is USA cheaper???

[dshepsman]

hi guys,

im off to the states tomorrow (got playoff tickets for pittsburg if anyone cares), and was wondering if the graphics cards (mainly the 6600 gfx cards)are cheaper the in the uk.

just a thought

[shiato storm]

current exchange rate is ok for us, so long as you can sneak small stuff thru customs who's gonna know? might get busted if you try with anything quite big. I guess laptops aren't too easy to stop as you could be on a business trip and they could be wrong so I don't think they'd bother to be honest on things like that.
of course if you look and act shifty then you're done-for

[dshepsman]

i was only gonna get a graphics card, and maybe a WoW game card, so nothing that wont fit in a suitcase, unless i get the BIGGEST, PHATEST 6600 CARD in the world EVER... that will require a fork lift to get home

/slaps himself back into reality

[shiato storm]

question you need to ask yourself is could it be considered as a bomb?...
if its in the hold then i think they still scan baggage, only you can't tell them its just a gfx card and they rip all your kit out and chuck the 'bomb' out, possibly damaging anything else in there. if you carry it on hand luggage then at least you could asy its a gift etc., wrapping it in gift wrap may help too, and say its fragile, it'll still get scanned when you head for your terminal departure gate (that converyor belt thingy), and even if they ask to check the package all they'll find is a sealed gfx card in its box (in its bag in its box in fact!).

be warned - don't mess with US airports, they are bigger tan you and will bend you over and cavity search you without hesitation if you give them so much as a hair of a reason to suspect there's more to it than the explanation you've given them. trust me, US border control types are anal to the full...

[Atomic]

If your bringing a new gfx card back strip out all the nice packaging, seperate the driver CDs/games and make it as OEM-looking as possible. Less likely of uk customs paying attention to it then... in the off chance you get stopped.

Definatly take it in hand luggage as you know how its been treated then, never trust baggage handlers (I know ive been one!)

[DaKid]

Customs don't charge any duty for computer equipment. I've checked this previously and have phoned their helpline. I was under the impression that it was to promote import/export business, but the upshot is that computer equipment has zero import duty.

Links:

Look up the code here ...
http://www.uktradeinfo.com/index.cfm?task=computers

Enter into the TARIC code box and click on 'duty rates' here ...
http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_c...archap?Lang=EN

[shiato storm]

well, there you go then. horses mouth anyone?

[BUFF]

some computer related equipment is subject to duty but the biggie to watch out for is VAT.
You are allowed an allowance of something like £136 iirc though before they start charging so a 6600 on its own shouldn't be liable but if you are bringing back other stuff, it totals over that & they find out ...

[khizman]

why are you panicking so much
just chuck it in the suitcase between your clothes, and ask the retailer, if its a small one, to make a fake invoice, otherwise make it before you leave to show it to be under £100!
easy enough

[dshepsman]

thanks guys, im not in the slightest bit worried about bringing any PC equipment back into good old blighty...

anyone want anything while i am there?? a new tower case maybe???
how about a reserator or two??

i know... who wants a 60" plasma screen... should have no probs getting em through customs

"...erm, no officer. its not a TV, its..., eeerrrr, its a giant Pizza gift wrapped for my mate...."

[shiato storm]

...ah but this pizza is still warm 30mins after ordering when it gets to the door!

[dshepsman]

if i can get it through customs, i'll be soooo happy that i'll roll it up and smoke it (and i dont even smoke),

or at least watch movies on it, gloating

[daniel_owen_uk]

Just bring it in hand luggage leave it in all packaging but whatever you do if they ask it only cost £20.

Not that I would condone tax evasion

[dshepsman]

and all because i may save a few quid on a graphics card. i may not even have time to shop..
anyone know of any cheap hardware shops in pittsburgh that are open sunday before the playoff games???
or at least monday morning

[nvening]

that giant pizza sounds good, get me one!

[nvening]

and the plasma