Korean Job Discussion Forums

icokram · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Location: Yongin City

has anyone odered elctronic equipment from a foreign online store? i am planning on buying a digital camera and equipment (flashcards, lenses etc.) from bhphotovideo.com (they're in the states) for abt $1,800 and i'm wondering if i'll be charged any taxes and/or duty and if yes whether i'd get a refund when i leave korea.

thanks for your help,

mark

Seon-bee · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Location: ROK

I bought a gadget for $700 that was shipped here. The tax+VAT was 18%. However, they soaked me for 18% of the item, shipping, and insurance. It was still worth it as the same imported product was going for 1.7+ and I didn't have to go to Seoul to buy it.

I've also had software and little packages shipped by family members that got by without duty.

icokram · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Location: Yongin City

Hi all,

Just wanted to give you an update.

1. I ended up ordering the camera and accessories from a US online store and had it shipped to my uncle in Arizona. (shipping cost $25) He repackaged it (basically just removed the invoice and any reference to the online store, he even used the same box) and sent it to me - as a gift - by US Mail, Global Express service. (shipping cost $72 including insurance for the value of $1,600) I got the package in 5 days delivered to my hagwon, unopened, no tax or duty charged.

2. I also ordered an external storage device from another online store for $260. They shipped it to me directly indicating a value of $5 on the invoice (I'm not sure if they got any insurance) This box arrived as well, without a hitch, no duty/tax applied.

Maybe I just got lucky, although a number of people who recommended the above procedure seemed to have had same experiences.

Thanks for everybody for their input.

Mark