Buying from Japan

[Carly]

Hi,

I've decided to get a new Sea and Sea DX-1G and after some research have found that its a lot cheaper to buy from Japan, several people on here have mentioned that Yuzo and this shop: UWdigitalcamera.com, offer great service so I've decided to get it from here.

What's the best way to pay? It doesn't let me use a debit card so is paypal or credit card better (cheaper)? I assume that both will charge me and then probably give me a rubbish exchange rate?

Thanks,

Carly

[Ferg3333]

Paypal is usually not that bad at the exchange rates, credit cards are usually ok to. So I wouldnt worry too much. Credit card has greater protection I believe.

[principia]

I dont remember getting shafted on the exchange rate when I bought from Yuzo using paypal.

J.

[japandiver]

Carly

I'm a Brit but am currently living and diving in Japan. I have not heard of this company and had previously thought I knew most of the people selling dive gear / UW video / camera equipment to foreigners - the foreign diving community here is relatively small. Despite living near Nagoya I'v not heard of this company and from their website it looks as if most of what they are selling is equipment that can be brought in most large electronics shop in Japan plus a mark-up.

Fisheye is one of the leading retailers in Tokyo - try googling them and using google's translation function to compare prices.

I don't want my ignorance to do this other co. a dis-service - but buyer beware.

Hugh

[Shadow 81]

I have never bought camera equipment - but used to buy some other equipment from Japan - and gave up as you could never allow for customs. Some packages would be delivered with no problems - and others would come with a bill to pay that made the items MUCH more expensive than in UK. Initially I got away with the tax more than not - but later on the Customs was on nearly every parcel - and so I gave up. OIf this is a one off you may be OK - but you just never know.

[rustferret]

I hae not imported dive gear but have imported other stuff through my past employment and on a personal level. Dont forget you could get hit for import tax.

Rustferret

[Bardo]

Mr Yuzo's service is second to none so buy with confidence!

[cazyoung]

Originally Posted by rustferret

I hae not imported dive gear but have imported other stuff through my past employment and on a personal level. Dont forget you could get hit for import tax.

Rustferret

Not just import tax but VAT and a carriers handleing charge as well!!! Not cheap SO buyer be very very beware!!!!!

[Carly]

Thanks to everyone for their help. I've had a look and with postage its about £170 cheaper than anywhere else I can find in the UK, and as I understand it import tax is 17.5%, so even if I do get stung its about £100 cheaper than here. Unless I'm wrong about the import tax rate?

Carly

[Simon A]

Carly,
if your debit card is a VISA debit you can enter the details as if it is a VISA credit card on non uk sites. I've got a nationwide one I use for non- uk purchases as I just get charged the visa's exchange rate with no further fees.
HTH
Simon A