Buying the new 16" Macbook Pro from Canada while on holiday and bringing it back

[TranceMessiah]

Hi there!

I'm planning to buy the new Macbook Pro from Canada while away this Christmas because it's cheaper (saving me about ~£300 on the spec I want). What do I need to know when flying back? I was thinking of unpackaging it obviously and keeping it in my carry on. Will I need to pay tax on it when I arrive back in the UK? Has anyone done it?

Anything else I need to know?

Thanks

 

[Howard2k]

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

Also be aware of warranty information.
Your MacBook Pro may also request that you drive on the other side of the road. Don't listen to it!

 

[Dovahkiing]

I would ditch the box since you’re over the duty free allowance. Like you said, just unpack it and put it in your carry on. If anyone asks you, just say you brought it with you from the UK (nobody will ask you).

 

[jerryk]

Keyboard is different and is missing characters.

Warranty like Howard mentions.

Also potential resale in the UK might be lower since it is a grey market product.

 

[TranceMessiah]

Thanks for the help! Seems like the warranty on the MBP is international (unlike the iPhone which is country-specific).

 

[annk]

The party line is that purchases over a certain amount should be declared, but the reality is that everyone travels with electronics, and it's simply not possible to stop everyone carrying a laptop and ask where they bought it and when.

If you're buying it for a small business, just be aware that you likely won't be able to deduct the expense unless you do everything by the book (depending on the rules/laws where you live, I suppose).