Buying Parts in Europe

[littlebitstrouds]

I will be touring Europe for the next 6 months and will no doubt be making some computer purchases. Currently I'm looking to get a portable, atractive, external hardrive (any tips?). However being used to simply newegg'ing it or rebate hunting in the states, I have little to no knowledge of where to go for good deals in Europe. I'll be in Germany mostly and it's where the main office is for shipping. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[oynaz]

I believe prices in Europe are generally higher in Europe than in the US, keep that in mind.

 

[chcarnage]

I don't think that hardware is cheaper in Europe but here you go:

Germany increases its VAT by 3% to 19% on January 1st, so buy sooner if you can.

Two shops from Munich were recommended to me on IRC, you may browse them to have an idea how much hardware costs there: Litec Computer and NB-Computer.

The prices include VAT and a 1 year warranty (by law, in the entire EU and Switzerland) but normally no shipping costs.

If you buy stuff for more than a few ?100, it might be worth to jump the administrative hoops to get your VAT back. You have to prove that you leave the seller's country and you need a form signed by the seller. You will then have to pay the VAT of your state which is likely a good chunk below 19%. Search the customs office of your host country and the US for further informations.


// And if you buy hardware that isn't powered by USB or FireWire, make sure it works with 110V/60 Hz current, too.

 

[Kraptor]

Hardware is more expensive over here in Europe, cause usually manufacturers set the price as $=? and Euro is cost more then the USD right now. VAT is not really that big of a factor if you are not from an EU country, you can get a refund for VAT when you leave.


"You will then have to pay the VAT of your state which is likely a good chunk below 19%. Search the customs office of your host country and the US for further informations. "

Well, you dont realla have to pay VAT of your state. You just dont declare that stuff when u enter the US and you are all set.

 

[fx9]

im currently studying in Germany too, the hardware prices there really freaks me out. btw, since im holding a student visa, am I elligible to reclaim d VAT once i get out of germany, back to my own country?

 

[fx9]

is there any neweggs equivalent in Europe, particularly Germany?
the funny thg is even if i do ebay, the price still way above neweggs, not to say d risks involved. have fun in Europe!!!

 

[Kraptor]

Originally posted by: fx9
im currently studying in Germany too, the hardware prices there really freaks me out. btw, since im holding a student visa, am I elligible to reclaim d VAT once i get out of germany, back to my own country?

You just need a passport that was not issued by an EU country and you are elligible for VAT reclaim. Also this means for all kinds of goods, thoug I think the limit is 100 euro orsomething similar. So you will be able to request VAT reclaim if you buy good(s) that's value more then 100 yuros. I think in Germany it is called vemerstauer of somethign similar. The sign you look for is Tax Free Shopping Tay Free Shopping When you purchase something tell the clerk that you want Tax Free Shopping, then he/she will filll out a form that you have to stamp/reclaim at the airport, etc. It is pretty easy thing to do.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: fx9
is there any neweggs equivalent in Europe, particularly Germany?

Dunno about a 'newegg equivalent', like one store that everyone uses, is that what you mean? There are plenty of online computer stores of course - Dabs.com, Microdirect, etc. Just use a price search engine like price grabber to find them.

 

[Lonyo]

If you are really lucky, they will just not charge you VAT when you buy it, but that may not happen.
When I was in Hawai'i (I'm from the UK) and bought a Minidisc player, they held off the VAT, and when I was in Rome and bought a chess set, they also didn't add on VAT.

Just make sure you say you are not from Germany.

 

[Ingemar]

My advice: visit Italy , a wonderfull country with big culture and nice people!

best regards