Ordering US iMac from Europe

[mtnski]

I live in Austria and am considering ordering an iMac from BH photo is the US.
This would save me around 400 Euro. (I know this seems too higher saving but this is what it is once shipping and tax is taken into account).

Is there any disadvantage of doing this? They have a 110-240 power supply so no problem there and it seems the warranty and Mac care are international. I would buy the mac care in Austria as it seems that the US version can not be sold to Austria.

Is there some disadvantage/problem I am overlooking?

Thanks

 

[Trinite]

I live in Budapest, and have thought about doing the same thing (Apple prices here are even higher than in Austria). From what I've heard, though (there are a number of other threads on this), you may be charged custom fees and taxes when it comes into the EU, which could bring the cost up to what you'd pay here (or even higher, once you include the shipping...). Be sure to look into how the customs people will handle this!

 

[mtnski]

I am able to import this without paying duties, this is what makes it financially worth while. Just wanted to be sure about warranty and any other considerations I may have overlooked.

 

[jborko]

I had similar ideas, but I backed out once I recognized that customs will probably bring the price to an equal level.

Best way is that someone in the US will purchase this for you, unpack it, try it out and then sends it to you as used... But even this can be tricky on the customs.

US warranty without Apple Care will be only 1 year in AT you get 2 years as default. And I find it too complicated to send warranty claims to US if purchased there, so what will be good to check is to try to call Apple in AT and ask if they will accept warranty claims for Apple items purchased in the US (I don't see why they shouldn't but it is good to have it confirmed...)

Please let us know about the outcome.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

You have to pay local tax, and customs - So I'm quite sure it will end up even more expensive than buying it here.

 

[ShiftyGray]

The power cable might also be different?

 

[mtnski]

The power cable is definitely different although easily replaced. The power supply accepts a wide input range so this will not be a problem.

I will not have to pay taxes and duties, joy of working for an international organisation.