Importing a dobsonian form USA

[gmiantor]

Hi Guys,


Looking at getting a new Telescope was looking at the Orion Skyquest which can be bought locally, but then found this alternative 8inch that has allot more bang for buck.

https://www.telescopesplus.com/produ...ctor-telescope

Has anyone every bought a telescope overseas, any recommendation for reputable and safe dealers to buy from as well as advise on import duties?

Thanks

[12richardk]

You will be charged duties and the transport cost will be huge , just not worth it in my opinion , there is a Orion 8" dobs for sale on OLX for R2500 much better deal

[gmiantor]

Yep the Orion 8" Dob was my first choice, will more than likely ending going with that... Got nailed with duties when bought some overseas bike goodies last so not looking forward to the admin

[12richardk]

You can always upgrade the focuser at a later stage as well as the finder that red dot finder is fine for go to mounts but quite useless on manual Dobs good luck and if you need any help send me a PM ,also Skywatcher are a lot cheaper here in SA if you want a new one and just as good, try www.technopro.co.za

[Birder]

It need not be expensive and duties can be determined up front . As far as I know there are no duties on telescopes, you will only pay the local 14% vat based the fob invoice value. Using a service like Aramex Global Shopper allowed you to consolidate your freight with other shipments , I recently imported a 50mm finder scope for my 10" Meade and the freight came to R147 ! Landed the scope for 50% of the retail cost in SA.

[12richardk]

It need not be expensive and duties can be determined up front . As far as I know there are no duties on telescopes, you will only pay the local 14% vat based the fob invoice value. Using a service like Aramex Global Shopper allowed you to consolidate your freight with other shipments , I recently imported a 50mm finder scope for my 10" Meade and the freight came to R147 ! Landed the scope for 50% of the retail cost in SA.

Duties are a miss or take but the transport cost for a 8 inch dobs will kill the deal , I have imported many astronomical equipment and sometimes get charged 50% other times just the VAT, who knows how they work

[Birder]

I am fortunate that we (company) have a clearing agent who sorts that out for me , don't know how they get to 50% !