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Walter Mitty

Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Tokyo! ^.^
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Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 8:41 pm Post subject: Macintosh users in Korea |
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(I'm starting this topic here to get the discussion out of a buy/sell/trade topic that's gone way off course and is likely distracting from the original poster's sale.)
wuzza wrote: |
is there some way to get around paying the VAT if I buy an Apple laptop online? (US website or Korean website) |
Not really. An authorized Apple dealer/reseller in the US (or any other country) can't ship outside that country, per their agreement with Apple.
The VAT (and markup) on the iBook G4 isn't bad at all - for Korea. The price for the 12.1" model is only $132 over the US price, much better than the $600 markup on the 15" Powerbook G4. Factor in shipping costs and the VAT and it's probably best to buy the G4 iBook here. I was originally planning on getting the G4 Powerbook, but buying it during a trip to Japan. The prices over there are much more in line with the US pricing.
As it is, the G4 iBook won't be available in Korea until mid-November, and they've got some weird bit on their online store (Apple Korea iBook page) about putting in a request or reservation (or some such thing) for the new iBooks. Looks like I'll be holding off until January to see what's announced at the MacWorld Expo. (Come on G5 PowerBooks!!!)
Mashimaro wrote: |
you probably know this already, but Apple gets bugger all support in Korea, so you have problems if you need repairs etc. |
Not true anymore. There are two Apple stores in Yongsan in the E-Land building, at least one in Techno Mart and an "Apple Experience Center" in COEX Mall. More "AECs" are set to open in Korea, including one in Gangnam. Apple's not quite the "outcast" it used to be in Korea.
Apple's warranty service is quite good. The 12-month warranty is good anywhere in the world Apple has authorized service centers. You can also purchase an AppleCare plan to extend the warranty to a total of 3 years (must be purchased within the first 12 months of ownership) - BUT, the AppleCare plan is only valid in one country. Know where you're going to be and choose wisely. |
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weened

Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Location: May you live to be a thousand years.
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Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 10:37 pm Post subject: |
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The VAT isn't applicable when carrying it through customs, right? |
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bucheon bum
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
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Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2003 8:31 am Post subject: |
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no it isn't, as long as you aren't selling it , but who would be dumb enough to admit it if asked? |
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wuzza

Joined: 02 May 2003
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Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2003 5:33 pm Post subject: |
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I'd be really interested to know if I can claim the VAT back when leaving Korea. if I could that would make the price here virtually the same as the US. (and a lot cheaper than Ireland)
In Ireland, self-employed businessmen can claim VAT back if they have paid more than they recieved during the tax year (or something). Can Koreans do the same, cause then my bos can buy it.... |
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