Query about exporting a MacBook Pro

[odriscs]

Hi everyone,

First post, so just to say thanks to anyone who helps!

Basically I was wondering would anyone know the procedure if the following happened:
I'm Irish (living in Ireland) and if I was to buy a MacBook in america during a visit/business trip/holiday will this macBook function when i return to ireland i.e. voltage etc? Will customs absolutely rape me on the way out of the US? Will the same happen when i arrive into Ireland? If the Mac is removed from all its packaging and is stored in a suitcase will they still assume it was bought whilst in the US?

Have been through the forum and couldn't find anything really related to this, so hopefully someone might be able to help. Even if this topic has been dealt with before I'd really appreciate a link. Thanks!

 

[harisdmac]

I am planning to do the same next week, during my short visit to the US.

As far as I am concerned, the us customs do not care what you export - therefore there is no custom control; the check is always when you arrive. And when you arrive back home there are these possibilities:
1) They do not check you and you go home happy because you managed to buy a new MBP at a very lower price than your homeland's applestores
2) They check you and the find the MBP. 2 things can happen:
2.1) You manage to convience them that you either are a student abroad or this is your personal laptop that you took it with you when leaving your country at first time, and they let you go just like that.
2.2) You dont convience them and you have to pay the tax amount that applies to electronics in your country, plus some extra fees for the customs.

I wish you all the best with case 1 !!

Good luck!

 

[odriscs]

Thanks! Would be interested to know how you get on!

It'd be a saving of over €1000 if I could pull it off, so it would be well worth it!

 

[meanpeoplesuck]

I know a couple of guys who have come back into Ireland with all sorts of goodies from the US. Leave some space in your suitcase, leave the box behind, and keep the manuals and stuff in a different case or hand luggage if you can, just in case they check it and see that it's brand new still in the box you bought it in.

By buying it in the USA, will you still be able to send it to Apple Ireland to get it fixed if there's a fault? Or will you be stuck trying to send it back to the USA?

Also as far as I'm aware, buying an adapter so the American plugs work over here should be all you have to do, but I'm no expert on that part...

How much are you getting one for?

 

[Scarlet Fever]

Also as far as I'm aware, buying an adapter so the American plugs work over here should be all you have to do, but I'm no expert on that part...

yeah, the power cube things are the same wherever you buy it. Its just the little plug which connects into it which is different.
Look for your country's power adapter for the power unit on ebay, because Apple charge you an arm and a leg for the world adapter kit.

 

[harisdmac]

...
By buying it in the USA, will you still be able to send it to Apple Ireland to get it fixed if there's a fault? Or will you be stuck trying to send it back to the USA?

....

According to Apple's warranty policy: "...If the product is portable, meaning that it can operate independently without a power cord, you may obtain warranty service worldwide..."
The full article is available here

 

[meanpeoplesuck]

Europe, Middle East and Africa - Apple Computer International Hollyhill Industrial Estate Hollyhill, Cork, Ireland

So I can buy any of the refurb products within europe and still be just as covered as if I bought it off the Irish Apple? Nice

 

[KingYaba]

Yeah apple care worldwide.

There is no way they will be able to tell if you bought the macbook pro in america or ireland unless you show them the receipt... (assuming you have taken it out of the box).

 

[meanpeoplesuck]

Would Apple's USA Online store ship to Ireland though? Or would the UK one ship to Ireland even, or do they only offer their free shipping/shipping at all within the specific country that the website caters to

 

[harisdmac]

Would Apple's USA Online store ship to Ireland though? Or would the UK one ship to Ireland even, or do they only offer their free shipping/shipping at all within the specific country that the website caters to

USA Apple's online shop does not ship outside USA. In addition, you cannot buy online if you do not have a VISA card issued by an american bank. I think that same think applies for the UK applestore as well.

 

[Jeewhizz]

Leave some space in your suitcase, leave the box behind, and keep the manuals and stuff in a different case or hand luggage if you can, just in case they check it and see that it's brand new still in the box you bought it in.

If custom's query one suitcase, they are obliged to check them all...

I would get the macbook, get a laptop carrying case, and use it in that. Then, package up the box/manuals etc, and post them via USPS/DHL. Might cost you about $50 or so, but the savings are still good

 

[Addo]

I bought my MBP in New York back in March...It was cheaper than here in the UK...I posted the box to my sister's house with USPS and it cost about $15 and it took 3 whole days for it to turn up! (I thought it would take at least 2 weeks as I paid for the cheapest delivery option!) I did go a bit overboard and wrapped the box up with bubble wrap and brown paper - I didn't want the box to get damaged that much - just in case I sell the MBP in the future.

If you have an airport express or an iPod then the plugs ffrom these are interchangeable with the MBP power supplies....

Also I just bought a Tucano sleeve and carried the MBP through customs in my rucksack - So far, I've never been stopped in customs when returning from the US in the past 10 years or so....But if you get stopped expect to pay the VAT or they may confiscate your new pride and joy! Oh and DO NOT carry your receipt with you definately post it to yourself or a close friend or relative...