Buying from US

[lionelpcn]

Im looking to import a camera from US since it's cheaper. I am fine with the idea of SA guys not honoring the warranty. Don't mind.

What else should I look for? What to do about the voltage difference etc?

 

[MadMailMan]

I think most power supplies are auto switching between 110 and 220v these days. What camera is it? Worst case you have to buy a new SA power supply. You will still save a k@k load.

 

[Krypty]

Look at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ there are plenty of us who have imported from them and they are much cheaper than local.

Just remember if you import a camera all customs duties VAT comes to around 21 - 22 %

On lenses is only 14%

*guys please let me know if I am wrong on this

 

[Jola]

Look at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ there are plenty of us who have imported from them and they are much cheaper than local.

Just remember if you import a camera all customs duties VAT comes to around 21 - 22 %

On lenses is only 14%

*guys please let me know if I am wrong on this

It's all correct !

There is also a small amount of Clearing Fees, etc, charged by the courier company.

But do your sums, sometimes it's better to buy local. For example, some of the Canon cameras are priced in such a way that it is not worth importing. I would say that if the price difference is less than 10%, then buy local for the warranty.

 

[lionelpcn]

Aparently cameras are duty free though there's a clearance fee and VAT that need to be paid.

RE the charger, that would be awesome if it's autoswitching.

 

[lionelpcn]

Had a look and yes. My current 1000D's charger is autoswitching. Im definitely comparing prices between local and US and will certainly not import unless it's really worth the savings.

 

[Jola]

Aparently cameras are duty free though there's a clearance fee and VAT that need to be paid.

Nope, there is an additional duty on cameras, something like 7% or 8%.

Bargain on a total cost of 21% to 22% on cameras.

Lenses are duty-free, you only pay VAT (& clearance fee).

 

[lionelpcn]

I see. Is there somewhere I can find a duty schedule?

 

[MadMailMan]

Had a look and yes. My current 1000D's charger is autoswitching. Im definitely comparing prices between local and US and will certainly not import unless it's really worth the savings.

So what you buying huh, huh??? I'm just jealous because I am sooooo tempted to buy a new lense from the US. I got a friend who can bring it back for me next week.

You may just need to get one of those international adapters if the power adapter plugs straight into the wall socket otherwise hak off the plug and put on a Snapper.

 

[Jola]

Look on the SARS website, but it's one of the worse websites out there, not easy to find stuff.

I have imported cameras & lenses recently, maybe I can quote the codes for you tonight, I'll try to remember.


Note : They sell USA flat pin -> Euro round pin adapters for R20 at Mica, but quite poor quality. B&H sell better ones for USD4.

 

[lionelpcn]

Lol I feel like NASA now. Instead of using a pencil they spent millions developing a special space pen. I will have bought an adapter instead of just changing the plug. lol

 

[lionelpcn]

Look on the SARS website, but it's one of the worse websites out there, not easy to find stuff.

I have imported cameras & lenses recently, maybe I can quote the codes for you tonight, I'll try to remember.


Note : They sell USA flat pin -> Euro round pin adapters for R20 at Mica, but quite poor quality. B&H sell better ones for USD4.

Cool, that will be graeat. tnx.

 

[SubliminalThought]

Look at this thread. It has all the calculations you need to work out what needs to be paid.

In effect there are 3 amounts that get paid. Duties, Excise and VAT. On lenses the only amount payable is VAT... but the VAT is payable on the (Cost + 10%). On Cameras there is Duties to be paid as well. Check the thread its more detailed.

Always do your calcs. Depending on what you importing you can save R1000's. On the mainstream cams p&s and DSLR its not worth it. On your higher end p&s there is some saving. Also some brands are overpriced in SA. Particularly Sony. So there you might score.

 

[Jola]

Also some brands are overpriced in SA. Particularly Sony. So there you might score.

The most overpriced camera brand in SA is Nikon.

 

[lionelpcn]

I agree and what's worse is that it doesn't stop there. Everything in this country is way overpriced.

 

[Jow]

I would also recommend buying from Hong-Kong based shops via EBay.
I just purchased a Canon S90 for $460. It came with extra mini-tripod, pouch and battery. They shipped it via DHL so i received the camera 6 days after payment. Duty + vat etc was R258. So in total it cost me about R3800. The same camera costs R4800 EX VAT from a local computer hardware supplier.

 

[SubliminalThought]

Which ebay shop was that? Most of the hong kong shops use EMS Postal Service and I've lost a package... about R1000. Very hesitant to do that again. Now I'll only buy using tracked couriered shipping.

 

[Jow]

This particular sellers id is citiwide-online. From what I read, they use DHL, Fedex etc for shipping camera orders, and Hong Kong post for shipping accessories. I've bought lenses sent from Hong Kong via regular post without any issues in the past. A reputable seller will give you full purchase protection from ebay/paypal in the event of item not arriving or not as per description.

 

[Krypty]

Look at this thread. It has all the calculations you need to work out what needs to be paid.

In effect there are 3 amounts that get paid. Duties, Excise and VAT. On lenses the only amount payable is VAT... but the VAT is payable on the (Cost + 10%). On Cameras there is Duties to be paid as well. Check the thread its more detailed.

Always do your calcs. Depending on what you importing you can save R1000's. On the mainstream cams p&s and DSLR its not worth it. On your higher end p&s there is some saving. Also some brands are overpriced in SA. Particularly Sony. So there you might score.

Thanks I was searching for this thread.

 

[lionelpcn]

Yes, after examining for a bit I must say its pretty nice to know all that. Now I'd like to know where I can find a complete rate schedule.