Buying in duty free on return to uk from us/canada

quickshot89 · 10 Aug 2011 at 20:47

So while I'm in duty free over in Canada and then the states, I'd like to get myself the iPad 2. So far if I walked into an apple store here I would save around £45 tops, however if possible, I'd like to buy one when I can get it with no tax. Has anyone had any experience doing this? Or can I order state side and pick it up once I land back in the uk, or even go to the dixons and get one there?

daz · 10 Aug 2011 at 20:49

You should really declare it when you get back to customs at the airport, where you'll pay duty and VAT.

A lot of people get rid of the box and other bits and pieces and simply claim (if asked) that they took it out there with them.

Sin_Chase · 10 Aug 2011 at 20:51

I have never, ever, EVER declared a purchase I made out of the country and brought back with me. Who does?

Bennie-Mac · 10 Aug 2011 at 21:28

Get me an Asus Eee Pad Transformer with dock, I'm good for the money boss I swear!

quickshot89 · 11 Aug 2011 at 00:29

Ok let me rephrase, is it possible to order from the dixons duty free and collect the item/ pay once I land back in heathrow

Bennie-Mac · 11 Aug 2011 at 00:33

I don't think it gives you the option to reserve and collect at duty free dixons. If that's what I understand you wish to do.

Which airport are you flying out of Canada/US from?

MagicBoy · 11 Aug 2011 at 00:34

Don't believe so, you can however pre-order and collect when you fly out.

The Shop is usually located in Departures, therefore cannot be accessed when arriving back in the UK.

I'd check the price abroad and see if you can pick one up out there. I saved over £300 (over 25%) on a MacBook Pro bought in Florida back in 2006 even with the local sales tax added on. Apple warranties are International so no worries there.

Gibbs-UK · 11 Aug 2011 at 00:39

If you were to get caught bringing in such item, do you just pay for the 20% of VAT on what you paid or what it is worth in the UK.

For example, if I were to bring in an electrical item or a few cartons of ciggy's, for lets just say I paid £20 for an item would I pay 20% on top or the retail value of that item in the UK is say £40 and pay the tax of the £40

Anyone know how it works?

MagicBoy · 11 Aug 2011 at 00:54

You pay VAT on the ex-VAT price paid abroad at the current HMRC exchange rate. Certain items eg cigs, booze and certain other items also have an additional import duty on them, then the VAT is charged on top. Laptops, iPads don't fall into this category some other electronics eg Cameras, TVs do.

quickshot89 · 11 Aug 2011 at 01:05

I'm going Winnipeg -> Chicago -> heathrow.

Chicago is my best bet for getting one I think, but I can't find a shop directory for them at all

Bennie-Mac · 11 Aug 2011 at 01:18

If it's ohare international then it seems you won't be able to get one as nowhere sells it.

If I were in your position I'd buy one in either Canada or the US depending on wherever has the cheapest exchange rate, and just don't declare it. Remove it from the box if you feel the need to. Put the box in your partners luggage if you want to keep it.

POB · 11 Aug 2011 at 08:39

Dixons tax free at Heathrow is not tax free, they just seem to charge random prices that are a bit less then the UK, but the iPad should still be cheaper in the USA.

Tomsk · 11 Aug 2011 at 08:46

Gibbs-UK said:
If you were to get caught bringing in such item, do you just pay for the 20% of VAT on what you paid or what it is worth in the UK.

For example, if I were to bring in an electrical item or a few cartons of ciggy's, for lets just say I paid £20 for an item would I pay 20% on top or the retail value of that item in the UK is say £40 and pay the tax of the £40

Anyone know how it works?

You would have to pay the Customs duty, VAT on the item AND Customs Duty (pay tax on the tax!). You might also have to pay a fine and could even have the item confiscated (still have to pay the taxes and fine!)

stoofa · 11 Aug 2011 at 10:28

Declare or Not Declare isn't just a gamble where you decide to go through the Green Channel and if you get caught you say "Ahh, you caught me - here is the duty".
If you go through Green when it should have been red, if you are caught then as above says you face the risk of confiscation and fines.

Otherwise everyone would just go through Green and chance it.

You have the option - fess-up and pay the correct duty etc.
Or risk it, probably get through fine, but run the risk of fines etc.

Gibbs-UK · 11 Aug 2011 at 22:30

Tomsk said:
You would have to pay the Customs duty, VAT on the item AND Customs Duty (pay tax on the tax!). You might also have to pay a fine and could even have the item confiscated (still have to pay the taxes and fine!)

so if I were to pay £4 for a carton, how much would I be paying?

MagicBoy · 11 Aug 2011 at 22:41

A carton of what?

Tomsk · 11 Aug 2011 at 22:49

Gibbs-UK said:
so if I were to pay £4 for a carton, how much would I be paying?

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...ent&id=HMCE_PROD_009989&propertyType=document

Out of date, but a reasonable guide.

Gibbs-UK · 11 Aug 2011 at 23:10

So a carton of cigs is £14 then I would be paying around £20 a carton after payng tax (50%)

Energize · 11 Aug 2011 at 23:59

Assuming you paid cash there's literally no chance of them finding out you bought it when you were there, short of putting your face on the national news.

Gibbs-UK · 12 Aug 2011 at 00:15

Energize said:
Assuming you paid cash there's literally no chance of them finding out you bought it when you were there, short of putting your face on the national news.

So paying cash with no reciept means I would be paying for amount given by the customs agent