MacBook Air M2 Base Model, Looking to Get GST Back / TRS in a Few Weeks

Hoju on 26/05/2023 - 07:00
Last edited 26/05/2023 - 09:07 by 1 other user

Hi guys, I am heading overseas in a few weeks and so looking to make the most of TRS and take a new M2 MacBook Air with me, just the base model. I have seen the AOC pricing at $1678 although I'm not sure what proof, if any, I would need to buy from there as I'm not a union member, but I got as far as checkout without it asking for anything. Minus the GST this ends up being $1526.

I've seen a few deals lately eg cash rewards and discounted gift cards but didn't have the cash to jump then. Also not a Coles shopper so the Flybuys points offer wasn't relevant.

Any tips would be great. Also not sure if the WWDC on 5 June might lead to an instant price drop on current model M2 air if they release a new one, or if they typically just introduce new higher spec models at a higher price.

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  nubix on 26/05/2023 - 08:05

  +3

  Just going to throw a few dot points:

  • Haven't used TRS for a long time, or have had this happen to me but some have reported at being flagged for a search on the way back and you'll be expected to have it declared. Do with that what you will…
  • No proof is required for AOC, have used both the pick up and delivery options.
  • Flybuys / Everyday Rewards do convert to FF but if you don't value those either, the only choice is to buy gift cards from classifieds here. There's been a few deals that had 15% off the cash price for the gift cards but only a few times a year.
  • The rumored hardware release for WWDC is the 15" Air and the VR headset so it's not going to get a price drop as a superseded product.
  • There could be a possibility of a price adjustment based on exchange rates or excess supply, though the latter usually comes in the form of wholesale discounts rather than RRP drops - by using AOC, you're essentially already getting that discount
  • Back to school is the best time to buy a Mac, essentially get the 10% off in the form of Airpods
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  RobBoss on 26/05/2023 - 09:26

  Mate, there are many ways to save on an Apple product (such as AOC ed store, discounted gift cards, waiting for BF and return to uni deals) but committing an offence for a max $160ish saving is not the way should you ever get questioned at the border.

  BUT if you are travelling with families, you may be able to get away with it as the TRS states:

  If you are aged 18 years or over, you can bring up to AUD 900 worth of goods into Australia duty-free, or AUD 450 if you are younger than 18. Families travelling together can pool this allowance (a couple with one child can bring in a total of AUD 900 + AUD 900 + AUD 450 = AUD 2250 worth of goods into Australia without paying duty or GST). This is called your passenger concession.

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  BewareOfThe Dog on 26/05/2023 - 09:45

  -1

  16GB Ram???

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  o53djz7qTPY4der on 26/05/2023 - 09:55

  $150 - Not worth it.

  Another way to save similar money would be to buy your case and peripherals whilst overseas.

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  Hoju on 26/05/2023 - 09:59

  Interesting TRS info thanks. We would have plenty of family allowance so that’s good to know. I didn’t realise it was an issue to bring goods back in if they were used.

  For example my mum claimed back on her MacBook Air when she flew to England. Technically she would say she lives in England but she spends equal time here as she does there, so should she have declared her laptop when she came back in even though it had been used several months in the uk? What if it had only been a few weeks? Or is the product never meant to come back in to Australia undeclared?!
  Seems like I need to do some reading…

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  ldjg on 08/06/2023 - 21:00

  I have also read you can’t claim TRS on items payed for by gift cards it was in the TRS information page. I was thinking of doing the same but now thinking otherwise

  gift cards and vouchers; goods purchased with gift cards or vouchers are eligible for a refund subject to all other TRS requirements being met

  Found on the https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/touris…

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    Boscom123 on 10/06/2023 - 16:18

    You may be misinterpreting this……

    "Goods purchased with gift cards or vouchers are eligible for a refund subject to all other TRS requirements being met"

    This seems to suggest otherwise