Shopping trips to the US
 

A quote from a BBC News Site article:

Thousands of Britons are cashing in on exchange rates by shopping in the US for expensive items like iPods, digital cameras, or designer clothes. But many who think they have found bargains are falling foul of the law which requires them to pay duty on any purchase over £145.
Hunting the perfect outfit in NYC? Better remember the import duty
For those used to the duty-free environment of the European Union, it is probably the least understood of the restrictions that also govern imports of items like cigarettes, alcohol and perfume.

Really? I strongly suspect that most people shopping in the US are perfectly well aware that bringing in hundreds of pounds worth of undeclared goods is illegal and are simply chancing their arm on the theory that Customs are more interested in drugs and are unlikely to stop them. The last time I was stopped by Customs was about 15 years ago coming back from Cyprus. Being a bit over the £35 limit (as then was) we got a stern lecture from the Customs officer and were told not to do it again. However, I imagine that some of the shoppers going over to the US are bringing back thousands of pounds worth of goods.

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

I love customs. Whenever they ask me to declare things, I declare everything, starting with stamps, socks, postcards and so on. It usually annoy them so much they just wave you through.

On a side note, if you think the US is cheap (which it is not!), try Canada...

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

Now what was it that "spring break advice" said about treating anyone who can order a rectal search with the utmost respect... :Yikes:

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

Indeed last time I came through with Mrs H, her mum, our son and 8 31in suitcases. Straight through customs...

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

yeh and when you get back most of the stuff you got cheap is now cheaper in asda-walmart............and better quality and with a guarantee thats usable

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

Has anyone ever done a serious comparison, with prices? To be honest, we went over last year more for the experience rather than spending megapounds, but things did seem cheaper.

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

taking into account the exchange rate , it is bargain basement :)

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

Unless you get whacked for tax etc, buying remotely is probably not worthwile due to shipping and vat issues, but buying while there is fantastically cheap.

Every time we visit my mother in law we head up to the outlet malls and get the next years worth of baby clothes and other things we need.

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

I looked at a camera, buying ot from the states and shipping it here. Would have saved 25% minimum. Cant say thats not worthwhile.

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

Do a multiflight trip (with an internal flight back in the UK) and check your luggage through to your destination airport - how many times are customs there when an internal flight comes in! (Never in my experience) - Says' "Lets going shopping again!"

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

But was that including VAT and Import Duties?

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

I returned from Miami via Heathrow to Glasgow and when I got there, there was a separate luggage carousel for bags whose journey began outside the EU. It was behind a sliding glass door and I had to show my passport to get into the room. The domestic carousels at Glasgow are completely unseparated from the public areas of the airport.

There was a customs office there, but no-one seemed to be the slightest bit interested in us. There was no red/green channel to walk through. I just got my bag and walked back out of the room.

EDIT: Multiflight trips that don't involve reclaiming your bags and checking them in again are expensive - AFAIK you have to book straight through with the same operator, or one of their sales alliance partners, and you rarely get as good a deal on the domestic leg of your trip as you would by shopping around. You might end up paying more for the flight than you save by attempting to evade customs.

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

Manchester doesn't have a seperate area - I've got good deals in the past flying Virgin out of EU and then BA or BMI internally (definately not best of friends!) - I have always managed to get my luggage booked all the way through also (and shock horror have never yet had my luggage go amiss (looks at diary for next trip!))

Re: Shopping trips to the US
 

dont forget though if you got your camera 25% cheaper and paid say 300 quid for it instead of 400 by the time youve added on your flight costs etc the cameras cost you 500 quid........use ebay