Any issues with buying a MBA in the US for use in the UK?

[mstruve]

Hi

I'm going to the States next week and am considering picking up a new MBA while I'm there, as the cost saving is quite significant.

Are there any issues with this? I know I will have to get a new power cable (or at least an adapter), but anything else? Any issues with customs?

Thanks.

 

[neiltc13]

You will need to get the correct plug for the end of the power adapter (but you don't need a whole different power adapter).

You will have to declare the item to customs as it is over £390

 

[mstruve]

You will have to declare the item to customs as it is over £390

Ok thanks. Would I then have to pay duty on it?

Would it be worth taking it all out of the box before I leave and not declare it?

 

[n1tut]

That is the best bet and what I did.

tut

 

[tillsbury]

Did you tell him what the fine was when you were discovered?

You can save even more money by just stealing one from someone already in the UK...

 

[mstruve]

Thanks guys, I think I will risk it as it seems quite unlikely they're going to start investigating a guy carrying one MBA without a box etc.

You can save even more money by just stealing one from someone already in the UK...

good point, thanks. I hadn't thought of that option!

 

[n1tut]

Did you tell him what the fine was when you were discovered?

You can save even more money by just stealing one from someone already in the UK...

Stupid post. If you open it in the USA and use it it is your personal laptop and bring it back with you then that is hardly smuggling.

tut

 

[monty77]

Stupid post. If you open it in the USA and use it it is your personal laptop and bring it back with you then that is hardly smuggling.

tut

But not declaring it is, technically speaking, an offence.

Also the enter key is different on US/GB laptops so:

- I personally dont like the smaller enter key
- It's VERY obvious to customs (should they stop you) that it was not purchased in the UK

 

[WoodNUFC]

But not declaring it is, technically speaking, an offence.

Also the enter key is different on US/GB laptops so:

- I personally dont like the smaller enter key
- It's VERY obvious to customs (should they stop you) that it was not purchased in the UK

I could be remembering this incorrectly, but I was at the Genius Bar at the Covent Garden location and the Genius told me that they had stock with both UK and US keyboard layouts. (That could have just been replacement keyboards though.)

I wonder if a larger US store like the 5th Ave store in NYC would carry inventory with the UK keyboard, if the OP wanted it?

 

[Mrbobb]

Some of the keys will be different but is STILL English.

 

[tillsbury]

Stupid post. If you open it in the USA and use it it is your personal laptop and bring it back with you then that is hardly smuggling.

tut

No it isn't, if you already lived there. But going from the UK to the USA and intentionally buying it there with the intention of bringing it back to the UK and attempting to evade tax certainly is. It's one of the definitions of smuggling.