Importing Lenses from BnH Photo, New York

[OmarS]

Hi guys.

I was interested in buying a Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. Supposedly BnH Photo in New York are selling both these lenses for a little less then 1200 SGD which includes shipping charges. Anyone recons I would get these lenses cheaper anywhere in Singapore? And i would also like to know if there are any import duties/customs/taxes I would have to pay if I do order these online?

These questions might sound stupid ;p but Im new to Singapore so I really dont know.....


Regards.

 

[techyaddict]

If u buy in BNH, will you have waernty in SG? if not try to browse the prices in technogadget...

 

[lordpain]

you will be charged 7% gst when u import anything above SGD 400. It would only be worth it if you have a friend or relative bring it back for you.

 

[Octarine]

The US warranty is not valid / recognized in SG. You will have to pay 7% GST. For local prices please use the Canon Price Guide here in the forum. You will also find there a list of shops people usually recommend (although some have got a rather mixed feedback). Do your homework and read a bit more, it might be helpful. Otherwise I can foresee already your next question: "Got this lens for $xx, is it a good deal?" - and the damage is done and you can't go back.

 

[tntrue]

Red highlighting below is by me . . .

Are you sure that the price includes international shipping charges? I've bought from B&H several times over the past few years, and never got free shipping to Singapore. Usually their minimum is around US$45, higher for heavier/larger orders.

In addition to what was already mentioned about having to pay GST on any amount above SG$400, note that GST is also levied on shipping charges and that courier services can impose an "administrative" charge (typically SG$10) for collecting the GST!

Unfortunately the disincentives for buying from overseas sometimes make the inflated local prices look not so bad by comparison. By design, no doubt. :mad2:

Hi guys.

I was interested in buying a Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. Supposedly BnH Photo in New York are selling both these lenses for a little less then 1200 SGD which includes shipping charges. Anyone recons I would get these lenses cheaper anywhere in Singapore? And i would also like to know if there are any import duties/customs/taxes I would have to pay if I do order these online?

These questions might sound stupid ;p but Im new to Singapore so I really dont know.....


Regards.

 

[sinned79]

if the lens value is above SGD $400, it might be worth for u to travel to Hongkong, Jakarta or Johor Bahru to buy instead so u had a better chance to escape the GST charges.

 

[OmarS]

Red highlighting below is by me . . .

Are you sure that the price includes international shipping charges? I've bought from B&H several times over the past few years, and never got free shipping to Singapore. Usually their minimum is around US$45, higher for heavier/larger orders.

In addition to what was already mentioned about having to pay GST on any amount above SG$400, note that GST is also levied on shipping charges and that courier services can impose an "administrative" charge (typically SG$10) for collecting the GST!

Unfortunately the disincentives for buying from overseas sometimes make the inflated local prices look not so bad by comparison. By design, no doubt. :mad2:

Hi, yes both the lenses and the shipping charges are coming to a little less than 1200 SGD.

 

[OmarS]

Thank You people!!!!!

 

[SNAPDINER]

You can get both these lens in the grey market here for $1273 including GST. I look at the BnH pricing, it is definitely more than $1300 includng shipping and GST and $10 handling charge by the courier. You must remember that even if the exchange rate is $1.20XX, credit card rates is likely to be around 1.23/4. It is almost worth to import only for the pricier lens that is on sale imo.