Can I buy something in America?

jarr

Thinking of buying an apple watch when I go to America next month. If I want to buy it online when in America do I use my debit card and will it work?

richardw

Use the same card you plan to use as the customs duty payment when you go through the red channel 'something to declare' at the UK arrival airport.

EssexExile

Surely if you buy it online it doesn't matter where you are? Except of course it will be delivered to the address the card is registered at, once you've paid the duty.

peachyprice

You should just be able to scrape through customs with a bottom of the range model at today's exchange rate, $549 = £351, the limit for goods is £390.

But if you order it online they're likely not to accept a non-US credit/debit card and/or will only ship to the registered address which could attract customs and duty when it arrives.

Can't you buy it in-store there?

zagfles

peachyprice wrote: »

You should just be able to scrape through customs with a bottom of the range model at today's exchange rate, $549 = £351, the limit for goods is £390.

Assuming the OP doesn't buy anything else to take home for over £40...

Kernow666

i have bought things online when i have been in america and have them delivered to my hotel whilst there without any problems

silvercar

Apple sport watch is $349 (compared to £299 here) so well within the customs limit.

jarr

I want to buy the cheapest apple watch. They don't allow you to order outside the UK for one in U.S. Stores. The reason I don't want to buy instore is incase they are sold out. So I was gonna order when I got out there then pick up instore.


Btw I don't understand the anything to declare thing. What's that?

SW17

jarr wrote: »

I want to buy the cheapest apple watch. They don't allow you to order outside the UK for one in U.S. Stores. The reason I don't want to buy instore is incase they are sold out. So I was gonna order when I got out there then pick up instore.


Btw I don't understand the anything to declare thing. What's that?

Perhaps you should go to the store first when you get there, and see if they have stock, which would save you the whole online effort.

Regarding declaration, the law does not allow you to bring unlimited amounts of overseas-bought goods (from outside the EU) back to the UK without paying the appropriate duty/excise. Beyond your alcohol / tobacco / perfume allowance, you may bring the equivalent of GBP 390 of goods into the UK tax-free. See here for more

https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu

You have the choice to declare goods above this amount and you may or may not be charged extra at the discretion of the customs officer, or you can take the risk and go through the green channel.

jarr

Haven't really got the time to go the malls. We usually go during the middle of the holidays. I'm not gonna get a bus just to check stock.