Pay custom imac using cash only

A) you can't use cash to buy from the online store.
B) you can't buy from the American online store without an American address.
C) customs at your departure airport aren't going to let you fly with an iMac in your suitcase.

 

Built-to-order iMacs must be paid by card/PayPal etc etc. and cannot be ordered then picked up from your local Apple Store to pay cash. You have to pay for the iMac when you order it, not when you pick it up. Whether you pay cash or card, you still have to pay sales tax.

As for customs, whether it goes hand luggage or checked luggage, US customs will pull out your bag and won't let you travel with a PC in luggage. Not to mention the risk of the iMac getting damaged in transit. An iPhone 6 is different because it's a pocket device. A desktop computer is a different matter.

 

To

You won't be able to open a bank account in the US.

 

Your best option would be to buy one of the standard configurations in stock in a store with cash, then ship it home with FedEx/UPS etc.

 

can you load up a visa/master/amex card and pay online?

 

All major US banks require a permanent US address in order to open an account. You also need a primary form of identification that links you to that address. A hotel is not a permanent address and no bank will sign you up to an account when you're only there temporarily on holiday and staying in a hotel.

You're also going to be liable for import duties on anything you bring into Brazil from the US anyway so any benefit you have from buying in America is lost.

 

Baring in mind your spending $2800 and saving $280

Please can you answer these questions:

1/ what happens is you lose the cash or get 'robbed' while in USA?

2/ dont you think the customs officer will think it's a bit strange to have that large amount of cash on you?
Are you prepared for _many hours_ of questioning by said customs officer? Hope you are not in a rush.

3/ what are you going to do when you find your precious iMac was damaged in transit?

4/ is it really worth it, to save 10%?

5/ please can you answer my second post above ^

 

Stores often hold a maxed out configuration in store you'd have to ring around and ask to see what they have in stock at that time in stores local to you when in the US.

 

I think point 2 is a nonsense, honestly. I've walked into the USA with $3000 of cash before now for a three week trip for myself and my wife and nobody has batted an eyelid. That's way below the level of cash you carry that you have to declare.

Customs won't know about it, much less subject you to "hours" of questioning.

 

Simply put you can custom order Macs from the Retail store and pay whatever method you want, they will take care of it (I work there and we've done this numerous times).

Or get a prepaid card, it wont require any additional info. and easy to set-up.

 

I'm sorry you are absolutely correct the limit is now $10,000 before having to declare it on the 6059B form.
I guess I'm speaking from experience at US border control.
Some very very good (had a laugh), once absolutely dreadful (questioned for over an hour by a number of customs staff in a small interview room on my own).
But I'm wrong to put anyone off just because of my personal experience.
My country of origin is UK, not that that should make any difference at all.

 

OP don't forget to factor in the sales tax of whichever State you're buying from. At least in CA, that 7.6% you mention would be a deal around here.

 

Also is there import tax in Mexico?