I followed the thread about computers and bought this spiffy new laptop in the US. Now my camera has been stolen. I will be moving to CM in 5 weeks so either place works for me. I have been looking here [uS] at cameras in the $250-400 range. Any suggestions about buying here in US or in Chiang Mai?

Electronics are hugely expensive in Thailand (compared to the UK and USA) and the choice is severely restricted.

Better off to bring one with you.

It seems like anything not produced in an ASEAN county is overpriced in Thailand. You will definitely find better deals on digital cameras in the US.

US mail order are about the cheapest camera prices available. In store pricing is quite good too.

The only other consideration would be warranty. Canon, for instance, has country specific warranties.

Buy a camera in the US. For cameras, the prices are never even close, probably due to high tariffs in Thailand. The only issue you might have is if you needed warranty service, but that's fairly low odds.

Agreed, better deals in USA than here on cameras. I bought a Sony DSC-H20 in the USA in Feb. for $250, today, at an online shop (shop4thai) it is advertised at $402!

I agree with everyone else here. I've never seen ANY electronics that were cheaper in Thailand. And, I DO check the prices between Thailand and Canada on a regular basis.

U S A , aLL THE wAY!

Especially with current exchange rate, just about anything is a bargain overthere. (Unless people/service related. But anything that doesn't have a heartbeat is a bargain in the USA.)

If on a stop over back to your country of origin it may be worth a visit to the Duty free to compare prices.

Just a thought.

Just buy it off Amazon or wherever while you're still in the States. That's the best way to handle it. Order now in case you have to return it for some reason.

I favor the Canon point and shoots that run about US$250 in the States. At Big Camera in CM they're about $370.

(Unless people/service related. But anything that doesn't have a heartbeat is a bargain in the USA.)

Now ain't THAT the truth! When it comes to heartbeats then Thailand certainly has value...

Mine went pitty-pat several times yesterday.

This is an easy question. The US is much cheaper.

Best camera in this price range sort of depends on what is important to you i.e. size, picture quality, features.

For $400, I suggest the Canon XS DSLR--great picture and interchangable lenses.