Bringing a Mac Book back from the states

loopylou · 18 Jun 2008 at 12:57

Hi, my brother and his girlfriend are going to America on the weekend and said they would bring a MacBook back for me.

My brother is just planning on chucking it into his rucksack on the way home and leaving the boxes behind with her family.

If he get rumbled bringing it back in will they have the pay the VAT even if his girlfriend is American (dual nationality) and she will claim it as hers?

HarryPainful · 18 Jun 2008 at 13:00

I'm doing the same in August so I will be interested in the outcome

I imagine you should be able to walk by with it, if its not boxed then its not as obvious.

iraiguana · 18 Jun 2008 at 13:02

if it out of the box then they will not think twice about it.

HarryPainful · 18 Jun 2008 at 13:06

iraiguana said:
if it out of the box then they will not think twice about it.

Will_3rd · 18 Jun 2008 at 13:08

just bring it back without the box/packaging should be fine

iraiguana · 18 Jun 2008 at 13:58

I simply mean that you will not look like you have purchased it whilst you were out there if you did not have it in the box/have the box with you.

I have known of people to bring items back without issue.

gumbald · 18 Jun 2008 at 14:25

Yeah, take all the packaging off and boot it up so it doesn't look entirely new. Don't they spot check laptops these days?

HarryPainful · 18 Jun 2008 at 14:28

That's what I am planning on doing.

If I need the box I could have my girlfriend post it to me but I am moving to NY next year so I don't think it will be needed.

OpenToSuggestions · 18 Jun 2008 at 14:30

you will be fine. Just make sure with goods (especially clothes/shoes) there no label on them still in dollars!

peter_hutson · 18 Jun 2008 at 16:57

I did exactlly this in Decemeber. I chucked the packaging and had no problems. It you are really worried, boot up the computer and chuck a few files on the desktop. The last thing you want is the Apple "First boot tutorial" popping up in the unlikely event that you get a very thorough customs chap.

iSam · 18 Jun 2008 at 17:18

As said, make it look like you have used it for ages.

My Dad brought a guitar back from the states for me, he put it in a second hand case that looked well used and slung it on his back so he looked like a rockstar. Worked perfectly.