Irish, buying in america...

[declanjh]

Hi. I'm in the market for a MBP. I'm irish so i'm looking into buying it in america as there's a substantial price difference. (A friend of mine is a pilot and is regularly in NYC/Boston/Chicago)

I have a few questions...

Will i run into any trouble using apple care if i've bought my MBP in another country?

Do i have to pay extra tax doing it this way?

I've heard of something called 'sales tax'(?) or something, in some states. Is this already included in the price on the apple store website?

Thank you for any help or advice you can give me!

Declan.

 

[swiftaw]

1) Applecare on laptops is international, so you shouldn't have any problems.

2) Technically, you would have to pay import duty on it when you return to Ireland

3) US sales tax is not included in the prices shown on apple's website. The amount of sales tax varies from state to state and even from town to town.

 

[teflon]

I would suggest you buying in a city where the sales tax is the least. A quick google shows that Chicago is 9%, NYC is 8.375% and Boston is 5%. It seems that you don't have to pay tax for electronics in Boston, but i'm not sure . I'm sure our fellow Americans friends can confirm that .
As for the tax upon bring it to Ireland, its up to you to report it or not. If you toss the box, load some pics/documents on it, you'll most likely get through.

 

[swiftaw]

It seems that you don't have to pay tax for electronics in Boston, but i'm not sure . I'm sure our fellow Americans friends can confirm that .

Yeah, you have to pay tax on electronics in Boston. However, if you can somehow get to Salem, NH (less than an hour north of boston) there is an Apple store there and NH has no sales tax.

 

[Macky-Mac]

1) One thing to remember with applecare is that with a USA bought laptop, you might have to wait for parts to be shipped to Ireland should you need repairs, especially for parts that are different than what apple sells where you live.

2) If by "extra" tax you mean both your country's VAT AND the sales tax in the USA where you buy the computer, then yes, you'll pay "extra" tax (assuming you do everything legally)

3) as others have already said, the prices you see advertised in the USA don't include the local sales tax.

 

[Peterkro]

Yeah, you have to pay tax on electronics in Boston. However, if you can somehow get to Salem, NH (less than an hour north of boston) there is an Apple store there and NH has no sales tax.

Yes good idea hop up to the Rockingham Mall just over the border in New Hampshire,no sales tax.

 

[mpw]

...Will i run into any trouble using apple care if i've bought my MBP in another country?...

1) One thing to remember with applecare is that with a USA bought laptop, you might have to wait for parts to be shipped to Ireland should you need repairs, especially for parts that are different than what apple sells where you live....

What parts would differ? All I can think of is the keyboard, which if it needed replacing you could swap for a UK layout unless you really want the US for any reason.

I don't think you'll have any warranty troubles.

...Do i have to pay extra tax doing it this way?...

...2) Technically, you would have to pay import duty on it when you return to Ireland...

No import duty, just VAT.

 

[swiftaw]

No import duty, just VAT.

From here: http://www.revenue.ie/leaflets/pn1878.pdf

"When travellers return to Ireland from another country, having purchased goods there, they may be liable to pay import charges (Customs Duty, Excise Duty where applicable and VAT) at the airport or seaport of arrival. Depending on where the travellers are coming from and the type and value of goods that they have purchased and have in their possession, a certain amount of relief is available from these charges. This Guide outlines the relief available and how it may be obtained. "

 

[mpw]

From here: http://www.revenue.ie/leaflets/pn1878.pdf

"When travellers return to Ireland from another country, having purchased goods there, they may be liable to pay import charges (Customs Duty, Excise Duty where applicable and VAT) at the airport or seaport of arrival. Depending on where the travellers are coming from and the type and value of goods that they have purchased and have in their possession, a certain amount of relief is available from these charges. This Guide outlines the relief available and how it may be obtained. "

Lap tops are zero rated, as are desk tops. If you get an iPod they'll be 3% Duty + VAT.

 

[swiftaw]

Lap tops are zero rated, as are desk tops. If you get an iPod they'll be 3% Duty + VAT.

Interesting, is that the same for all EU countries?

 

[mpw]

Interesting, is that the same for all EU countries?

I believe so Duty-wise, VAT %s obviously vary.

 

[Eric Lewis]

well

if your just for the iPod...brought the iPod with headphones..and somehow got some music on it..there not going to do anything