Buying a Samsung tablet in Asia -cheaper?

vicker

Off to Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam next month.

I want a Samsung tablet too - not for the travel, but for UK use.

Will one of these countries offer a better deal to purchase than UK prices? Warranties still valid in UK? And better to purchase in airport shop on the way out of the country or in the electronic shopping area of the capital city?

Thanks all

richardw

How will you know that they aren't selling you a very good fake?

19lottie82

Stay away would be my advice. However you should be able to purchase one tax free on your departure from a UK airport

Doshwaster

I was passing through Bangkok airport recently as was very tempted by a Samsung Tab that was on display in one of the shops there - but in the end decided not to take the plunge (and went to spend some money in the bar instead)

I wouldn't trust any electronics (or anything at all for that matter) bought on a market stall in SE Asia but as long as you go to a proper retailer then you should be OK. Just make sure you get a worldwide warranty. Where the cheapest would be and whether you are going to save much money is debatable as there is so much variation in exchange rates and taxes.

Of course, you are going to declare your purchase to UK customs on your return aren't you?!

callum9999

richardw wrote: »

How will you know that they aren't selling you a very good fake?

You do realise that Asia is no longer in the dark-age, and have superstores nowadays don't you?

Doshwaster

If you are passing through Bangkok then the best place to look would be in the MBK mall (http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-mall/mbk.htm) which has one floor with nothing but hundreds of electronics retailers.

richardw

callum9999 wrote: »

You do realise that Asia is no longer in the dark-age, and have superstores nowadays don't you?

Yes Asia has all kinds of retailers, and there can be fake electronics in fake superstores.

malkie76

callum9999 wrote: »

You do realise that Asia is no longer in the dark-age, and have superstores nowadays don't you?

Yes, fake ones http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14503724

zaksmum

What if it packs up the minute you get home? You'll have a job chasing up the guarantee!

SaveTheEuro

19lottie82 wrote: »

Stay away would be my advice. However you should be able to purchase one tax free on your departure from a UK airport

There was a time when Dixons at the airport sold goods with the equivalent of VAT taken off but these days their prices are only a little cheaper than in the High Street.

Enterprise_1701C

Doshwaster wrote: »

If you are passing through Bangkok then the best place to look would be in the MBK mall (http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-mall/mbk.htm) which has one floor with nothing but hundreds of electronics retailers.

Been there, not entirely sure I would trust electronics retailers there but there is A LOT. The size of this mall has to be seen to be believed!

Hong Kong is good, we bought a lot of electricals there, Nathan Road is the best place for electricals. We bought several bits out there that were perfectly good. So long as they have an international guarantee you are alright.

Bear in mind though that you may end up having to pay tax at the airport as well as VAT, so they have to be considerably cheaper to make sure it is worth it. That said, a lot of people on our flight had a LOT of electricals and no-one got stopped!