Sending a Laptop BACK to the UK

[Disneydavey]

Hi

Just wondered how much this might cost to send a laptop purchased in the US back to the UK?

I didnt really want to be carrying it back with me if I can help it.

Anyone done anything similar? with other items?

[tigger&eeyore]

personally i wouldn't send it - you know how they chuck parcels/packages around, we brought ours back with us in our handluggage

[MarkE]

You're also more likely to pay VAT and import duty on it if you ship it back - you'd have to declare it's value for insurance purposes!

Just take a few (dozen) cd's with stuff on and install some non standard programs like office and a trial version of ulead video editing software so it looks like the laptop isn't brand new. Leave the box etc behind and just put it in your luggage!

[BevS97]

if you ship it back you will most definitely have to pay duty - we ship laptops all over for work, even well-used ones get charged duty.

[JAL]

You're also more likely to pay VAT and import duty on it if you ship it back - you'd have to declare it's value for insurance purposes!

Just take a few (dozen) cd's with stuff on and install some non standard programs like office and a trial version of ulead video editing software so it looks like the laptop isn't brand new. Leave the box etc behind and just put it in your luggage!

I don't think customs fall for that. Apart from the fact they can tell by the serial number that it originates in the US, it will have a US keyboard layout, not UK.
I've bought 3 in the last 2 years and just bought them back in my hand luggage.

[pauline1417]

I agree, I think it is just pot luck whether you will get stopped at customs, luckily this year we did not as we were well over the limit.

[Disneydavey]

I agree, I think it is just pot luck whether you will get stopped at customs, luckily this year we did not as we were well over the limit.

Is there anyone who ISNT over the limit when they come back from the states?