Buying a new Macbook Pro from the USA

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jaskarn

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#55254 27-Dec-2009 00:28

Hi,
I want to buy a new 13 inch Mac Book Pro, but i'm also traveling to the us in jan/feb. It currently costs $1999 from the apple online store but in us costs US$1119 which equates to around $1500. Since i'm traveling there i might aswell save $500. However i want to know the drawbacks of buying from the us. Apparantly the apple limited warranty is global, in regaards to the power supply, can i just get a new one from NZ when i come back since us is 110v. Any ideas how sales tax can be claimed back and wether it has to be declared.

chiefie

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#285356 27-Dec-2009 00:45

Jan/Feb 2010 said/rumor to have a new MacBook Pro referesh... So perhaps it is wise to hold out the purchase until then. Also check MacRumors' Buyer's Guide: http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#MacBook_Pro

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Jarno

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#285380 27-Dec-2009 10:01

As laptops are meant to be taken on travels, the power supplies are generally universal (accepting 100-240v, 50-60Hz). You'll only need a USA->NZ plug, or find a replacement cable.
At a local price of $1999 it's well above the $700 personal allowance limit, so you are legally obliged to declare it on the customs arrival form. GST is then probably payable on it.

chiefie

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#285414 27-Dec-2009 12:52

Well... if you bought it, and use it there then (rather than as a new-bring-in-to-the-country-unused) at that time, it is then classed as personal-use.

I'd suggest, if you MUST get it from US or abroad, you best ditch the nice packing box and keep the essential.

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wellygary

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#285420 27-Dec-2009 13:27

jaskarn: Hi,
I want to buy a new 13 inch Mac Book Pro, but i'm also traveling to the us in jan/feb. It currently costs $1999 from the apple online store but in us costs US$1119 which equates to around $1500. Since i'm traveling there i might aswell save $500. However i want to know the drawbacks of buying from the us. Apparantly the apple limited warranty is global, in regaards to the power supply, can i just get a new one from NZ when i come back since us is 110v. Any ideas how sales tax can be claimed back and wether it has to be declared.

Depending on what state you purchase it in you will get slugged up to 10% sales tax, ( combination of state and county rates), this is generally not refundable.
@ 1 NZD=70c USD, your 1199 Mac book pro + 10% sales tax =1884 NZ, a saving of around $110 NZ,

The best place for getting your sales tax/GST back is OZ, with travellers entitled to a refund on departure...

jaskarn

97 posts

Master Geek

#285520 28-Dec-2009 01:21

Hope for a better exchange rate, so you reckon the apple online store will also charge extra tax. I'd probably get it from florida or new york where its 4-6%. Dont have the option of going to oz as well.

The only worry now is the macbook refresh, i could wait till feb/march but not much longer.

wellygary

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#285532 28-Dec-2009 07:14

jaskarn: Hope for a better exchange rate, so you reckon the apple online store will also charge extra tax. I'd probably get it from florida or new york where its 4-6%. Dont have the option of going to oz as well.

The only worry now is the macbook refresh, i could wait till feb/march but not much longer.

The combined State and city sales tax in NY city is 8.875%,

The online Apple store charges the approprite tax for which ever state/city it ships to.

Depending on how long you have in the states, a trip from NY to delaware might save you some $$$, as DE haas no sales tax...

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chiefie

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#285554 28-Dec-2009 10:40

Definitely worth holding out for Jan/Feb MacBookPro refresh (not MacBook, as it was refreshed back in late October 2009).

iPhone refresh is expected in June 2010, and "iSlate/Magic Slate" is expected an announcement at the end of Jan 2010, and product be available in June 2010 if it is anything like first iPhone's announcement.

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Aaroona

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#286450 1-Jan-2010 20:27

Surely they wouldn't refresh the MacbookPro's now, right after updating it a couple of months ago?

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#286457 1-Jan-2010 22:08

That was MacBook refresh back in Oct 2009, MacBook Pro refresh is expected in Jan/Feb 2010 according to its average refresh schedule. You can check it out from MacRumors' Buyers' Guide which has been pretty accurate.

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