Importing from the USA

[rbw156]

I'm looking to import a chartplotter from the USA. Prices are considerably lower, ie I can purchase a chartplotter with a bigger screen, newer technology with more features for the same price as I can buy one in the UK.

I've found out that I need to add shipping to the price (ranges from $40 to $90), then VAT, then duty at 3%. What I can't figure out is how, to who and when I pay the VAT and duty.

Has anyone any experience of this?

[MikeCC]

Usually billed by the carrier (eg Fedex, UPS) either COD or invoice.

[Zippy]

The big carriers like Fedex, UPS and the like have to pay import duty and VAT on arrival UK. they will then contact you and ask you to stump up the money before they deliver.

[Manos]

Use USPS (United States Parsel Service) is much cheaper by the rest you get tracking number and it takes about 3-4 days to gete here. You pay Parcel Forse direct by credit card before delivery of the goods to your home for any charges inmposed by the customs.

[Pookay]

As I have found out to my detriment, I posted a thread about my first GPS and subsequently ordered a fantastic bit of Garmin Kit off T'internet.. Dead cheap and turned up the next day as promised.

Took it out to configure the thing and then noticed that rather than a Eurpoean base map it was an Americas basemap - hence F'ing useless for Ribbing in the Solent.. Sent back for refund..

If importing, make sure it got the map you want..

Also you will still get nobbled for the VAT maybe not immediatley but at some time - found this out the hard way too.. About a month later when you think you have got away with it the C&E letter will drop through the letter box. Attached will be a copy of the invoice from the US company and a Bank Giro made out to the amount you her her Madge..

[rbw156]

Does the base map matter if I'm also buying some electronic charts?

[codprawn]

Thought the base maps were crap???

Be careful - NOT all the prices are less - Raymarine is no cheaper becuase it is made here!!!

Shooping around in the UK can have some suprising results too!!!

[Solent Ranger]

Originally Posted by rbw156

I'm looking to import a chartplotter from the USA.

Why? A chart plotter, is unless you have a really big screen, a waste off time and money. More a toy than a seriuos piece of kit! You'll spend more time trying to see the screen in either sunlight or rain and not see a thing that's going on around you. A standard GPS with a well pre planned route in the set and marked on a chart is far better. Use the rolling road and way point webs on your chart. I got caught out in really bad weather and found the chart plotter I had on the boat was totally useless in a serious situation. I saved my self a load of dosh that day!! Very pretty things to show yer mates - bugger all use when the brown stuff hits the windmill.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Solent Ranger

Why? A chart plotter, is unless you have a really big screen, a waste off time and money. More a toy than a seriuos piece of kit! You'll spend more time trying to see the screen in either sunlight or rain and not see a thing that's going on around you. A standard GPS with a well pre planned route in the set and marked on a chart is far better. Use the rolling road and way point webs on your chart. I got caught out in really bad weather and found the chart plotter I had on the boat was totally useless in a serious situation. I saved my self a load of dosh that day!! Very pretty things to show yer mates - bugger all use when the brown stuff hits the windmill.

So is a Raymarine C80 a waste on money - or is that screen size ok???

[Solent Ranger]

Originally Posted by codprawn

So is a Raymarine C80 a waste on money - or is that screen size ok???

8.4" at around £1350!! If you got the dosh then find out! Plus of course the chart cartridges.