I'm making a couple of trips out of Thailand; one to Singapore and one to Bali.

I am also looking to purchase a SLR digital camera and was wondering if I should wait until I make the trip and get the camera at duty free.

Would there be much of a saving or am I better off just getting it now in Bangkok?

Thanks.

I always remember the first time I visited Thailand, I was shopping in Bangkok airport for a new camera. I visited every outlet looking for a specific Minolta and found one with a special offer that was significantly cheaper than all its competitors so I bought the camera feeling very pleased with myself about getting a bargain.

When I arrived back in the UK I went to the local high street and nearly died.....the camera shop had a huge poster in the window advertising the same camera at fifty pounds less than I had paid in Bangkok.

Duty free ????????

I learnt my lesson that time, never again.

HL

Check the price of the model you want on Amazon.com & use that as your guide..

DF is usually BS these days, the USA has the lowest prices around and no vat.

Thanks. The camera is about £500 in the UK and £600 in stores in Bangkok. I'm not sure how duty free works and if it is different coming from different countries etc so not sure how much it would be in the duty free shops.

^^^^ Brand and model number?

Depending on your visa status you can get the VAT back at the airport if you buy in Bangkok.

Singapore should be cheaper but there's no guarantee so maybe you should check there on your trip and if it's a better deal in Bangkok / DF Thailand then buy before your trip to Bali.

Also check for warranties validity.

I've got a non-imm type o visa, can I get VAT back on that?

Camera is the Nikon D5000. Pretty much decided on that one. Need the pack with a lens.

They even make those Nikons in Thailand but they cost more here! Are there any electronics that are cheaper in Thailand than Europe?

Question: if I buy the camera in a store can I claim the 7% tax back when I leave Thailand even though I am only leaving to go to Singapore for five days and then coming back to Thailand? My visa is a non-imm type o.

I've got a non-imm type o visa, can I get VAT back on that?

Camera is the Nikon D5000. Pretty much decided on that one. Need the pack with a lens.

I actually answered this yesterday??

My answer was "unlikely you can claim it back unless you are leaving on expiry of the visa."

I've got a non-imm type o visa, can I get VAT back on that?

Camera is the Nikon D5000. Pretty much decided on that one. Need the pack with a lens.

I actually answered this yesterday??

My answer was "unlikely you can claim it back unless you are leaving on expiry of the visa."

I've had a Non-O for 2 years and travelled frequently...every time, even for weekend Singapore trips, I have had the 7% back. Just put your "home" address on the form - that is non-Thai address. I always thought I was entitled to VAT back and it was never questioned at the airport.

^Carl, that's good news indeed but I would have thought that they would look at your visa status?

The couple of times I claimed the VAT back at the BKK airport, they looked in my passport to make sure I was on tourist visa or visa exempt. I know this because I had two Non-Imm "B" extensions in from working in Thailand before and they questioned me on it.

The reason items manufactured in Thailand can be more expensive then in the west is because the factories get tax breaks and are setup for export only and the items must be exported and re-imported, with the duty paid.

I would suggest buying camera in Singapore. You can also claim VAT back there as well.

TH

Sorry, didnt see the post answering my question.

Thanks for the info.

Will probably have a look in Singapore and see if I can get it there for similar price but with tax back.

Cheers.