Korean Job Discussion Forums

[thoreau]

I'm planning on buying a laptop from Dell U.S. They have a terrific special on the XPS computers.

The final price of the laptop will be about $1400.

I plan to have the laptop shipped to my sister in the U.S. along with a export compliance form. Then she will ship it to me via Fed Ex.

My question is about paying any import tax on the computer. At what point in the process will this be charged? On delivery? Will the computer be held up in customs until I go pick it up and make the payment (I live in Jeollanamdo and do not want to travel to Seoul to pick up the computer.)

Any light you can shed on the nuts and bolts of this process would be appreciated.


(Note - I know the arguments regarding buying a computer in Korea. I have made the decision to buy from Dell U.S. Please keep your replies focused on the issue at hand - what is the process for paying any import taxes.)

[steveohan]

i had my brother ship computers to me twice...one desktop and one laptop.

tell your sister to open the box, take out the computer, then put it back in. basically you want it to look like it was your computer back home that you're having shipped here. not something that you've bought brand new.

for the shipping info tell her to write down that it was your used personal laptop. make sure you include a phone number for a korean speaker (either your school or a korean friend/spouse).

when the computer arrives at incheon, customs will call the number and tell them your shipment is there. they will ask for a copy of your passport and arc, and most likely some sort of copy that proves that you are working at your current school. your school should be able to provide that certificate.

if your school/employer sends them the proper paperwork, your computer should be released from customs within a business day. you wont have to pay any duty or taxes.