se7en45(Competent) posted this on Friday, 1st December 2006, 18:48
Alert to all fans of DVD Imports!
I`m sorry if this point has already been covered elsewhere. I did a search but nothing showed up. However, I`m sorry if there is an existing thread about this. Also, I wasn`t sure where to place this. This probably is the best place because bargain hunters will be alerted to the news which broke last night. Read on...
The £ is at a 14-year high against the $ so there`s never been a better time to import DVDs very cheaply from across the pond.
However, before I take a dip, I need some advice regarding Credit Cards to buy imports.
If I`m using a Credit Card e.g. Visa / MasterCard from a UK bank and I purchase stuff over the internet from the USA, will I be charged a handling fee to cover the transfer / exchange of US Dollars to British Sterling?
And are there any hidden extra charges I should be aware of when using a UK Credit Card to purchase stuff from the USA?
Cheers for any info! ;)
RE: Cheap DVD Imports - Pound Vs. Dollar
johnsteed(Competent) posted this on Friday, 1st December 2006, 20:58
The Nationwide debit card doesn`t charge any commission or currency conversion charges, but I believe most other card providers do. There is usually a small charge of around 2% or £1.50 - £2.00.
If you are importing into the U.K. don`t go over £18 (excluding shipping charges) which is $34.45 at HM Revenue & Customs December rate, or you will have to pay import tax (around 17.5%) and Royal Mail handling fee of £4.00.
There are a couple of good sales on at the moment.
Without A Trace Season One $8.39 (£4.42!) ER Season One $8.39 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Season One $8.99
V The Complete Series $11.99
Everwood Season One $13.99 The Waltons Season Box Sets $13.99 Dallas The Complete First and Second Seasons $13.99
The Closer Season One $19.99 Wonder Woman Season Box Sets $19.99 each Dukes Of Hazzard Season Box Sets $19.99 each Tales from the Crypt - Season Box Sets $19.99
Smallville Season Box Sets $29.97 The West Wing Season Box Sets $29.99 The Gilmore Girls Season Box Sets $29.99
Shipping is extra $5.95 upto $25, $8.95 over $25, etc.
This item was edited on Friday, 1st December 2006, 20:59
RE: Cheap DVD Imports - Pound Vs. Dollar
xx1180(Competent) posted this on Saturday, 2nd December 2006, 10:14
lloydstsb charge £1 for overseas tranactions
RE: Cheap DVD Imports - Pound Vs. Dollar
Bezzawezza(Elite) posted this on Sunday, 3rd December 2006, 14:04
So if I ordered the first season of Without A Trace for $8 how much can I expect to pay if I get stung for customs and charges from my bank (lloyds)? Also, is a normal Debit Card okay or does it need to be a Credit Card?
RE: Cheap DVD Imports - Pound Vs. Dollar
johnsteed(Competent) posted this on Sunday, 3rd December 2006, 20:34
I use a visa debit card with no problems.
If you just ordered Without A Trace it would be well under the Customs limit which for December is $34.45.
Only if your total order (not including shipping charges) is more than $34.45 would you be liable for Customs charges.
Different banks charge differing amounts when you use it to purchase items in a different currency. You would have to ask for the exact figures.
A quick seacrh on Google came up with "Halifax, Lloyds TSB and NatWest debit cards charge for each transaction of between 75p and £1.50 plus a conversion fee of 2.75%.
So you would probably be looking at about £9 for the first season of Without A Trace including all shipping and charges from your bank.
The above is only an estimate so don`t take it as FACT!
If you think it is worth taking the risk at least you will find out how much your bank charges for purchasing from the U.S.A. for future reference.
RE: Cheap DVD Imports - Pound Vs. Dollar
Scramble(Mostly Harmless) posted this on Sunday, 3rd December 2006, 22:44
Ditto on the Nationwide credit card.
Just come back from the states, not charged a penny (or should that be cent?).
Make sure you pay your balance off each month though as it is not the cheapest card regards APR.
RE: Cheap DVD Imports - Pound Vs. Dollar
Bob-B(Elite) posted this on Monday, 4th December 2006, 09:34
I`m pretty sure shipping charges are meant to be included in the certificate of value for customs, although many retailers ignore this. Some even lie thru their teeth about value of package.
Bob B
RE: Cheap DVD Imports - Pound Vs. Dollar
srqwerty(Competent) posted this on Monday, 4th December 2006, 09:53
Quote: I`m pretty sure shipping charges are meant to be included in the certificate of value for customs
Only the actual value of the goods is meant to be included, not the shipping.
