Buying Electronics

[yesduhh]

Hi, I have just moved to Thailand from the US. I sold my 5.1 digital surround sound home theatre since A) it was the wrong voltage for here, B ) it was a few years old C) it and "off" brand (not Sony, Pioneer, etc), and D) that (being in Asia, where all that stuff is made) I should be able to pick up something newer and at least as good for a low price.

I live between Siracha and Pattya, and have been to these places and Bangkok but have not come across anything like "Best Buy", "Circuit City", "Fry';s Electronics" or anything that would sell this kind of stuff at a good price . I have seen fancy overprice boutiques in a few fancy malls, but gennerally prices are about twice what I would pay in the states for the same quality.

Any comments or suggestions?

I am travelling to Hong Kong in a few weeks, should I get something there and bring it back?

Thanks, very much!

Eric

[The Coder]

but generally prices are about twice what I would pay in the states for the same quality.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Paying double the price is common for imported stuff, particularly at the high end. Don't even look at McIntosh haha. Consumer electronics and computer hardware in Thailand are very expensive relative to the US and even if you can swallow the price, you may not find the latest and greatest at all and have to settle for previous generation stuff. There are signs of improvement, but still a long, long way to go to bridging the technology & price gap.

[ovenman]

I am travelling to Hong Kong in a few weeks, should I get something there and bring it back?

Unless it's been lowered recently, the import duty on electronics is high (40%?). If the item you want to purchase abroad is not something smallish like a laptop, camcorder, etc. that you can simply walk with through customs and not have them notice, be prepared to shell out for import tax. Boxes of new stereo equipment are sure to wake up the customs guys on-duty.

[bakachan]

but have not come across anything like "Best Buy", "Circuit City", "Fry';s Electronics" or anything that would sell this kind of stuff at a good price

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

oh man fry's is the best. you're spoiled indeed. love those 200$ taiwan special computers they sell up at the one in las vegas. i remember the grand opening

the traffic going into the store was so bad they had cops redirecting traffic on the

vegas strip because the casino traffic was at a standstill.

i too was really let down when i went into an electronics store in bkk.

i needed a wireless router and thought i could get a cheap asian knockoff.

WRONG.. all that store had was expensive ones from california.

whats the import duty % on electronics to thailand?

[The Skipper]

You might check the new Hi Fi center behind Big C, across from the World Trade Plaza.

Emporium and Central have a selection.

Fortune mall on Rachada Rd. has a selection of used and new stuff.

[CarlBkk]

What type of "off brand" are you talking about? Separates or system? For systems definitely check out Hong Kong instead - here the choice is limited to Central Dept. store and the likes.

For decent separates sure you'll pay over US prices and get fewer questions answered properly by the assistants, but the price they can import at still isn't that bad. For example, I did some price comparisons of American equipment sold here in Thailand with their massive import tax contraints against that sold in dealers in Europe. Much cheaper here in Thailand and not that far off American prices themselves! Again, it might depend on what kit you're after.

As Skipper said, check the new complex to the side of Big C on Rajadamri first. If you want absolute classic models second-hand, Fortune and Pantip have 3 great shops and the prices are fair even for us rich Westerners :-)

[yesduhh]

Thanks to all whow replied to my original posting.

Basically, what I really want is a 5.1 or 7.1 channel digital amplifier with a bunch of inputs (dvd, satellite, pc, vcr, tape etc) for audio and video, as well as outputs (speakers, vcr, etc). It should have either optical and/or coax digital inputs, and preferably a USB input for pc music files.

I would buy speakers separately. I am interested in a set of wireless powered speakers but have not seen such anywhere here.

[Crossy]

Powerbuy in Central have a decent selection of mid range theatre / hi-fi gear.

Worth a look, they often have special deals on systems.

[solo siam]

Yep in our local Central here in Phuket I have seen Yamaha Receivers for 14-20,000 baht, a lot of the are last years models but still pretty good value.

Hong Kong is much cheaper if you can get the items in without paying duty (30% on Electronics), here is a good company that we suggest to people if they want home theatre equipment from hong kong, They only sell Onkyo but thats a pretty good brand for Receivers.

http://www.hivizone.com/local-shop/av_amp.htm

Cheapest Receiver is 12,500 baht or so, Think its around 16,000 baht here so not too much difference.

[tuky]

Try tukcom in Sriracha.

Although I must say that I bought a system in Singapore and brought it into Thailand, I declared it on the old customs forms but was never asked about it. When I did a price comparison here in Thailand (Sriracha) I fiound it would have cost me double what I paid in Singas.

Don't set your sights too high as you will then not be disappointed when you get less than you want.

[astral]

I know of two good shops.

Tukcom, Sri Racha, first floor, back right corner.

The Sogo Store, Ploenchit Road Bangkok.

Not the Sogo itself. but on the first floor at the front of the building.