Laptop from USA...

[MJB]

I am receiving a Laptop from the USA as a gift. What is the best way to get it sent here to SA and how does the duties, tax etc. work?

What is the best way?

Thanks

 

[simple_simon]

send it to my anon post office box. i promise i will pass it on as soon as possible

 

[bwana]

I am receiving a Laptop from the USA as a gift. What is the best way to get it sent here to SA and how does the duties, tax etc. work?

What is the best way?

Thanks

I sometimes use DHL - they liaise with with customs and charge you for the duty etc on delivery.

Is who ever is sending it out going to have it in their possession before is gets sent out? Second hand goods often squeak-by unscathed.

 

[MJB]

I sometimes use DHL - they liaise with with customs and charge you for the duty etc on delivery.

Is who ever is sending it out going to have it in their possession before is gets sent out? Second hand goods often squeak-by unscathed.

Thanks for the help here...

Yes, they are going to have it first and then send it here.

 

[ap0c]

Just be aware if you import second hand goods you need special clearance. If they stop it at customs...say goodbye.

 

[bwana]

Just be aware if you import second hand goods you need special clearance. If they stop it at customs...say goodbye.

What do you mean? My mac mini was technically second hand and I didnt have any problems apart from the seasonal delays (it was xmas time).

 

[ap0c]

Legally, if you want to import 2nd hand goods, you need special clearance for it. Otherwise everybody would be importing 2nd hand goods into SA and it would be difficult to ascertain the correct value of the items.

If they decide to stop your items at customs, and you mark it as 2nd hand, you WILL have problems. When I say problems I mean, you will not get your items without the permit (and you have to organise the permit prior to shipment)

Yes your items might not be stopped at customs, and you will get it through with no problems, however just be aware of all the risks before you try do this.

Just trying to help out by giving some advice from somebody that does this stuff daily.

 

[bwana]

Legally, if you want to import 2nd hand goods, you need special clearance for it. Otherwise everybody would be importing 2nd hand goods into SA and it would be difficult to ascertain the correct value of the items.

If they decide to stop your items at customs, and you mark it as 2nd hand, you WILL have problems. When I say problems I mean, you will not get your items without the permit (and you have to organise the permit prior to shipment)

Yes your items might not be stopped at customs, and you will get it through with no problems, however just be aware of all the risks before you try do this.

Just trying to help out by giving some advice from somebody that does this stuff daily.

Sorry - I should have been clearer but my stuff was stopped by customs and was indicated as being second hand and I had not problems apart from the delay caused by xmas.

Another labelling that has served me well is "Replacement for damaged goods - not for resale"

Customs is a crap shoot but generally if it comes in via courier it will get inspected, unlike airmail that often seems to get overlooked. Much more risk involved though.