Purchasing from overseas is a big pain in the rear.

[gemfyre]

Step 1 - Convert US currency to AU currency. $430USD = $600AUD - cool, still a great deal.
Step 2 - Figure out how much the bank will slug you as a "conversion fee".
Step 3 - Figure out how much customs will slug you for bringing something into the country.

Steps 2 and 3 are near on impossible. You pretty much just have to wait and hope to god you have the money and it's still worth your while after all the fees.

Why can't it just be easy?

Comments

[lotus79.livejournal.com]

I've bought stuff from overseas and never had to worry about customs...

as for the conversion fee; I think some banks will do it as a flat rate, which is good for large amounts like that. Ring around and see.

Do you need a paypal account? I have one, and it doesn't cost anything to get one--until you transfer with it, and there's a percentage to pay.

[gemfyre.livejournal.com]

You have a paypal account.

I may need to borrow you. :)

You're closer than the friend in Melbourne I was gonna ask.

That is, if you don't mind.

[dead-corvette.livejournal.com]

Step 2 - Figure out how much the bank will slug you as a "conversion fee".
Step 3 - Figure out how much customs will slug you for bringing something into the country.

dont go through a bank..you can use western union and send an international money order..by registered post for extra security..or you can do it all electronically

Get the people sending you whatever it is theyre sending you to mark the package as a 'gift' on the tag. that way customs wont/are less likely to charge you any fees

:D

[gemfyre.livejournal.com]

Must be paid via Paypal.

I'm buying from a dealer so I doubt he'll appreciate me asking to mark it gift unfortunately.

[dead-corvette.livejournal.com]

double bum. i guess you could always ask

good luck :/

[annyka.livejournal.com]

"Get the people sending you whatever it is theyre sending you to mark the package as a 'gift' on the tag. that way customs wont/are less likely to charge you any fees"

That doesn't always work. We've had stuff sent over that way, and we didn't even pay the more than $100 AU - but they valued it over $100 and included the cost of postage in that price and charged us a hell of a lot of money (if I remember they charged us near on the same amount that we paid for the good anyway)!! Damn customs (though that has only happened in 1 of over at least 50 items we've brought)

[japester.livejournal.com]

customs seems to be quite arbitrary too.
I have bought loads of stuff from SE asia and had it imported duty-free, yet a bunch of tshirts and goodies from thinkgeek got slugged nastily.
I've only ever used c/wealth bank for international money transfers. the conversion fee is not excessive. most banks have some info on their web site(s), and will also happily tell you what it is if you call and ask.