Money
Getting the best deal
Save £100s on...cross-border shopping
Booze cruises are so 1990s and today's savvy shopper buys everything from designer clothes to a service for their car from all over the world. Here consumer finance writer Teena Lyons offers some sound advice:
Step one: Surf USA. The fabulous dollar pound exchange rate makes shopping in the US an inviting proposition - it really is almost the case of buy $1 and get $1 free. You don't have to get on a plane to grab your share, but if you are getting into surfing USA on-line be aware that many sites don't ship to the UK. Frustratingly you often don't find this out until you get to the checkout and they ask for your zip code. With a bit of time you will get to know the best sites. Some of the best buys are in brand-name watches, specialist camera equipment and fashion and fragrances.
Step two: Do your sums. If you shop outside the EU, you are effectively an importer and therefore liable to pay customs duty and VAT when the goods are delivered, so add this in to your price comparison calculations. Unfortunately, the system of duties is hugely complex, with 10,000 different classifications of goods with varying levels of import duty. To find out the rate which effects you, call 0845 010 9000 or visit www.europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/en/home.htm.
Step three: Shop EU. France is still the cheapest place on the Continent for food and drink and it is not uncommon for UK families living close to main ports to make trips several times a year to stock up on basics. There are also other great savings to be made. Car servicing in France, for example, is up to half the cost of UK garages and you can do some shopping while you wait. The more adventurous EU shopper can go even further afield to the Czech Republic, Poland or Hungary where there are considerable savings on homewares, DIY equipment and clothing.
Step four: Do your research. If you are considering 'big ticket' items such as home furnishings or DIY equipment, find the products you like and compare prices at home and abroad. On some occasions Britain does come out on top. Remember too, if the goods turn out to be faulty, it is up to you to return them to where you bought them, even though you are entitled to have them replaced under EU law.
