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ibook tax free for UK traveller?

post #1 of 9
1/15/06 at 8:40pm
Thread Starter 
I know this is not really a technical question, but thought someone might be able to help me:

I am travelling to New York in a week and want to pick up an apple ibook. I won't be able to order on-line but want to see if I can get the ibook tax free from the retail store (I am travelling from the UK).

Can I purchase an ibook tax free?

If so can someone tell me how much of a reduction this is from the retail price.

Cheers
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post #2 of 9
1/15/06 at 9:03pm
i do not think you can . Also you may have problems with customs when returning back to the UK .
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post #3 of 9
1/15/06 at 9:10pm
No you can't. Sales tax in the states is applied on a state by state basis the same way VAT is here. Oh yeah - in the states - tax isn't included like it is in the UK... Its an addition.

So what you should be asking is how much more will I be paying on the retail price... I think its something like 8% in NY - thats still a substantial saving over VAT though.

However, provided you don't do something stupid (like bring back the ibook in its box) you shouldn't have any issues at customs. Just say its yours/you bought it here.

Too many laptops pass through for customs to be any hope of policing them.
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post #4 of 9
1/15/06 at 9:13pm
Get the number for Dixons at Heathrow, they offer good discounts and you don't have to worry about getting stung for taxes on the way back, plus you get an English plug/guarantee etc
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post #5 of 9
1/16/06 at 9:41am
Thread Starter 
Is the issue with US Customs that there is additional duty on computer goods taken out of the US? Or are they trying to prevent people reselling the computers (would be importers?) Sorry if this sounds stupid, I have no idea.

Is there an option for me to purchase the ibook from an electrical store when leaving New York airport (JFK) - once through customs? Or would I still have the same problem as above?

I was wanting to take avantage of the cheaper computer prices in the US. But if I understand correctly, it works out to be more expensive if I purchase in the US:
ibook in the UK is £594 excl VAT = £699 including VAT,
c.f. ibook in US$999 excluding state tax (£588) = $1079 including sales tax (£635)

I am thinking it would be easier, cheaper and wiser (UK gaurantee) to buy the ibook in the UK, take it with me to the US (to get it at Cost excl VAT) and then return with it to the UK.

Is this the best option for me?

Cheers
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post #6 of 9
1/16/06 at 5:18pm
Your post is a little confusing, don't know what c.f. means?

Are you saying you can claim back VAT on your notebook? If you can then buy it at Heathrow Dixons and ask for a VAT reciept.

Dixons (or any airport retailer) do not take the VAT off the price, they say "tax free" but it's not tax free as you can claim the VAT back. Just ring them and get the price.

If you buy a laptop in the US and then get stung on the way back you will pay import duty + VAT.
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post #7 of 9
1/16/06 at 7:42pm
Thread Starter 
Is this what happens when people shop in the states and return with goods / presents to the UK? - kind of puts a downer on shopping whilst on holiday in the states.

c.f. means "compared with"

Dixons don't sock the 12" ibook - this is the one I am looking at.
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post #8 of 9
1/16/06 at 7:51pm
you can always keep an eye out on ebay.co.uk for a powerseller (or other reputable seller) selling a brand new ibook for a discounted price....don't know how much of an option this is for you
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post #9 of 9
1/16/06 at 8:06pm
Thread Starter 
I checked out the Customs website. The limit is £145 worth of goods when returning into the UK before you need to pay duty.

I understand now.
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