MP 7,1 Mac Pro on the plane.

[annk]

I did this once, but in reverse and in a situation where the risk was really worth taking.

I wanted to upgrade my mom's 2003 iMac to my old 2008 iMac in I think 2012. I still had the original box with the styrofoam protective pieces, so I put the box into a suitcase with just a little clothing around it and sent it as checked baggage.

I figured there was little risk involved. The computer was wiped, so if it got stolen along the way (which happens with checked baggage) my only loss was a computer I no longer used. If I got stopped in customs it would be easy enough to prove how old the computer was, and I could even argue that I was bringing it for my own use. I was also willing to surrender it if that was the only way out, and I knew it might get wrecked in transit.

By some miracle it made the trip fine and my mom used it until her death a few months ago. We gave it to one of my brother's friends when we dealt with her estate, and as far as I know it's still going strong.

I stopped buying my computers in the US when visiting my folks in the US, because I want to deduct them from my business and any import would need to be declared in order to do so, as @IndioX points out.

 

[DearthnVader]

Hey everyone) I have an idea of buying a new Mac Pro in the US and bring it to Europe, because its much (VERY MUCH) cheaper. I did this with a macbook, but this is a bit different) I would do that only if it's possible to take it as a carry on, and not as checked baggage.
So, dear happy owners of the new MP,
1) What dimensions does it have AFTER you take off the stands?
2) What weight does it have after you take off the GPU and the power supply?

Would be happy to hear your thoughts and suggestions about the possibility of this. Thank you!

Stop trying to dodge the tax man.

 

[sapralex]

Stop trying to dodge the tax man.

I’m dodging nothing. There’s is a rule that you can bring items for personal use on a PLANE without paying tax up to a limit of €10000.
I’m not exceeding it. Everything’s good legally. I’m just scared to damage it, no problems with tax.

 

[maflynn]

There’s is a rule that you can bring items for personal use on a PLANE without paying tax up to a limit of €10000.

Can you cite that rule. It doesn't make sense, because whether the item is in the hold of the plane or next you, its on the plane. I know different countries have different regulations but nearly all of them expect you pay taxes on anything of value that you bought out of country and are bringing in

From the UE

As soon as you buy a product from a non-EU country, then effectively you become an importer and become liable to Customs and Excise Duty as well as Value Added Tax (VAT) payments.

I'm not accusing you of trying to avoid taxes, but I will say the clear majority of people asking about taking computers onto the plane do so to avoid taxes. I've seen posts telling others to throw the box away and put the laptop in a laptop bag to disguise the fact that you bought a computer.

I do have a hard time coming to terms that the EU will let a person buy a 5k+ computer overseas and let you back into the country w/o paying any taxes.

 

[StuAff]

I do have a hard time coming to terms that the EU will let a person buy a 5k+ computer overseas and let you back into the country w/o paying any taxes.

No EU country- and yes, the UK is still in the EU right now, and HM Revenue and Customs aren't going away after Brexit- will let you skip taxes on anything this expensive. The chances of it getting through airport scanners and past customs officers without scrutiny in this day and age are, approximately, zero. Funnily enough, by the time you've paid 20% VAT on Apple's US list price for a base MP, you get to the UK list price…and because of the import status, there would be customs duty as well. The claim that you can bring €10000 worth of goods in on a plane without paying tax is utter nonsense. In the UK, the import allowance is £390, €430 in the eurozone. If a single item’s worth more than your allowance you pay any duty or tax on its full value, not just the value above the allowance.

Edited as the OP is not in the EU…

 

[annk]

This post is partly coming from me as a regular, participating member, and partly as an admin - just to be clear and transparent!

Stop trying to dodge the tax man.

Yeah, although it doesn't appear that that's the issue here for the OP, and without leading this thread into an area that needs to be in PRSI, the legality and ethics is absolutely an issue here. My own behavior has changed through the years as I became more aware of both the rules and of all the good things my taxes pay for over here. Ultimately I wonder if the rules will change somewhat to be honest, given that people basically take all sorts of tech equipment around the globe for various reasons.

There are different rules about the value of gifts, as in my case, and of importing items for one's own use (which has also been my case in years past). It's important to know the rules for the countries you're buying in and importing to, and make a decision based on knowledge.

I think this might make for an interesting spin-off discussion in PRSI, if anyone feels like starting one up. I wonder though if it's best that we stick to the practicalities in this thread

 

[Amethyst]

Guy i have been take an iMac Pro (+ Original box and apple brown box) from US to Thailand by TG flight (Thai airways).

I come to my home perfectly.

I think apple box design for this situation.

 

[Hessel89]

Not worth it. You'll still have to pay 21% of VAT and warranty is country bound.

 

[annk]

Guy i have been take an iMac Pro (+ Original box and apple brown box) from US to Thailand by TG flight (Thai airways).

I come to my home perfectly.

I think apple box design for this situation.

Good point, those boxes are sometimes sent in the mail etc by themselves with only a simple cardboard box surrounding them. I was surprised when I got a refurb desktop for my son several years ago. I actually took pictures as I unboxed it, because I couldn't believe there was enough protection in the styrofoam padding in the box, but it was fine.

 

[sapralex]

I’ve never ever mentioned my country, and said Europe just to indicate direction. If you’re really so interested, you can use translator and check this rule in Russian (screens attached).
You can find the exact phrase below:

Без уплаты таможенных платежей разрешено ввозить (самолетом) товары стоимостью не более 10 000 евро (в эквиваленте) и (или) вес которых не превышает 50 кг.

Sorry for confusing someone, but I’ve originally created this thread to discuss different options of safe traveling with the MP to avoid damage , and absolutely not to discuss taxes (which have filled more than a half of this thread already).
I should’ve just used “my country” instead of “Europe”, of course, my mistake. I just didn’t intend to make it important to this particular thread/question

 

[maflynn]

warranty is country bound.

You raise a good point and the fact that this is a generation 1 design, there may be unforeseen issues that you'd not want to deal with if you don't have a warranty

 

[sapralex]

You raise a good point and the fact that this is a generation 1 design, there may be unforeseen issues that you'd not want to deal with if you don't have a warranty

Is it applied only for Mac Pro? I hear that for the first time actually. I’ve bought MacBook/iPad/IPhones outside my country and had no issues with warranty, works in any authorized service.

 

[bsbeamer]

This thread covers the airplane transport discussion:

Cheese grater Mac Pro to in-cabin international flight.

Hi, I would love to get ideas on how to get a new 2019 mac pro into a flight. Obiously I don't trust airlines to have it as check-in baggage. It doesn't fit into a check-in luggage. I was thinking having a large carrier shoulder bag, like the ones from IKEA, but open to ideas on how to get...

forums.macrumors.com

Anyone with a USA model hoping to take into another country through customs, good luck. The US is really cracking down and tightening its export rules for tech. Unless you have documentation and declare, your goods can be seized and/or subject to 100% tariff.

 

[StuAff]

Link in English…

Russian airports: immigration card and customs formalities

This article explains all the procedures that are carried out at Russian airports, from the moment you get off the plane until you leave the airport

russiau.com

Very surprised the limit's that high, but fair enough, it might be worth the risks of personal importing, but would point out that you might still have a problem with the weight limit. Shipping weight for the MP as sent out by Apple is 83 lbs/37 kg, Russian weight limit for personal imports is 50kg. If the customs don't have a problem with the weight, your airline might…And with packaging, better safe than sorry, baggage handlers aren't known for a delicate touch!

 

[sapralex]

Link in English…

Russian airports: immigration card and customs formalities

This article explains all the procedures that are carried out at Russian airports, from the moment you get off the plane until you leave the airport

russiau.com

Very surprised the limit's that high, but fair enough, it might be worth the risks of personal importing, but would point out that you might still have a problem with the weight limit. Shipping weight for the MP as sent out by Apple is 83 lbs/37 kg, Russian weight limit for personal imports is 50kg. If the customs don't have a problem with the weight, your airline might…And with packaging, better safe than sorry, baggage handlers aren't known for a delicate touch!

37kg? On Apple's website it's stated as 18kg. Does it highly depend on the configuration or is it an original box's weight as well? I can disassembly it(take off GPU and power supply at least). I might also send the original box with USPS) Airlines allow you to take musical instruments up to 50kg(even 75 in some cases) if you buy an extra seat for it, so if this apply for the desktop computer, it will be the perfect option. It seems so.

 

[annk]

37kg? On Apple's website it's stated as 18kg. Does it highly depend on the configuration or is it an original box's weight as well? I can disassembly it(take off GPU and power supply at least). I might also send the original box with USPS) Airlines allow you to take musical instruments up to 50kg(even 75 in some cases) if you buy an extra seat for it, so if this apply for the desktop computer, it will be the perfect option. It seems so.

Just so you know, musicians often have problems with this when they get to the gate - even when they can prove that they've bought an extra seat.

I was a professional orchestral musician for 12 years and travelled both with orchestras on tours and by myself with my instrument. While it was never an issue for me (my instrument went on as a carry on with no problems and lots of orchestras send instruments in specially-built cargo crates), I know several cellists who have had problems when travelling alone and ended up either having to send their instruments as cargo (and in some cases ending up with shattered instruments as a result) or simply not being able to board, because they weren't willing to risk their instruments.

Musicians' social media pages and groups are FULL of stories like this. Unfortunately not all gate agents are aware of their own airlines' rules, and some have had problems with grumpy agents (we're all human).

 

[sapralex]

Just so you know, musicians often have problems with this when they get to the gate - even when they can prove that they've bought an extra seat.

I was a professional orchestral musician for 12 years and travelled both with orchestras on tours and by myself with my instrument. While it was never an issue for me (my instrument went on as a carry on with no problems and lots of orchestras send instruments in specially-built cargo crates), I know several cellists who have had problems when travelling alone and ended up either having to send their instruments as cargo (and in some cases ending up with shattered instruments as a result) or simply not being able to board, because they weren't willing to risk their instruments.

Musicians' social media pages and groups are FULL of stories like this. Unfortunately not all gate agents are aware of their own airlines' rules, and some have had problems with grumpy agents (we're all human).

Thanks for warning. Do airlines actually give you a ticket where the instrument(or other thing) is stated as a passenger? What document do you use to prove that you've bought this service?

 

[Onelifenofear]

You'll have zero chance of getting that though without getting caught.

You'll end up paying The Russians VAT of 20% and and average duty rate of 7.8% and very probably a fine for not. that 10K is for personal goods... no way they would let that pass.

If you are adamant you want to try and avoid that... I'd drive to your nearest European Country instead... You could buy without paying local VAT if you arrange it before hand.

 

[StuAff]

37kg? On Apple's website it's stated as 18kg. Does it highly depend on the configuration or is it an original box's weight as well? I can disassembly it(take off GPU and power supply at least). I might also send the original box with USPS) Airlines allow you to take musical instruments up to 50kg(even 75 in some cases) if you buy an extra seat for it, so if this apply for the desktop computer, it will be the perfect option. It seems so.

The 37kg weight is as shipped by Apple- i.e. the system and all included accessories (that will of course vary according to the chosen specification), the fancy white Apple box, and the outer brown protective box. Thread linked. https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...t-and-dimensions-of-the-shipping-box.2216969/ If you buy it at an Apple Store or other dealer, no outer box, of course, so you'd want your own (you really would!).

 

[sapralex]

You'll have zero chance of getting that though without getting caught.

You'll end up paying The Russians VAT of 20% and and average duty rate of 7.8% and very probably a fine for not. that 10K is for personal goods... no way they would let that pass.

If you are adamant you want to try and avoid that... I'd drive to your nearest European Country instead... You could buy without paying local VAT if you arrange it before hand.

This rule applies for planes ONLY. Any other transport have different limits. And yes, it works. Everything up to €10000 is free of taxes if its personal and brought by plane. No need to declare. I've brought a couple of things worth ~$5000, no problems at all.
[automerge]1578241871[/automerge]

The 37kg weight is as shipped by Apple- i.e. the system and all included accessories (that will of course vary according to the chosen specification), the fancy white Apple box, and the outer brown protective box. Thread linked. https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...t-and-dimensions-of-the-shipping-box.2216969/ If you buy it at an Apple Store or other dealer, no outer box, of course, so you'd want your own (you really would!).

Haven't heard about the protective box included. Seems I've watched a wrong unboxing video=)

 

[now i see it]

I used to travel around the world with over $10K worth of pro camera gear in my camera case and I never was hassled for it ever in the US or any other country. Never declared it either.
Professional photographers travel with a lot more expensive equipment than that.
The best way to travel with a MacPro (new or used) is to buy a dedicated travel case for it (and maybe scuff up the case a bit) and check it in. It's too big to carry on.

 

[annk]

Thanks for warning. Do airlines actually give you a ticket where the instrument(or other thing) is stated as a passenger? What document do you use to prove that you've bought this service?

I haven't done it myself, but yes you actually book a ticket. The way you do it depends on the airline and whether you're travelling domestically or internationally.

For international flights I know some musicians use a travel agency that specialises in musicians' needs, in order to deal with all the differing rules. Here in Norway, one of the main airlines requires that you book your seat and the extra seat for your instrument at least 48 hours in advance.

If you google this problem you'll find all sorts of info. And most airlines I've used have info about transporting instruments on their webpages.

 

[StuAff]

Haven't heard about the protective box included. Seems I've watched a wrong unboxing video=)

Yes
Here's one with the shipping box in it.

There is already a custom flight case available, see https://www.theflightcasecompany.com/apple-mac-pro-flight-case (£250, plus shipping, though). You'd obviously have to ship the original box separately, and the weight of such a box might be a problem, no weight given on that page. If you can get the Mac Pro shipped from the US seller to a US address, and then fly the whole box home, that might be an easier option. It will be in the 50kg limit, and will be properly protected for the flight & road journeys.

Does the price on Apple.com/ru/ include sales taxes? Wondering how much you could actually save, as the listed price is nearly identical to US and UK.

 

[sapralex]

Yes
Here's one with the shipping box in it.

There is already a custom flight case available, see https://www.theflightcasecompany.com/apple-mac-pro-flight-case (£250, plus shipping, though). You'd obviously have to ship the original box separately, and the weight of such a box might be a problem, no weight given on that page. If you can get the Mac Pro shipped from the US seller to a US address, and then fly the whole box home, that might be an easier option. It will be in the 50kg limit, and will be properly protected for the flight & road journeys.

Does the price on Apple.com/ru/ include sales taxes? Wondering how much you could actually save, as the listed price is nearly identical to US and UK.

Yeah, I'm planning to order shipping to my relative's house in the US, so I can even keep the original box there if I want to.

Considering that it is Oregon, my version costs $9499 there compare to ~$11800(731 000 rubbles) in Russia, so ~$2300 saving. I'm going to buy RAM separately so it will help me to save even more)

P.S usually it's much more expensive, for example with iMac Pro its $13200 compare to $9800 in the US. Seems that with the MP we're luckier than usual.

 

[AidenShaw]

...and hope that you're not caught smuggling contraband into the EU.