Are there things that are so much cheaper in the US, that I could buy some to help offset the cost of my holiday?

ItsMeAgro on 15/04/2017 - 15:26

The story goes that some Adobe software used to be so overpriced in Aus that you could fly to the US, buy it, and fly back for less than the cost to buy it in Aus.

I don't think it's true anymore, but it got me wondering:

Is there anything I should get while I'm there, for my own use - or, if it's cheap enough, to sell when I get back - to offset the cost of my holiday a bit?

I was thinking of getting a VR headset there, but lately they've been similarly priced here. Seems that way for a lot of electronics at the moment; once you convert, the US price isn't that much better.

Some home theatre tech - like projectors and subwoofers - are both still hundreds of dollars cheaper there, but they don't travel in suitcases too well (subs are big and heavy, projectors seem fragile).

A high-end CPU or GPU maybe?

Any ideas?

Travel

Comments

  • PVA on 17/04/2017 - 16:31
    +1

    Sneakers, high end collectible ones.

  • 0p on 17/04/2017 - 16:50

    I would say-

    • Fast food

    • Gaming consoles (eg Nintendo switch)

    • Cars

    • Snacks (eg twin-keys)

    • Headphones

    I donno up to you do decide what you can and can't buy…

    0p

  • Cluster on 17/04/2017 - 16:53
    -1

    Cigarettes. It's a tiny offset but you can bring in up to 75 sticks. The limit is 50, but if the last pack is open you can do 75. I have personally brought back 60, ticked the Customs form saying I have more than 50 and said to the agent that one pack is open. No problem.

  • Cluster on 17/04/2017 - 16:55
    +3

    Spray on cheese.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easy_Cheese

    A uniquely weird American product. Corner the market here :-)

    • Switchblade88 on 18/04/2017 - 20:37
      +2

      There's a LOT more info on that Wiki page than I was ever expecting, about cheese in a can…

  • TheCutter on 17/04/2017 - 17:12
    +5

    High end watches last time i checked.
    Especially 2nd hand rolexes from a reputable dealer.
    With it on your wrist no import duty

    • 2ndeffort on 19/04/2017 - 11:15
      +2

      Wearing my Omega Aqua Terra bought in Washington for thousands less than the best AU rice I could find. Full International Warranty from an Authorised Omega dealer (Jewellery Shop) as well.

    • Szemen on 19/04/2017 - 15:43
      +2

      I do the same thing in Japan. Last time, I found a Speedy pro for 2.8k with B&P. Flipped it and recouped the cost of the ticket.

      To OP: Definitely worth looking into. But you'll need to know the watch and market.

    • jade on 21/04/2017 - 10:13

      Hi TheCutter, any particular Rolex dealers in US that you know of who are trustworthy? Thanks in advance.

      • TheCutter on 21/04/2017 - 12:44
        +1

        Here is the guy. Not sure if he has an online prescence but he is very honest.
        I've bought 2 from him - both terrific - all the papers. Inspected by rolex here in Oz.
        I got him to post one to my hotel when i was in the USA

        Blair Cook
        Proprietor
        idealwatches

        January 1981 - Present Pre-Owned Fine Swiss Watches & Diamond Trader Where Wise Men & Women BUY/ SELL/ TRADE PRE-OWNED ROLEX MAKES SENSE ESPECIALLY WITH TWO YEAR WARRANTY SINCE 1981
        Cell 706 533 4306

        if you PM me i'll send you his email

  • Ahbal on 17/04/2017 - 17:34

    If you are into computer builds, PC parts are much cheaper over there.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2017 - 18:31

    I think you may be forgetting tax and duty fees, there is a limit to how much new stuff you can bring back.

  • snivy on 17/04/2017 - 18:31
    +1

    Food :) just stuff yourself silly.

    On a more serious note; US branded goods are significantly cheaper there, especially if you can get them from outlets, i.e. Coach, CK, Michael Kors, Adidas, Nike to name a few. I got myself an Adidas sneakers last time I was there, ended up being cheaper around $30-$40 AUD.

    Electronics aren't worth it anymore now I reckon, except for the ones you definitely can't find in Australia.

  • horsome on 17/04/2017 - 20:47

    Hot sauce and other condiments, surf and snow branded clothing, basketball boots, children's clothing (quality brands too).

    Like here outlet shopping is hit and miss, better range though but some of the designer shops are full of crappy bad fitting clothes with the label stitched on. But if you're lucky you will hit up a store with a 70% of sale or something.

    The malls in general are better than here and have sales, heaps more stuff than here. Need to get to the non tourist malls for best gear and bargains I found.

  • BartholemewH on 18/04/2017 - 00:44

    Custom made fine jewellery is much cheaper in the US. Not worth reselling but if you have an anniversary etc. coming up it's something to keep in mind.

    • xuqi on 18/04/2017 - 02:12

      Custom made Rolex watches are also much cheaper there.

  • cybapete on 18/04/2017 - 07:11
    +1

    if you are going to los angeles check out citadel outlets heaps of stores including the nike outlet store
    http://www.citadeloutlets.com/

  • gstfree on 18/04/2017 - 08:51

    Enjoy your holiday. Only buy things you need.

  • kaos on 18/04/2017 - 09:24
    +3

    Last time I went to the USA I bought a Mac Pro from eBay. Brand new 6 core was US$3100, and including freight, GST etc, I paid around $4700 Aus when the RRP was $6499 Aus.

    Would have been cheaper if I had not left it at the airport gate and had to have it shipped to me. But that was due to me ozbargaining drinks in the admirals lounge for 8 hours…….

  • coota1268 on 18/04/2017 - 09:35
    +2

    Alcohol….. 700ml Spirits for $15 at walmart.
    You'll need to take the exchange rate into consideration, but given Australia's Alcohol Tax, you'll still come out infront.

    • Neatoboy on 19/04/2017 - 20:08
      +2

      … and stumbling

  • Marcsie on 18/04/2017 - 09:43
    +1

    I just don't understand that people going for holiday and worry about shopping overthere ???

    • ItsMeAgro on 18/04/2017 - 13:21
      +4

      Since it's the US, one of the most fun and culturally interesting experiences you can have there is to do a bit of shopping. It's the worlds largest, cheapest, most consumerist economy. The ridiculous things in the supermarkets (like whole aisles of sugary breakfast cereals) are fascinating.

      So from our 3-week trip, we'll probably be spending at least a day or two shopping, anyway. Might as well save a few hundred dollars on things we were going to buy anyway, if we can; I just need some ideas.

      • Marcsie on 18/04/2017 - 14:12

        Not for me as I only travel with carry on luggage, varies between 5kg to 12kg depends on which airlines :)

        • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 19/04/2017 - 10:17
          +1

          I've never seen a flight to the US that doesnt include free checked luggage. Unless you fly Jetstar to Hawaii and then another low cost carrier to the US

        • Marcsie on 19/04/2017 - 19:46

          @antt: nah, you got me wrong, I just don't want to check in luggage, when the plane lands, I just grab by travel pack and walk out :)

    • cdaddy on 18/04/2017 - 17:15

      Maybe in a country similar to here yea. But walking the streets of Patong and buying ripoff items is fun

    • 2ndeffort on 19/04/2017 - 11:17
      +1

      I go on ski holidays with a side trip to Vegas. Always squeeze in a day at the vegas outlets to buy presents to bring home and the obligatory pair of Calvin Klein jeans. I see plenty of the US Mountains when i am skiing, I can afford an afternoon in the shops.

    • poppit88 on 21/04/2017 - 01:25

      Because clothes and shoes in Australia are poorly made, and expensive. I can take a trip to the USA or Europe and come back with a case full of clothes that I'll still be wearing 5-10 years later. Not to mention that the merchandise I'm buying is way cheaper than Australia, and the service I get in a store overseas is above and beyond anything I could ever hope to get in Australia.

  • FirstWizard on 18/04/2017 - 12:17
    +2

    Remember that if the total price of the goods that you're bringing into Aus is >$900, legally you should declare it to the customs.

    https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Ente/Duty-Free-concessions

    • baldur on 22/04/2017 - 06:14

      Do they actually check your luggages and calculate what possibly you might have bought? I think you can easily say clothes, shoes and watches were already yours before the trip.

      • FirstWizard on 22/04/2017 - 22:19

        I've seen some border security episodes where people get caught. You need to be pretty unlucky though.
        However, legally you need to declare if the total value of the new goods exceeds $900.

        Earlier this week I returned from NZ, had no check-in luggage, from the door of the aircraft to the Opal gate at the station just took me 8 minutes :D Both immigration (smart gate) and customs were awesome.
        I had nothing to declare, no one checked either.

  • ItsMeAgro on 18/04/2017 - 14:09

    Some really great ideas here, guys. I'm researching a bunch of them. Keep 'em coming!

  • tukangbakso on 18/04/2017 - 16:15

    Boosted board.. it's hard to get those things here in OZ.. just make sure that the airport that you are departing from allows it though..

  • nekro on 18/04/2017 - 18:07
    +2

    Shoes.. last time i was there bought back about 7 pairs.. nike, adidas reekbok etc

  • MessyG on 18/04/2017 - 18:26

    Not sure if this is still the case but a mate of mine used to bring in good quality golf clubs at a much lower cost than in Australia, might be worth looking into.

    North Face or Lululemon gear would sell well in Aus if you can get it cheap enough.

  • hell0 on 18/04/2017 - 18:55
    +6

    I have watched some documentaries on SBS and cocaine is I think $3500 a kilo in the usa!

    I just did a search and I think that figure was wrong but it's 5x as expensive in Australia as you could buy in the USA.

    • Marcsie on 18/04/2017 - 20:45
      +1

      Wow, you are the expert :)

      • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 19/04/2017 - 10:19
        +1

        If you can sell it in lots of a gram you would make squillions.

        A gram sells for around $300 AU here, so approx $300,000 AUD revenue for a cost of less than $5k aud

        Just need to find a good deal on those small plastic bags….

        • Marcsie on 20/04/2017 - 08:47

          So how much have you made so far ? Haha :)

        • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 20/04/2017 - 09:09

          @Marcsie: None officer ;)

        • Marcsie on 20/04/2017 - 10:23

          @antt: but it sounds like you know what are you doing ? 😎

    • ribze1 on 19/04/2017 - 22:38
      +1

      About $60k there and $300k here. Pure!

  • Randxyz123 on 18/04/2017 - 21:48
    +3

    I usually go to the US once a year.

    There really isn't anything that is that much cheaper over there. Remember the prices don't include sales tax!

    The things I normally get over there are brands that don't ship here.

    Anker for example makes high quality iPhone cables and battery packs. Unfortunately Amazon won't ship the battery packs here.

    I normally buy shoes from Cole Haan because buying large sized shoes in Australia is hard. They have my exact size so I always grab a pair when I go.

    Brands like the North Face also are good to grab while over there.

    I would have a look at AMAZON for anything you want get. Sign up to Amazon prime and ship to a Amazon locker. Don't ship to the hotel because there are no guarantees they'll accept the delivery. The lockers are often next day delivery in major cities.

    • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 19/04/2017 - 10:20
      +1

      Big shoes hay… so is it true?

      • Randxyz123 on 19/04/2017 - 16:29
        +1

        Let's just say I'm not compensating by having big shoes :p

  • Fobsessive on 19/04/2017 - 00:25
    +1

    Craft beer is so much cheaper over there.
    Eg Sierra Nevada and Big Head IPA

    • sprucemoose on 20/04/2017 - 17:17
      +1

      $10USD six packs of decent craft beer is amazing.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2017 - 02:09
    -1

    Hang on, a flight to the US now entails full-on humiliation and an invasive examination akin to a colonoscopy (without the delightful twilight sedation).

    I'd sooner establish my own Ken's of Kensington.

    • 2ndeffort on 19/04/2017 - 11:20
      +1

      I've been there plenty of times and never had any problems. The line at LAX immigration can be long and boring but otherwise all good, no idea what you are talking about.

      • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2017 - 13:43

        This kind of stuff.

        The examination itself was unreported.

        • R4 on 20/04/2017 - 15:58
          -1

          She made a mountain out of a molehill. She had the wrong visa basically and they pulled her up for it. Okay they were a bit rude to her but that's life. Trying to like this to Trump's policies is luvvy, leftie nonsense

        • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2017 - 22:40

          @R4:

          Yeah ok, but for those that have been living under a rock Trump punched out the odd executive order which triggered chaos at some airports, though it may be calming down a little.

          And don't gimme this crud about Possum Magic being luvvy leftie nonsense. Go to the back of the line.

        • R4 on 20/04/2017 - 23:05
          -1

          @AngryChicken:

          I never did champ - read my post properly

          I'm deducting marks for lack of proper reading

        • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2017 - 23:07

          @R4:

          And don't gimme this crud about proper reading and how it's not enough just to look at the pictures in Possum Magic. It's plenty enough, and everyone knows that unless they've been living under a rock.

        • R4 on 20/04/2017 - 23:10
          -1

          @AngryChicken:
          What the hell are you on about?

          I don't even know what Possum Magic is. I was just saying that Fox made a big deal out of this to fit in with her own agenda, I don't give a toss what she's written or who she is.

          Relax turbo.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2017 - 23:17

          @R4:

          Let me explain. Possum magic is when you to go Tassie on a bushwalk, set up a tent in the middle of nowhere, and get your fruit and nut mix that's in a bag, put it in another bag, then another bag, then put it in your pack, yet remarkably the possum stills knows about it and chews first through your tent then everything else to get to it.

          Everyone knows this except for idiots living under a rock or who do nothing all day but bang on in a patronising voice about Hush and Grandma Poss.

        • R4 on 20/04/2017 - 23:30

          @AngryChicken:

          Err, okay

        • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2017 - 23:31

          @R4:

          Good.

        • R4 on 20/04/2017 - 23:32

          @AngryChicken:

          Backs out of the room slowly and then sprints down the corridor

  • Gershom on 19/04/2017 - 03:05

    Guns.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2017 - 12:40

      and crack.

    • R4 on 20/04/2017 - 23:31

      I'd love an AR-15

      • Gershom on 21/04/2017 - 10:40

        For chickens that get angry? Don't blame you.

        • R4 on 21/04/2017 - 11:05

          Yes - and the fact that I would love to own an assault rifle. I had one in the army and I miss it

        • Gershom on 21/04/2017 - 11:56

          @R4: Each to there own. I prefer a bolt action for extra accuracy. (With barrel floated and action properly bedded obviously).

  • ruddiger7 on 19/04/2017 - 09:04
    +2

    Bodybuilding supplements if that is your thing.

    EVGA have good international warranty for PC gear I have heard.

    Shoes - Nike and everything else.

  • dekkar on 19/04/2017 - 09:49
    +2

    I had a mate buy a few Supreme bits and pieces (T-Shirts are best, maybe hoodies for winter).

    They are all the rage with the young teen market who have parents money to burn. If you look on eBay, real ones sell for 200+.

    If you keep the receipts, and can buy some for 80 bucks in the states (sometimes possible), then you can make some money. Can be a bit risky as you have to by and then try and sell, but if you can find some basic logo shirts cheap, then you can make a tidy profit.

    • Cheaplikethebird on 20/04/2017 - 10:36

      As far as reselling clothes go, buying Supreme stuff will be the best bet. Demand is huge and there is literally no way to purchase the items in Australia except for through resellers at a huge markup.

  • 2ndeffort on 19/04/2017 - 11:30
    +1

    As others have said, clothes. Much of the stuff we consider 'designer' or 'premium' stuff here is not treated as primo or there is more competition there. Outlets and sales in the big department stores aer awesome in the US. Also because of the bigger economies of scale you can normally get things like trousers in different waist and leg lengths, meaning you can avoid the extra cost of having your new pants taken up etc. I was surprised last time to go into an Abercrombie & Fitch store, I expected it to be super expensive designer gear and they had jeans for $30 etc. It was a bit like an upmarket Cotton On clothing shop, not primo designer stuff at all. Hollister was even cheaper. The thing that surprised me was Oakley, their sunglasses are overpriced everywhere, US shops probably even worse that here!

    I brought back things like Ralph Lauren hoodies and Calvin Klein Jeans, also good quality leather belts for work suits. All were a fraction of the cost of local stuff. My mate bought a load of Hugo Boss stuff, I also bought a softshell jacket from a North Face outlet for under $100. If you go striaght into a store and pay full retail over there you may not be saving much but their sales are normally very good.

    Niche stuff for hobbies/sports can be very good. I've bought loads of skiing stuff for a fraction of what it costs here. I literally bought a set of skis over there and brought them back with me once. Same with Snowboards, boots, clothes etc. When the $$ was high i bought a Garmin running watch, heart strap and a cycle computer.

    I actually think that much of their stuff is comparable in cost until they have a sale. The yanks do sales better than we do, the big department stores over there clear stuff out for massive discounts.

  • AlienC on 19/04/2017 - 12:53

    Food and sex. They don't ship them over here. Oh and 24/7 gunman killing spree fear.. yay..

    • greatlamp on 19/04/2017 - 13:30

      You don't want to pay for sex in the USA

      • 2ndeffort on 19/04/2017 - 13:42
        +2

        Yep….ever watched Cops? Want to be that poor guy they trick to follow an undercover policewoman into a sleazy hotel room then 8 massive MMA Wrestler type cops jump on top of? Doesnt look good when the poor 'John' is bawling their eyes out whilst the cops call their wife to tell them what they caught hubby doing.

        • AlienC on 19/04/2017 - 14:57

          Whoops I think I meant Asia.

  • jonathonsunshine on 19/04/2017 - 16:08
    +1

    Broken dreams. Although, I think we're approaching parity with the states.

    • bluedufflecoat on 19/04/2017 - 18:30

      Based on what? US keeps raising interest rates and their dollar will keep going up if our interest rates stay the same.

  • p3nf0ld on 19/04/2017 - 17:46
    +1

    Buy a missile from the US and sell it to North Korea! Profit!

  • swilso on 19/04/2017 - 22:12

    A classic mustang and send it back in a shipping container ;)

  • John Kimble on 19/04/2017 - 23:30
    +1

    +1 for runners; even from footlocker at RRP. Eg I got 3 pairs of Brooks runners for ~$100 USD each when the dollar was almost 1 to 1. They sell for ~$230 AUD each here…might not be as much of a bargain with the current exchange rate though.

    Edit: Just realised probably not worth it as you want to sell them. Too bulky and not enough profit per unit item I assume.

  • R4 on 20/04/2017 - 15:54
    +1

    A Porsche 911 - USD80k-odd in California, AUD250k here. RVs, caravans and big-ass 4x4s!

    Seriously though, clothes and shoes definitely cheaper but I find with a lot of consumer electronics, PC parts etc there's not much in it and certainty not worth the hassle and lack of local warranty

    CDs, if you still buy them, can cost a lot less there

    Quality camping gear from the likes of REI is good value

    Booze (spirits) can be crazily cheaper so buy it there rather than duty free

    Good tools and DIY stuff but weight is an issue

    Have fun

  • sprucemoose on 20/04/2017 - 17:12
    +1

    A visit to Walmart (or any decent supermarket) so you can stock up on food you can't get here. Forgot to do that on my last trip over there.

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 20/04/2017 - 17:35
    -1

    I was in the USA last year the one thing that was way cheaper was cloths (even after adding tax)

    Polo tops $10, Sketches 2 for $100 etc

    Personally after the exchange i didnt think tech was much cheaper and unless you really need something the savings were not that good to buy something for the sake of it.

    TBH because our dollar is f*** disgracefully bad you will find only cloths and food to be better value there.

    • R4 on 20/04/2017 - 23:07
      +1

      Actually, AUD is at about the right level to USD given the price of commodities - maybe even still slightly overvalued

      At 1.10 it was way overvalued and was never going to last

  • cybapete on 21/04/2017 - 14:41
    +1

    last time i went to the states i flew into hawaii and cleared customs there then flew on to LAX heaps faster & less hassle
    mind you that was pre Trump

  • vitastic on 21/04/2017 - 19:44
    +1

    Instruments and music technology in general is cheaper there. Guitars can be found for half the price… microphones, interfaces etc are also cheaper.

    I would consider microphones to buy and then resell back here. There's a whole bunch that you can't buy here and they're small and light enough to bring home for a few hundred $ in profit.

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