Official worldwide thread - Tips/Advice for customs, VAT, etc...

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#437
Thank you for posting this. I think it was pretty cool of them to respond to you (or maybe I'm just used to the US where writing a letter would never get a response)
 
#438
I have no knowledge of this internet page, but I've never heard of having to contact government tax authorities directly to get a tax refund as a customer. The business' act as "tax collectors" when it comes to VAT, it being an indirect tax, as implied in the email you posted, so it's not surprising that they've the main responsibility for tax refunds for their overseas clients. Depending on the country and business I guess the practises are different on how they deduct/refund VAT.
 
#439
I'm thinking of purchasing this gorgeous michael kors black hamilton($328) from the michaelkors website but the only problem is i live in Canada. They ship to Canada and their shipping cost if $40. The only thing i'm worried about are the duties and customs fees that i'll have to pay. I'm afraid that it'll be something outrageous. Are there any canadians that buy from the states often? how much do you usually get charged in duties/customs fees? (They ship with fed ex). Any input is greatly appreciated!!
 
#440
You're probably looking at about 15% for duty, plus you'll have to pay GST/your provincial sales tax on the purchase price, and does the $40 include FedEx's brokerage fees? If not you'll get charged for that too but I don't know how much that would be.
 
#441
Diane d'Poitier said:
You're probably looking at about 15% for duty, plus you'll have to pay GST/your provincial sales tax on the purchase price, and does the $40 include FedEx's brokerage fees? If not you'll get charged for that too but I don't know how much that would be.
Click to expand...

thanks, i don't think it includes brokerage fees so i don't think it's worth it to buy it, i'll probably end up paying alot of random fees which will probably add over 100$ to the order, too bad:tdown::tdown: sucks to live in canada when it comes to things like this
 
#442
Hi,

I am not sure where to post this. Mods, please move it this isn't the right forum.

I just purchased a pair of Isabel Marant pants from overseas. I live in the USA and they were shipped via DHL. I just received a huge bill from DHL for $73!!! The pants were sold out at NAP so I ordered where I could find them.

The pants, I thought I was getting a good price for them, were $375 shipped, excluding VAT. But then I got the DHL bill! Ouch!!!

Is it normal for clothing to get charged that much in Customs/Duties?! I am use to the 8%-10% for leather bags. I was told to expect 10% for shoes if ordering from the EU. But I was told via email that clothing/textiles were not charged. So I was totally shocked! These are also for me to wear, not sell.

I am not an expert on Customs tax for the USA. If you know anything about ordering clothing from the EU, DHL shipping, or Customs tax please chime in and give me the scoop.

Live and learn I guess.

TIA!
 
#443
:confused1:

That doesn't seem right at all. I just recently purchased a Gucci bag from Italy, shipped via DHL, and my invoice came in at $150. Your purchase was significantly less than mine, yet you were hit with half of what I paid? No sense here...
 
#447
Hi
Im currently in NYC and i was wondering if there is any system where the travelers can claim the tax/vat back. Back in australia, travelers who make a purchase of more than 300$ can claim 10% tax before their departure at the airport. Does such system exist in NY?
TIA!!:)
 
#448
I actually don't know about the VAT, but some travelers can get an 11% discount booklet at certain places like Macy's..I am not sure about other department stores or luxury goods, sorry.
 
#449
SuSu Kim said:
Hi
Im currently in NYC and i was wondering if there is any system where the travelers can claim the tax/vat back. Back in australia, travelers who make a purchase of more than 300$ can claim 10% tax before their departure at the airport. Does such system exist in NY?
TIA!!:)
Click to expand...


there is no VAT here in the US... it is simply sales tax and

the percentages vary state to state..in NYC/NY state you

cannot claim any sales tax back at the airport for any purchases

made.. some stores MAY offer a traveler a discount on a purchase,

but the sales tax is whatever the % is on that purchase..
 
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