Shipping a Computer to India

I'm a journalist based in Chennai using an old computer that desperately needs updating. I have my mind set on buying a new Mac, but unfortunately the prices for Macs in India is super-inflated because of customs duty. Macs in India are almost 30% more expensive that the states. I know it's possible to buy a new mac in the USA and then bring it back with you on the plane, but I don't have any plans to head back to the states any time soon.

So here's my question: what are the customs rules for buying a Mac desktop in the states and shipping it to my home here? Will I have to pay duty on it? Are there any ways around this (like opening the box first and saying it is for personal use--which it would be)?

Has anyone else found a way around this problem?

Scott

I find there is a simple answer to these type of questions: if there was an easy way around it, customs would never collect any duty.

Sorry, but I really do feel that is the situation.

You will find the rules and the rates of duty here or nearby on that same site.

Laptops is easy, if you have friends coming; they can bring in one each! Desktop machines not so, I'm afraid.

If you ship it, you will end up paying the same, if not more, duty that the factory is paying which results in the street prices being more expensive. There is no duty on up to one computer if you bring with you.

Were you thinking of laptop of desktop? If it is a desktop, you will prbably get reamed by the airlines for excess baggage.

There is no duty on up to one laptop if you are bringing it with you. Important distinction!

So...if we bring a laptop into India from Canada..there should be no problem???

Err... better check with the horse's mouth: Indian Customs Site

Well i am getting the impression u can bring one in..as long as u take it out when u leave the country...but..do they record what u bring into the country??? We usually have a camcorder and a couple of camera's and have never had to register them...Any comments???? As we do intend to leave the laptop in India???

They haven't checked mine on two exits.

I've never been asked for any documentation for mine, coming or going.

Thanks...u guys..we have never been asked about anything either, but just don't want any trouble...

Usually they are ok with you bringing ONE laptop or a camera/camcorder and they do not make a note of it in the passport. IF they insist then you can always say its for your personal use while on the trip and that you intend to take it back and suggest that they can mark it on your passport if they choose. And if they do .. make sure you get that notation removed/addressed on your way out. Last time I suggested he make a note he waved me out. So most often they wave you out since these items have become such essential gear like toothbrush and razor.

If they are not ok with it, then they are going against the law. It does happen, particularly with NRIs, and you should demand to see a senior oficer.

Last May, I brought my laptop to India from Canada, no problems with customs, in fact they did not ask me anything or open my bag to check.

The real problem is that due to the inferior electrical grid in India, I blew my motherboard within a few days due to a electrical spike, while I was charging the battery overnight without a surge protector.

After a few days of inquiries about repair under warranty HP/Compact India refused saying laptops bought in North America can be only serviced in North America and the warranty was not valid in India.

So make sure that if you do buy a mac in the States, the warranty is covered in India, otherwise repair costs will be expensive.

I would just pay the extra 30% and buy one from a Apple Store in India and save the grief of repairs not covered under warranty.

st

hmmm, is this something common (to blow the motherboard) whilst in India??..would hate to do that!!!!

Having a computer shipped to India is not a viable option. Our US office pre-configured a laptop and then sent it to my Indian office. Customs charged Rs. 18,000 duty on a laptop worth USD 1600, more than 20%.

You also have warranty issues. Not all warranties are global so if the laptop has a problem here you might not be covered.