Korean Job Discussion Forums

[spaceman82]

My family has offered to send me a laptop as a Christmas gift this year, and as much as I need a new one, I'm worried about customs fees and thinking that it might be cheaper to either buy one here myself in a few months or just wait until I get back home altogether. Does anyone know if there's any way that the customs fees won't be huge on a $800/880,000 won laptop?

[northway]

I was looking at the customs website today and it said there's no customs duty, but there is a 10% VAT. That said, I do know people who've had computers get through without paying anything.

[sheriffadam]

I had a laptop sent to me here, it got caught by customs but I blagged I was only here temporarily on a tourist visa and would be going home the next month, emailed them a copy of my entry stamp into korea and got the laptop the next day without any further hassle,

Did that before my work visa was issued into my passport though, might be harder to say you're a tourist now!

I'd imagine if you want it, fee's will have to be paid. Maybe buy second hand here and get the cash sent for it?

[spaceman82]

Thank you both for the information. A 10% VAT might not be that bad honestly, but I'm wondering if they'll try to throw in additional charges. Is 10% about what they were going to charge you, sheriffadam, or were they trying to get a little more?

[ThingsComeAround]

If your fam will send you a computer, make sure they take it out of the box so it seems "used". My buddy got zinged for $120 when his mom sent him a new Macbook, since it was "new"

[spaceman82]

Good tip, thanks. Would it be a good idea to list it as a used computer on the customs declaration form?

[northway]

[zhanknight]

It's 10% VAT, that's all. It should only apply to 'new' items.