GST Refund

[medhead]

Always remove packaging from anything that you're declaring and not wanting to pay duty if the value is over $900. If it's used, then the value is immediately depreciated by 20%.

Not in my experience.

 

[coriander]

If someone does get a sealed bag with all the required paperwork, then there is no need for them to show the items, in theory, provided they hand over the paperwork at the airport.

... and show TRS that the sealed bag is still sealed.

I used to trawl the DF shops in Collins and Elizabeth Street looking for DF bargains, but can't remember seeing any there any more: they can't compete with the likes of JB Hifi and others. I guess the ones at thew airport still exist because they have a captive market, but their prices are not comnpetitive (well not on cameras, laptops or phones anyway).

Ok, I stand corrected.

I just did a google for DF in CBD Melbourne, according to Yellow Pages there's one dedicated DF shop - JR. All the others are retail stores (eg JB Hifi, Watches of Switzerland, etc.) JR Duty Free does have Moet & Chandon Reserve NV Duty-free exclusive 3x750ml for $169 duty free = $56 ea, which is about what I saw them in Costco and Dan Murphy's for.

 

[medhead]

... and show TRS that the sealed bag is still sealed.

I used to trawl the DF shops in Collins and Elizabeth Street looking for DF bargains, but can't remember seeing any there any more: they can't compete with the likes of JB Hifi and others. I guess the ones at thew airport still exist because they have a captive market, but their prices are not comnpetitive (well not on cameras, laptops or phones anyway).

Ok, I stand corrected.

I just did a google for DF in CBD Melbourne, according to Yellow Pages there's one dedicated DF shop - JR. All the others are retail stores (eg JB Hifi, Watches of Switzerland, etc.) JR Duty Free does have Moet & Chandon Reserve NV Duty-free exclusive 3x750ml for $169 duty free = $56 ea, which is about what I saw them in Costco and Dan Murphy's for.

There is one on King William St in Adelaide, well it was there a few years ago. They offered the choice of sealed bag or not sealed bag. An ex worked in DF when we were together, most of my comments are based on her experiences. But I did forget about seeing the bag was still sealed. Thanks for the reminder.
Of course, with the current GST refund system, I'm not sure how important that requirement would be, provided the docket is handed in when leaving Australia. *pondering

Only the hard liquor is worthwhile at DF shops.

 

[coriander]

if you don't then Customs are unlikely to be aware that you got a GST refund on your departure

Yeah, I've wondered about that - is there a code printed on the SmartCard you hand to the Border Force officer on exit that may indicate a TRS claim?

 

[coriander]

But I did forget about seeing the bag was still sealed. Thanks for the reminder.
Of course, with the current GST refund system, I'm not sure how important that requirement would be, provided the docket is handed in when leaving Australia. *pondering

1. Sealed is important as the GST has already been deducted by the DF shop.
2. You could have replaced your Johnny Walker Black with Iced Tea.

 

[medhead]

1. Sealed is important as the GST has already been deducted by the DF shop.
2. You could have replaced your Johnny Walker Black with Iced Tea.

completely agree.
The comment/pondering was more directed towards GST refund eligible goods rather than duty items like booze.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

OK so deal is done - iPad Pro 132GB from Apple $1,499 less 15% staff disc cause I know somebody = Price $1,274.15 - if I can claim GST back less $115.83 = Net $1,158.32 - if my dastardly plan comes to fruition.

That compares pretty god to Changi iStudio price $1,354 less $200 Changi $ vouchers - I guess the $200 vouchers best spent on couple botts Krug huh?

Thanks to all for your input.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Plans for entirety of this questionable activity are in place - I think. Cruiserette mentioned in passing last week that she wanted an iPad Pro so I set about trying to find a strategy that would deliver said item at cheapest price.

I need to be in China next week to inspect a container of product pre shipping hence the 2 possibilities of buy here or buy in Changi in transit. This will be a gift so I really do not want to remove original packaging and certainly do not want any aggravation re customs on return.

So final decision very very simple and straight forward - purchase iPad here at discounted Apple employee rate - original Invoice in my name - claim GST refund on dep - leave iPad in China and have our supplier load it inside container to arrive back in MEL early March - risk free and with no urgency for gifting my cheapest alternative.

Again thanks to all AFFers who took the time to contribute - very much appreciated.

 

[Cynicor]

I'll make sure to visit you in the Big House, brother.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

... load it inside container to arrive back in MEL early March - risk free and with no urgency for gifting my cheapest alternative.

Which would still need to be declared and duty paid?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Which would still need to be declared and duty paid?

Of course MEL - you know me better than to even ask that question!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Of course MEL - you know me better than to even ask that question!

I was just wondering how it was any less 'risk free' than bringing it in on person.

If customs decide to check your container and find undeclared goods that would be the end of your containers coming in without checks.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

That's pretty simple MEL - this is going to be a gift - I can pack it in China in its own designated box in NKG in multiple layers bubble wrap so it looks in pristine condition on return in original packaging.

Given my itinerary on return is so convoluted and ATPIT I have no idea exactly what amount of emergency spare parts I will need to bring back with me then my ability to plan return checked / hand luggage totally up in the air ATPIT.

As for checking containers we are always bringing in Lithium batteries - are you aware of the xraying protocols in place for shipments involving Lithium batteries MEL?

But thanks for your concern - if I wasn't mistaken MEL seems you are trying to be a little argumentative just for the sake of being so - of course my apologies if that is not the case.

 

[trixydoza]

I hope you get caught.

 

[PLANT]

So apple people get 15%off all items hey..... Mmmmm

 

[PLANT]

I'd just like to say I had a mate buy a Sony z2 in 2011 for me in Hong Kong fully speced for over $3k...... Could not buy in Australia..... Closest was $4k here and He declared it.... Told no tax even when he questioned the officers...... I then packaged it and claim each year via tax agent!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I hope you get caught.

Interesting post indeed - but thanks for your encouragement trixy - interested to learn what I could be caught for - care to expand?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

So apple people get 15%off all items hey..... Mmmmm

Apple employees get up to 20% off items for own use - 15% for non personal use - I think.

 

[JohnK]

Of course MEL - you know me better than to even ask that question!

If the iPad Pro is going to be overseas for a while I wouldn't worry about declaring it when you ship it back. Also note depreciation is 20% so not likely to be too much of an issue.

Some people on AFF are way too cautious.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

ISome people on AFF are way too cautious.

Johnny I think some people on AFF only concerned about my welfare - and I appreciate that.