Buying from US

[lionelpcn]

So, under which schedule will batteries be for instance? and lenses?

 

[swift412]

For (used) lenses, according to my invoice from customs:
"9002.11 FOR CAMERAS, PROJECTORS OR PHOTOGRAPHIC ENLARGERS OR REDUCERS"

I don't have one for batteries, but for my battery charger:
"9006.91 FOR CAMERAS"

My second hand camera itself fell under:
"8525.40 STILL IMAGE VIDEO CAMERAS AND OTHER VIDEO CAMERA RECORDERS; DIGITAL CAMERAS"

 

[lionelpcn]

cool. tnx. should help somewhat.

 

[bwana]

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.

The charger for my XTi is auto switching but has a non-removable US two prong plug on it.

I shop from B&H whenever possible. In fact I wouldnt trust anyone else.

 

[swift412]

The charger for my XTi is auto switching but has a non-removable US two prong plug on it.

I shop from B&H whenever possible. In fact I wouldnt trust anyone else.

Not even Adorama or keh.com?

 

[bwana]

Not even Adorama or keh.com?

They're well respected but when I'm dropping all those dollars at a time I trust B&H because they've earned it.

 

[swift412]

They're well respected but when I'm dropping all those dollars at a time I trust B&H because they've earned it.

I see

 

[za1]

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.

well if you cheat SARS and customs then you going to be cheaper than your local hardware supplier.
there is no way a camera declared at a value of $460 comes to duties and VAT of only R258

 

[noxibox]

When I compared DSLR prices it simply was not worth importing.

The most overpriced camera brand in SA is Nikon.

Really? The ones I looked at were in line with the Canon prices.

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.

You can find the PDFs on the SARS site. I forget exactly where, but they are there.

 

[Jola]

Really? The ones I looked at were in line with the Canon prices.

Really ? I have never found a comparable relationship between Nikon Local / Nikon Overseas and Canon Local / Canon Overseas. Specifically wrt to digital bodies, it sometimes differs wrt lenses and flashes. Eg the Canon EX580 is completely overpriced in SA, and is best imported.

 

[mikef]

Really ? I have never found a comparable relationship between Nikon Local / Nikon Overseas and Canon Local / Canon Overseas. Specifically wrt to digital bodies, it sometimes differs wrt lenses and flashes. Eg the Canon EX580 is completely overpriced in SA, and is best imported.

You could also consider buying from Coza1Digital. I have not yet bought anything from him myself but he seems to have great ratings. He basically imports on your behalf and also takes care of any warranty issues. I have not done much research but I suspect his prices are not much more than importing yourself.

For example his price on the Canon EX580 is currently R3995.
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/17948454/Canon_Speedlite_580EX_II_Flash.html

 

[PeterCH]

Expandore.com is great. I've used them physically. They have a nice little showroom.

Only for video though, but you can buy tripods there too.

 

[HelenOster]

Not even Adorama or keh.com?

I guess we'll just have to try harder, then!

 

[Kdes]

Im also looking at buying from the USA

Hi Guys

Can you helo me with this i am to looking at buying from the USA.

I am looking to buy 2 lenses and a hood from www.bhphotovideo.com

So please check me with this.

70-200mm f4 @ $639
50mm 1.8 @ $100
Hood @ $20
Total - $759 x 7.4(exchange)
= R5616.6

UPS Shipping @ $107 = R791.8

So will i be looking at an extra 21-22% for import duties and vat?

so will it be R5616.6 + 22% = R6852.3
and then add the shipping of R791.8

so i will pay a total of 7644.1 for everything?

 

[SubliminalThought]

There are no duties on lenses. Only VAT which is calculated on goods cost + 10%. So -

5616 + 0.14 * (1.10 * 5616) = 6515.484 + shipping = 7307.284

You will probably pay +- R100 to UPS/DHL as a handling fee. Contact them to tell them the goods is optic lenses and there are no duties and give them the tracking number to make sure you are not charged duties.

 

[Krypty]

There are no duties on lenses. Only VAT which is calculated on goods cost + 10%. So -

5616 + 0.14 * (1.10 * 5616) = 6515.484 + shipping = 7307.284

You will probably pay +- R100 to UPS/DHL as a handling fee. Contact them to tell them the goods is optic lenses and there are no duties and give them the tracking number to make sure you are not charged duties.

Correct

 

[gregmcc]

Thought I'd just add to this thread instead of starting a new one.

Been looking at buying local vs from the USA, and from my calculations is more expensive importing it.

Looking at getting a Canon 1100D + 18-55 IS II Lens Kit. The cheapest I can find it locally is R5453.

From B&H its $500 - then add 20% duties (I think that's correct) and around $100 shipping and it comes to a tad over R5600.

Had anyone imported recently? - it sucks with the $ exchange rate.

 

[Jola]

That is correct, at the moment it seems to be better to buy local than to import.

But this is due to the FX rate, and local prices will start to rise (eg iPad prices).