Hi guys!
I'm planning to buy a HTC one in the near future, but I have some questions about bying it.
- Should I import a device to cut the price?
In Belgium, the phone costs 699 euros (= 917 dollar), but in America the phone costs 699 dollar (= 533 euros).
--> http://catalogue.proximus.be/PUB/gs...&contentpath=18a6cf96bd1acba60000013d42e53d96
--> http://www.amazon.com/HTC-One-Facto...e=UTF8&qid=1370519371&sr=8-3&keywords=htc+one
- What issues could I face if I bought an HTC one from Amazon?
It's more than 150 euros cheaper for the phone (international version).
And normally, this would work in Belgium, right?
So guys, let me hear your opinions.
Importing, yes or no, and why?
Thanks!
Matt
No LTE, warranty will cost you (maybe 30euros per issue,) and only be 1 year not 2, import duty...
Why don't I have LTE?
If I insert a SIM from a local provider, it should work.
Or not?
Depends on what frequencies your local telcos use for LTE.
From this list http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks#Europe I see Belgium uses the 1800MHz bands so the international one supports it. However, a UK set supports the 800MHz as well, and 2100MHz is supported by both EU and International units.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2223236
MattProductions said:
Why don't I have LTE?
If I insert a SIM from a local provider, it should work.
Or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, a US version won't work, but obviously the international one will.
BenPope said:
Oh, a US version won't work, but obviously the international one will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the only thing is warranty and maybe some import duty.
I think I can live with that.
For the American peeps:
Is there another online store I could buy an international version from?
Maybe cheaper then the Amazon one?
If you're picking up the Euro model, then warranty should be fine...
BenPope said:
If you're picking up the Euro model, then warranty should be fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Euro model?
You mean the interntional version?
Have you checked if there are any fees in belgium?
In Germany, we have to pay 19% import sales tax (which is equal to our VAT) plus customs fees.
For me that would make at least 640 euros for that device.
The german amazon website shows both, white and black, for 599€
http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00BFUS8C6?t=bfde-21
This could be cheaper for you
sicorax said:
Have you checked if there are any fees in belgium?
In Germany, we have to pay 19% import sales tax (which is equal to our VAT) plus customs fees.
For me that would make at least 640 euros for that device.
The german amazon website shows both, white and black, for 599€
http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00BFUS8C6?t=bfde-21
This could be cheaper for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you mean I would have to pay taxes and fees when importing from America.
But when i'm importing from Germany, no taxes (but some fees) have to be paid.
Interesting...
I'd be surprised if they do any warranty work. This is from experience. I bought a galaxy nexus my first, from Singapore. After a week it stopped connecting to mobile data. No one would touch it. Samsung here or there. And too boot the seller offered a warranty that they would honor. It cost me an extra $126 too ship it back only to have them give me the run around for 4 months. Then one day it magically appeared still broken. It is the most expensive battery charger I have ever owned .
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
MattProductions said:
The Euro model?
You mean the interntional version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I can't be sure what is meant by "international". If it's from Europe, you'll get warranty in Europe.
MattProductions said:
So you mean I would have to pay taxes and fees when importing from America.
But when i'm importing from Germany, no taxes (but some fees) have to be paid.
Interesting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I assume, the european countries handle non-EU imports similar, so there will be additional taxes and fees buying outside the EU.
Within the european union (no matter if you buy in Britain, Sweden, Germany or Poland) there will be no additional taxes, and there shouldn't be any fees for that, just like you buy your device in Belgium.
And warranty issues will be easier to handle. When I remember right, I had to send my HD2 for display repair to a company based in the Netherlands.
Buying in the EU has some big advantages
sicorax said:
Exactly. I assume, the european countries handle non-EU imports similar, so there will be additional taxes and fees buying outside the EU.
Within the european union (no matter if you buy in Britain, Sweden, Germany or Poland) there will be no additional taxes, and there shouldn't be any fees for that, just like you buy your device in Belgium.
And warranty issues will be easier to handle. When I remember right, I had to send my HD2 for display repair to a company based in the Netherlands.
Buying in the EU has some big advantages
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I should go for the german one, because of the advantages?
Hi, I've done it a lot. Just few advices:
1/ pay attention to tax. As soon as it comes from outside EU, you can pay taxes.
But it's not only TVA (sorry, I'm FR) but you have to add additional taxes (custom tax, import tax...). For FR is close to 25-30% of purchase price (own experience ...).
2/ all the taxes are not based on the invoice or the price you declare. It's based on a "Custom" price fixed for your country.
3/ depending on the carrier, you have more or less chances to pay the taxes.
DHL, UPS... 100% chances to pay. It's a service they charge!
From US I was using USPS (US postal services), most of the time you don't pay. It's as fast (letters do not take boat anymore).
4/ Warranty is working by region. The serial nb of the phone gives the country of sales.
You buy in US => warranty is in US. So you can send it back, take a plane. All this is expensive.
Take into account that you can't complain so much, the seller knows it.
5/ The deal is made under seller's country's laws. And you don't know them... US can be ok, asia is different.
If you don't speak the local language, complain is also very difficult.
6/ You can have surpises with the product... the Chinese HTC One has no google apps... depending of the country you import from you will lose LTE (some care) but also 3G (a lot care). For ex, in china we have 3 providers, only one is EU compatible. For US it's the same, you may lose 4G and 3G.
Of course, taking into account all of this, if the price difference is big enough, go import.
For such a phone, just losing the warranty we have in EU worth some bucks/euros...
I'm in asia now... we have very good warranty and laws in EU!
I advise you to search internet for a good price in EU. If you still want to import, I can send you one from China... with a SD slot
I think for small amounts (< few thousands), if it's not 30-50% cheaper, do not import. Or, you have to buy bellow taxe exemption price (depend of each country, few hundred euros).
Related
Does someone know a online shop which will ship the Samsung Focus S to Europe??
Expansys would, they have a store for most countries. Though they are more expensive.
You can try eBay or MobileCityOnline, if they ever get stock.
I ordered mine on eBay.
would the samsung focus s work in the UK? Does automatically become unlocked?
rafter_01 said:
would the samsung focus s work in the UK? Does automatically become unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would not automatically become unlocked. You would need to purchase an unlock code. I trust: samsungimeiunlock.com or cellunlocker.net
Both cost around $30 USD currently.
The Focus S would work on 2G/EDGE networks after unlock as well as 3G 850/1900/2100 bands. 850/1900 are not very popular outside of N. America.
2100 is quite prevalent in many European countries. You can find a list here: http://worldtimezone.net/gsm.html
If it says 2100MHz under 3G on the same line, you might be in luck.
does anyone know if this phone would work in austria at t-mobile? how about import taxes? would i have to pay some?
thx, sam
johnsies said:
Expansys would, they have a store for most countries. Though they are more expensive.
You can try eBay or MobileCityOnline, if they ever get stock.
I ordered mine on eBay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Expansys don't have the Focus S in the Austrian store...
Ebay is also a little bit expensive...
sam_semillia said:
does anyone know if this phone would work in austria at t-mobile? how about import taxes? would i have to pay some?
thx, sam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will work on Austrians 3G networks without problems...
Import taxes are usually around 20% in Austria from Item+Shipping that would be around 130$ (~100€)for a focus if you pay 650$
If your lucky the customs won't check your package, than you get away without customs duty
Cheapest Unlock I've found
Bought mine on eBay for $430+$10 shipping.
On cellunlock(dot)net with "android50" coupon code it costs 19.99 CAD (Canadian $), where as the normal price is CAD 39.99.
uncloking imported cell
Hi guys! I am coming from a Galaxy S and going to switch to WP. Since I live in Chile I have to import the Focus S, so I have an important but noob question on unlocking.
When I bought my SGS it was already unlocked so I just had to insert my local sim, start rooting and flashing. But now I'm going to buy a AT&T Focus S, so I don't really know if I need an AT&T sim card in order to sim-unlock it from pages like prounlocking or similar and/or using any sort of app or flash-like procedure.
thanks in advance! it would be really hepful for me!
http://www.expansys-usa.com/samsung-focus-s-windows-phone-unlocked-223036/
thanks! But I was planning to buy it locked and unlocking it myself so could save a few bucks (actually, like 150 USD)
Demian_ii said:
thanks! But I was planning to buy it locked and unlocking it myself so could save a few bucks (actually, like 150 USD)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need at&t sim card, just insert your own, it will ask for unlock code, you dial it, it unlocks and that's it
I bought a Focus S AT&T locked of E-Bay, and had it shipped here to the Netherlands.
It was locked, and purchased an unlock code from:
http://www.samsungimeiunlock.com/samsung-focus-s-unlock
Working fine, unlock was delivered within 15 minutes.
I made the same that Demian_ii but I order to send to Spain
Imported it into the UK as an unlocked phone and just updated the software to 8107(?). It runs absolutely fine on T-Mobile in the UK. Good data speeds when out and about. I would like to enable wireless tethering/hotspotting if possible. Still looking into it.
I'm pretty happy with it, but not sure I'm that happy with the Gmail integration or Facebook integration (I guess this is now more about WP7 than the Focus S).
I might consider selling it on, I'm still giving it a chance, but I'm missing a lot of the functionality that Android finally got which WP7 is sadly lacking
free simlockcalculators
johnsies said:
It would not automatically become unlocked. You would need to purchase an unlock code. I trust: samsungimeiunlock.com or cellunlocker.net
Both cost around $30 USD currently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this software for free: http://simlockcalculators.com/
https://negrielectronics.com/
They ship worldwide and it is currently on sale
Here already imported and unlocked (and good price)
Hello every one
I am a french citizen living in China for one year
I am dreaming to buy a Galaxy Note, but I can buy it only in China, is someone can tell me if it will work properly when I will come back to France ?
If not is there a possibility to change the system at this moment?
Sorry but I am a novice in this matter
Thank you in advance for your help
Yes as long as you buy the GSM version. Not sure if there is some CDMA weird version for the Chinese market.
Agreed, look for the GSM bandwidths, I think the EU's on 900 and 1800.
Jacques Deliessche said:
Hello every one
I am a french citizen living in China for one year
I am dreaming to buy a Galaxy Note, but I can buy it only in China, is someone can tell me if it will work properly when I will come back to France ?
If not is there a possibility to change the system at this moment?
Sorry but I am a novice in this matter
Thank you in advance for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is only one variant of the galaxy note in the present market.
So go to store and buy it
It has this bands:
GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
UMTS850, UMTS900, UMTS1900, UMTS2100
Thank you very much
Thank you very much for your help
I have very much appreciated it
Thanks again
Thank you very much for your help. i have a similar question
where are you folks planning to buy?
hey, I'm an American in Shanghai - I've been planning on buying one as well, but it seems the only choices are
a) buy a "brand-new" model, grey-market European version, 50% chance it's a refurb, but can offer local store warranty for ~3280rmb ($520 USD), or
b) buy an official, brand-new one for 4100rmb ($650 USD)
I almost pulled the trigger on the grey-market one, but it just kills me to know that I can get a brand-new NON-refurb for $500 USD through Newegg in the US... arrgh.
segascott said:
hey, I'm an American in Shanghai - I've been planning on buying one as well, but it seems the only choices are
a) buy a "brand-new" model, grey-market European version, 50% chance it's a refurb, but can offer local store warranty for ~3280rmb ($520 USD), or
b) buy an official, brand-new one for 4100rmb ($650 USD)
I almost pulled the trigger on the grey-market one, but it just kills me to know that I can get a brand-new NON-refurb for $500 USD through Newegg in the US... arrgh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine on taobao from Shenzhen, 1 day shipping. I think that is safer than buyer from a store in shanghai, as the taobao sellers are selling loads of these phones.
Mine had been opened and made chinese even it is a european version. they changed some settings so you'll default to chinese language after a wipe/upgrade, and the samsung keyboard didn't work when I first good it. But after reinstalling european firmware everything is good.
I would stay away from official version because of price and I'm also not sure if all google services work on those.
Moved To Q&A
Please post all questions in the Q&A section
Be careful - there are now clones:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzbe9Hv1py0
yeah - the quote I had for ~3300 was from a taobao seller with a brick 'n mortar store. At least there's somewhere to go if the thing is borked. The "warranty" is through the store and not samsung, but at least they know where (taobao!) to source screens/mobo and claim to give 2 years replacement service should anything go wrong. still might pull the trigger on it... unless one of my friends goes back to the states in the next couple of weeks.
Did your seller offer any kind of warranty?
nick5000 said:
I bought mine on taobao from Shenzhen, 1 day shipping. I think that is safer than buyer from a store in shanghai, as the taobao sellers are selling loads of these phones.
Mine had been opened and made chinese even it is a european version. they changed some settings so you'll default to chinese language after a wipe/upgrade, and the samsung keyboard didn't work when I first good it. But after reinstalling european firmware everything is good.
I would stay away from official version because of price and I'm also not sure if all google services work on those.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi all,
I am travelling to the UK this summer (I live in Israel), and after making great use out of my Desire for almost 3 years, I feel it's time for an upgrade. Now, I have checked a number of shops that offer the phone, however the prices vary by about £10-£20 (Clove, Handtec, Phones4U - even O2, but it's SIM locked for 12 months). So I'm at a loss as to where to order from. Maybe Amazon.co.uk?
After purchasing the device, does anyone know whether or not I can claim VAT back (due to not living in the EU)? That would save a few extra £'s..
I am also concerned about the network bands it uses - I think the one I need is the 801n (900/2100 3G) - do all vendors in the UK sell this particular variant? Also, is this rumour about a 64GB device even worth holding my breath for? 32GB could definitely be more than enough...
Finally, warranty - if anything happens (touch wood that it doesn't), would sending the device via airmail back to the UK be sufficient for warranty purpose? Or is it void if I live outside of the UK?
Many thanks for all help provided
I do not know about the other questions, but you will not be able to claim VAT back in the UK. I believe the UK is the only country you cannot do that in; I have done it in France, Sweden, Germany and some others, but not in the UK. One question, though, how are you going to buy a device that is sim locked for 12 months, or in other words, how are you going to buy a contract-locked device if you do not actually live there? Wouldn't they require green cards, credit cards, proof of residence and such? Or at least that's how it was with AT&T and the iPhone.
Well I figured that the pay&go offer meant you didn't need an address..
Regardless, the vat and sim locked version are the last of my worries compared to the other questions.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2
rafithegreat said:
Well I figured that the pay&go offer meant you didn't need an address..
Regardless, the vat and sim locked version are the last of my worries compared to the other questions.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the sellers you have listed sell sim unlocked versions of the One but I don't know how the prices compare to those you have.
I have purchased phones from both Handtec (online) and Carphone Warehouse (in store) and always pay for sim unlocked.
As to the model the ones available in the UK will be the M7-UL 801n which is the international variant and should be fine for most of the world but you will need to check the frequencies available before purchase.
Hey again..
I just checked, and it seems that MobiCity have a UK website selling the 801S version, as well as a 64GB version!? :huh:
Does this even make sense? That's the Australian/Asian version AFAIK..
Hi.
I'm planing on visiting London in the new year, and I want to buy there the Nexus 6. Buying it in IL will cost much more... So where could I find it? How much it'll cost? As a tourist, will I be able to get the taxes back? And does the phones sold in the UK are unlocked, off contract and international?
Thanks. (and sorry for my bad English, it's not my native...)
Carphone warehouse would most likely have it in stock by then in white black 32/64GB These are internationally unlocked . However that being said you need to check what bands your network uses but the N6 is a band powerhouse .
It costs £500 and £550 respectively depending on the GB variant, see below for different currency conversions:
INS: 3103.15 3413.46
Dollars: $779 $856.90
Euros: €634.06 €697.46
Regarding getting tax back after a quick Google it looks like you can claim back the 20% as you live outsite the EU. Please see http://www.heathrowairport.com/stat...ual_PDF/VAT_Refunds/vat-refund-leaflet_EN.pdf
I would like to import this to the US and use it on Straight Talk (AT&T). To me it looks like it has the right bands to work on AT&T, but there are a lot smarter people here than I.
What do you think?
MrNetwork said:
I would like to import this to the US and use it on Straight Talk (AT&T). To me it looks like it has the right bands to work on AT&T, but there are a lot smarter people here than I.
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep will work.
AT&T is using 850/1900 mhz and Mi Note pro also supporting this band.
LTE not compatible
I just found this out:
AT&T LTE uses Band 17 ( 700Mhz), Band 5 (850Mhz), Band 2 (1900Mhz), Band 4 (1700/2100Mhz)
Mi Note Pro LTE bands: LTE band 3 (1800 Mhz), 7 (2600 Mhz)
Summary: AT&T uses Bands 2,4,5,17 where this phone only has Bands 3 and 7 for LTE.
Xiaomi mi note pro can not work with AT&T in the USA.
This phone will only work in Europe and Asia.
Kahun said:
This phone will only work in Europe and Asia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I am not mistaken, the device should work in the U.S., just not on U.S. LTE. It doesn't support any U.S. carrier's LTE bands
I live in the States and I wanted to know can I get the Note Pro for the price they have it for in China (2299 yuan's) which is actually like $337 in U.S. dollars. Sites like oppomart.com and honorbuy.com have it for like $600 plus in U.S. dollars which I get because they have to make their money also. I checked the mi.com site and I can get it but one my appointment, any suggestions?
shakim24 said:
I live in the States and I wanted to know can I get the Note Pro for the price they have it for in China (2299 yuan's) which is actually like $337 in U.S. dollars. Sites like oppomart.com and honorbuy.com have it for like $600 plus in U.S. dollars which I get because they have to make their money also. I checked the mi.com site and I can get it but one my appointment, any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you got it wrong the Mi Note Pro costs 3229 yuan. 3299 Chinese Yuan equals 532.31 US Dollar.
The device you were probably looking at is the Mi Note 16GB which costs 2299 yuan. Mi Note 64GB is 2799 yuan.
Kahun said:
I think you got it wrong the Mi Note Pro costs 3229 yuan. 3299 Chinese Yuan equals 532.31 US Dollar.
The device you were probably looking at is the Mi Note 16GB which costs 2299 yuan. Mi Note 64GB is 2799 yuan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I made a mistake on the prices, realized it after I sent it.
So does anyone have this phone on US AT&T yet? Just curious what type of 3G speeds it will get.
tbfl said:
So does anyone have this phone on US AT&T yet? Just curious what type of 3G speeds it will get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't speak for at&t but works like a charm on tmobile hspa+
I have the Xiaomi mi note pro and I can confirm that it can be used in the US on the ATT network. I am using it with Straight talk on ATT's towers. As mentioned earlier, it does not support LTE in the US, only HSPA+, which is plenty fast enough for me.
JeffSGeorge said:
I have the Xiaomi mi note pro and I can confirm that it can be used on the US on the ATT network. I am using it with Straight talk on ATT's towers. As mentioned earlier, it does not support LTE in the US, only HSPA+, which is plenty fast enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have to install any drivers so your laptop or desktop could be able to recognize your device?
No additional drivers were needed on Windows 8.1 professional.
Just worked on Linux.
JeffSGeorge said:
I have the Xiaomi mi note pro and I can confirm that it can be used in the US on the ATT network. I am using it with Straight talk on ATT's towers. As mentioned earlier, it does not support LTE in the US, only HSPA+, which is plenty fast enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just out of curiosity where did you purchased your MiNote Pro? There are sites that have it for $600 or more. I know the price for it for Chinese residents is substantially cheaper. Any way i can get it for the price it is in China? I'm assuming i can on that mi.com website but I'm not sure.
shakim24 said:
Just out of curiosity where did you purchased your MiNote Pro? There are sites that have it for $600 or more. I know the price for it for Chinese residents is substantially cheaper. Any way i can get it for the price it is in China? I'm assuming i can on that mi.com website but I'm not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine from oppomart.com. I would post a link to the product page but I am not allowed until I have 10 posts. It's easy enough to find in a google search.
It wouldn't make sense to expect to pay the same price as those in China if it has to be imported. Even still, $600 is cheaper than most domestic unlocked flagship phones such as Samsung, HTC, Sony, etc...
JeffSGeorge said:
I got mine from oppomart.com. I would post a link to the product page but I am not allowed until I have 10 posts. It's easy enough to find in a google search.
It wouldn't make sense to expect to pay the same price as those in China if it has to be imported. Even still, $600 is cheaper than most domestic unlocked flagship phones such as Samsung, HTC, Sony, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I've been on that site before. So having it imported is costly I'm assuming?
shakim24 said:
Yeah I've been on that site before. So having it imported is costly I'm assuming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
From a quick google search; "Import duty and taxes are due when importing goods into the United States whether by a private individual or a commercial entity. The valuation method is FOB (Free on Board), which means that the import duty and taxes payable are calculated exclusively on the value of the imported goods. However, some duties are based part in value and part in quantity. In addition to duty, imports may be subject to a Merchandise Processing Fee, and in some cases to sales tax, and Federal Excise Tax."
Some sellers will claim a low declared value in order to avoid the seller having to pay customs taxes, but if your package is opened and inspected by customs and found to be of more value than what was declared, then they will force you to pay their taxes. In addition, international shipping costs are also higher.
JeffSGeorge said:
Yes.
From a quick google search; "Import duty and taxes are due when importing goods into the United States whether by a private individual or a commercial entity. The valuation method is FOB (Free on Board), which means that the import duty and taxes payable are calculated exclusively on the value of the imported goods. However, some duties are based part in value and part in quantity. In addition to duty, imports may be subject to a Merchandise Processing Fee, and in some cases to sales tax, and Federal Excise Tax."
Some sellers will claim a low declared value in order to avoid the seller having to pay customs taxes, but if your package is opened and inspected by customs and found to be of more value than what was declared, then they will force you to pay their taxes. In addition, international shipping costs are also higher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the insight.