection with a credit card transaction than a debit card.

    Not sure how exchange rates will affect the cards though.
  • I was thinking my CC would be better, but not sure if I'll be charged fees for buying in US dollars.
  • Pollycat
    Pollycat Posts: 36,224 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Savvy Shopper!
    Best thing would be to check with your cc provider re fees.

    You be as well doing that anyway if you decide to pay that way so they are aware that there'll be a big transaction going on, otherwise they may block payment.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.4K Life & Family
  • 261.5K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.