Can't buy MacMini online.. Physical store? Damn taxes!

[boechat]

Hello

Im a tourist in the USA. Im leaving to Brazil august 18.
I want to buy a macmini (better GPU model, 799 dollars) but my debit card was not accepted on bestbuy.com or amazon.com. That's because it's a prepaid cashpassport card (with Master flag) - the funny thing is that i could buy some other things at footlocker.com online.

Im in San Diego, CA. There's an Apple Store near me, but i really hate these taxes. I'll pay 799 + 60 dollars of taxes? Hell no. I'd rather buy it for 769 and no taxes. But as its not possible.. i want you guys to help me considering the third option.

Any physical store that sells it for 769? I didnt go in Best Buy Physical store yet, so im wondering if they have the macmini in 769 plus taxes (its not great improvement, but i will save at least 30 bucks. since "my gold mine is running low", i'm really searching the BEST deal).

Or any other online store selling it at 769 or even 799? Don't recommend me apple store because they charge taxes. Too bad im not in Delaware

Thx in advance

 

[dolphin842]

You can ask the people at Powermax if they'll accept your card. They're in Oregon which doesn't have sales tax as well.

 

[indg]

i think Vanns has free shipping and no sales tax for CA.

 

[macking104]

Brazilian customs officials normally inspect the baggage of 30 to 40% of all arriving international passengers. There is a USD$ 500 value limit on the value of gifts and other merchandise you can bring into Brazil duty free—either brought from outside or purchased at a duty free shop outside Brazil. Goods purchased at a duty free shop in Brazil have few restrictions. If you bring gifts or other merchandise exceeding USD$ 500 in value, you should declare it. You will pay a 50% duty on things over the USD$ 500 value limit. Having the original purchase receipts for such items may help you pay a little less—especially if you brought it on sale—otherwise, the customs officials will use their printed valuations which may be "full price." If you fail to declare gifts or other merchandise exceeding the USD$ 500 limit and the customs officials catch you, you will pay not only the 50% duty on the item(s) but an additional 25% penalty. Beware.

 

[obsidian1200]

Well, here's a kind of stupid solution, but have you considered going to a physical store and loading up on Amazon gift cards (like a wal-mart or something)? Then, when you sign into Amazon, you can redeem the gift cards and use the credit there to purchase the Mac Mini. I do not think that gift cards are subject to sales tax (they aren't in my area), but your results may vary.

Also, I'm not aware of any physical store that matches Amazon's price. Best Buy will not price match Amazon if you ask (I've tried, it doesn't work).

 

[boechat]

Brazilian customs officials normally inspect the baggage of 30 to 40% of all arriving international passengers. There is a USD$ 500 value limit on the value of gifts and other merchandise you can bring into Brazil duty free—either brought from outside or purchased at a duty free shop outside Brazil. Goods purchased at a duty free shop in Brazil have few restrictions. If you bring gifts or other merchandise exceeding USD$ 500 in value, you should declare it. You will pay a 50% duty on things over the USD$ 500 value limit. Having the original purchase receipts for such items may help you pay a little less—especially if you brought it on sale—otherwise, the customs officials will use their printed valuations which may be "full price." If you fail to declare gifts or other merchandise exceeding the USD$ 500 limit and the customs officials catch you, you will pay not only the 50% duty on the item(s) but an additional 25% penalty. Beware.

thanks for the reminder my friend. but no problem! i will pay the brazilian taxes i need to.. the mini mac is 769.. exceeds 269 of my limit. so, i must pay half of it what is equal to 135 dollars. considering that the same item is sold in brazil for 1600 dollars, its still a good deal.

do u know if items like PS3 move (only the controllers and cam) and 2 ps3 games need to be declared? i bought also 3 watches (an expensive one and two very cheaps).. they dont tax clothes.

Well, here's a kind of stupid solution, but have you considered going to a physical store and loading up on Amazon gift cards (like a wal-mart or something)? Then, when you sign into Amazon, you can redeem the gift cards and use the credit there to purchase the Mac Mini. I do not think that gift cards are subject to sales tax (they aren't in my area), but your results may vary.

Also, I'm not aware of any physical store that matches Amazon's price. Best Buy will not price match Amazon if you ask (I've tried, it doesn't work).

thanks buddy. i'll do this right now

 

[Stan Mikulenka]

Hi boechat,
don't forget that the $500 limit is for ALL items together...
With all your other shopping you might pay a lot.
(And keep all the receipts in case you bought some items on sale, if you don't have it, you'll be accessed duty on the full list price).

 

[boechat]

Hi boechat,
don't forget that the $500 limit is for ALL items together...
With all your other shopping you might pay a lot.
(And keep all the receipts in case you bought some items on sale, if you don't have it, you'll be accessed duty on the full list price).

things like 1 camera, clothes, 1-2 watches, cheap gifts, 1-2 glasses.. cannot be considered for they are for personal use

 

[macintoshBR]

Brazilian customs officials normally inspect the baggage of 30 to 40% of all arriving international passengers. There is a USD$ 500 value limit on the value of gifts and other merchandise you can bring into Brazil duty free—either brought from outside or purchased at a duty free shop outside Brazil. Goods purchased at a duty free shop in Brazil have few restrictions. If you bring gifts or other merchandise exceeding USD$ 500 in value, you should declare it. You will pay a 50% duty on things over the USD$ 500 value limit. Having the original purchase receipts for such items may help you pay a little less—especially if you brought it on sale—otherwise, the customs officials will use their printed valuations which may be "full price." If you fail to declare gifts or other merchandise exceeding the USD$ 500 limit and the customs officials catch you, you will pay not only the 50% duty on the item(s) but an additional 25% penalty. Beware.

That's so not true. They will just inspect if you are really unlucky.