Cyprus-Forum.com

[Sotos]

I want to buy a new camcorder. In Cyprus that camcorder is almost 700 pounds while in the US is less than 450 including the shipping. Anybody knows if they will make me pay any taxes if I order it from the US? If yes, how much?

[cyprusgrump]

Two options: -

One: Your supplier in the US (illegally) states that the item is a gift or has minimum value. The camcorder arrives and you are happy BUT you are breaking the law and one assumes there is a chance that you could get caught.

Two: Your supplier in the US correctly states that the product is a camcorder of value £450. Cyprus customs charge you some duty (to be ‘calculated’ at point of entry) and VAT. Ask them what the duty is and they won’t know…

You decide.

[Hazza]

The maximum allowed for a gift is $100. Should the camcorder get lost or damaged, you won't be able to make a claim for more than $100.

There is another option which is "sample for evaluation" but every now and again, US customs are quite spiteful and put a great big black X on it with a permanent marker, seeing as its only a sample, then nobody would mind, and nobody could complain.

[Piratis]

I ordered several things from abroad (but not so expensive) and I never paid any kind of taxes.

However I remember once I brought some things with a total cost of about 20 pounds and the guy at the post office was thinking about it. It made it sound like he was making me a favor for allowing me to take my things without paying tax.

I guess it would be hard not to pay any taxes for something that costs 400 pounds.

[cyprusgrump]

Can you buy the same device in the UK?

If you buy there the camcorder is ‘in free circulation in the EEC’ and no duty or VAT should be payable.

Also, a UK unit will be PAL standard – is the American one PAL or NTSC?

[sneezing7]

You would be very unlucky if you have to pay any sort of tax at the post office.

I have parcels coming from O/seas weekly (mainly Aus). Out of 50 parcels, I have only ever had to pay duty once (on an item that was bulky, and wrapped in clear plastic. After a couple of minutes of arguing, the "post master" said no problems, just pay minimum duty (8pounds) and its OK.

As far as the PAL and NTSC thing...most (if not all) cam corders are dual these days. I woulkd be more concerned about 240 & 110V problems. (Side note: Sony camcorders are auto switching - so this will not be a problem)

[Sotos]

It seems nobody ever paid any taxes! Thats good news I could buy the same device from UK but it would be more expensive. It is NTSC only (Pal version is 30 pounds more). In the manual of my main TV it is written that it can play both PAL and NTSC. On my other TV I played Region 1 (NTSC) DVDs so I guess that one should be ok with NTSC also. sneezing7, can you tell me your arguments with the post master in case I have to do the same? The camera is the Sony DCR-HC90 by the way.

[sneezing7]

Sotos: Spend the extra 30pounds and get the pal version. If you get the NTSC version only you may run into problems when transferring from Hi8 to VHS tapes.

As far as the argumenst go, here are a few that have worked:

1) "but that amount on the declaration is Australian dollars not Cyprus pounds...." (works well for anything under 300AUD)

2) "This is mine from home....my parents have sent it to me"

3) "But I don't have any money on me now..." (note: they HATE this one because they have to go put the item back"

4) "This is a sample for work. We have not paid anything"


I have used many more, but I can't give all my secrets away now

[devil]

You seem to be very confused. It is true that some devices may convert from one standard to another, but, as a semi-pro in video, please believe me when I say camcorders can record only in one format. So it is with the camera you cite. From Sony's website:

Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed through the digital Handycam Camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK® interface in real-time for easy PC editing of your analog footage.

If you want a PAL version, you need the DCR-HC90E and you won't find that in the States.

Personally, I would not buy a Sony consumer camcorder (their Pro models are stupendous). They are over-priced for their quality and give us (us being the beta testers for a large video software maker) far more hassle than all the other makes combined. I would favour, above all, a Panasonic in this price range, which is hassle-free.

You could shop around within the EU, so that you would not be charged either duties, luxury tax or VAT. Some countries may have cheaper prices than others. On the whole, the UK has reasonable prices and so has Germany (make sure you get the English manual, though), but bargains may be found elsewhere.

[Sotos]

sneezing7, thanks for the tips. I hope I will not need them Devil, I can find the DCR-HC90E from the US: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 087&is=REG B&H Photo and Video is very good shop with very good ratings. I could find the same camcorder a bit cheaper but I don't want to risk. I made my research regarding consumer camcorders in that price range. Panasonic has some good 3ccd ones but their low light performance lacks a bit. Thats why I choose the Sony Do you know any good EU online shops in English that sell camcorders in good prices and can ship to Cyprus?