When to declare new rolex during travels???

[NathansExplorer]

Hi guys,

I have a trip planned for April next year. Ill be purchasing a new Explorer 1 in Singapore. Most probably from an AD on Orchard Rd. When leaving Singapore ill be claiming the 7% VAT refund and flying to Thailand.

Once returning home from Thailand I will be declaring the watch to Australian customs.

My question is! Do I have to declare my brand new Explorer to Thai customs when entering and leaving Thailand???

I'm confused. Could someone please shed some light.

Thank you.

[watchmavan]

Last time I bought a watch os, I just wore it home on my wrist!


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[arcadelt]

Does the watch have to be sealed to claim the VAT refund in Singapore?

[NathansExplorer]

Originally Posted by arcadelt

Does the watch have to be sealed to claim the VAT refund in Singapore?

Yes its supposed to be. You actually use an Electronic Tourist Refund self-help kiosk to claim the VAT refund. But the self help kiosk may forward you 2 a customs officer for item inspection.

All the info is here. http://www.yoursingapore.com/travel-...ax-refund.html


Not sure if I'm supposed 2 declare the watch in Thailand though?

[MonBK]

Once you're cleared and on the plane just open the package and wear the watch.

[NathansExplorer]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Once you're cleared and on the plane just open the package and wear the watch.

Absolutely! I plan on wearing the watch whilst entering Thailand and for the remainder of the trip. I was concerned about Thai customs seeing the green rolex box in my backpack though.

Surely I wont have 2 pay tax in Thailand and Australia

hhmmm...not sure

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by NathansExplorer

Absolutely! I plan on wearing the watch whilst entering Thailand and for the remainder of the trip. I was concerned about Thai customs seeing the green rolex box in my backpack though.



Surely I wont have 2 pay tax in Thailand and Australia



hhmmm...not sure

Well, the risk is that having the telltale sign of the full set on you as you enter, you'll have to pay taxes or duty as you import it into Thailand. However, you would then claim that back as you leave - but again, you would be forced to seal it or lose that opportunity as you did when you left Singapore. Same again as you enter Australia. Perhaps you need to find the place to take the lowest value hit, and at that point, pay the tax but also mail the full set home, wearing the new timepiece on your wrist. Technically, you have to pay GST if an item or items you import into Australia exceed your tax free threshold, irrespective if you paid tax elsewhere, but who would know that it was new if it was on your wrist. When I travel I generally wear one and carry two other watches, and have never thought that I would be asked about them as I come home; but the possibility has been there.

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by NathansExplorer

Absolutely! I plan on wearing the watch whilst entering Thailand and for the remainder of the trip. I was concerned about Thai customs seeing the green rolex box in my backpack though.

Surely I wont have 2 pay tax in Thailand and Australia

hhmmm...not sure

You're probably not a resident of Thailand?

Then you won't have to pay, it's an item "in transit". Thailand has some import restrictions that play out even if something was not intended for use/consumption in Thailand, but I doubt a Rolex is one of these. I've only seen restrictions on Alcohol/Tobacco.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by NathansExplorer

Hi guys,

I have a trip planned for April next year. Ill be purchasing a new Explorer 1 in Singapore. Most probably from an AD on Orchard Rd. When leaving Singapore ill be claiming the 7% VAT refund and flying to Thailand.

Once returning home from Thailand I will be declaring the watch to Australian customs.

My question is! Do I have to declare my brand new Explorer to Thai customs when entering and leaving Thailand???

I'm confused. Could someone please shed some light.

Thank you.

It's 5.5% GST refund on purchases less than S$10,000 and 6% on purchases above.

Originally Posted by arcadelt

Does the watch have to be sealed to claim the VAT refund in Singapore?

No, it doesn't. My wife wore her Lady DJ through when she claimed GST back in March this year (I'm a resident, she isn't) when travelling back to the UK. She's carried other high-end stuff that's not been sealed too, such as handbags and purses that we've bought and then she's used while in Singapore. It has to be available for inspection but doesn't have to be sealed.

Originally Posted by NathansExplorer

Yes its supposed to be. You actually use an Electronic Tourist Refund self-help kiosk to claim the VAT refund. But the self help kiosk may forward you 2 a customs officer for item inspection.

All the info is here. http://www.yoursingapore.com/travel-...ax-refund.html


Not sure if I'm supposed 2 declare the watch in Thailand though?

When you use the electronic facility to claim GST back on purchases over a certain value, they won't be approved. What my wife tends to do is leave it until she's through immigration and then go straight to the GST desk and fix it there in one fell swoop.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by arcadelt

Well, the risk is that having the telltale sign of the full set on you as you enter, you'll have to pay taxes or duty as you import it into Thailand. However, you would then claim that back as you leave - but again, you would be forced to seal it or lose that opportunity as you did when you left Singapore. Same again as you enter Australia. Perhaps you need to find the place to take the lowest value hit, and at that point, pay the tax but also mail the full set home, wearing the new timepiece on your wrist. Technically, you have to pay GST if an item or items you import into Australia exceed your tax free threshold, irrespective if you paid tax elsewhere, but who would know that it was new if it was on your wrist. When I travel I generally wear one and carry two other watches, and have never thought that I would be asked about them as I come home; but the possibility has been there.

This is way over-complicating things and potentially asking for trouble.

OP, wear the watch out of Singapore and claim the GST back. Put the box in hold luggage and keep the papers and purchase receipt with you in your hand luggage. Singapore Customs will need to see the warranty card, purchase receipt and watch.

If you happen to get tugged by Thai customs, they're unlikely to be interested once they see your Aussie passport and ticket showing the date of departure from the country.

Then wear your watch into Australia and declare to Aussie customs. Pay the GST and drive home giggling. Job done

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

Then wear your watch into Australia and declare to Aussie customs. Pay the GST and drive home giggling. Job done

Ignore. Missed the "pay tax" bit. @Ruud Van Driver is correct.

[77T]

If the Singapore VAT is about the same as AUS tax, wouldn't it be easier to wear the watch immediately and let AD ship the empty boxes home?

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by 77T

If the Singapore VAT is about the same as AUS tax, wouldn't it be easier to wear the watch immediately and let AD ship the empty boxes home?

It can be done and I know that it has been done. Personally, I wouldn't risk having my watch confiscated for the sake of a few hundred bucks. YMMV.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

It can be done and I know that it has been done. Personally, I wouldn't risk having my watch confiscated for the sake of a few hundred bucks. YMMV.

Does Australia allow citizens to buy items abroad and pay the local taxes without imposing their own duties for personal items? Not wondering about people who spend beyond the limits - just the typical purchases one makes on vacation like a Rolex or a bracelet, etc.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by NathansExplorer

. . .
My question is! Do I have to declare my brand new Explorer to Thai customs when entering and leaving Thailand???

. . .

No, you are just visiting, not importing anything.

[NathansExplorer]

Thanks for the replies guys. You've been a great help.

May I ask, what's it actually mean to have a Rolex sealed? From my understanding it's when there packaged in that little plastic coffin thing?

I'm starting to think my best bet will be to get the AD in Singapore to post the box back to Australia, whilst keeping the warranty card and paper work on me. I'll claim the VAT refund when exiting Singapore. Enter and exit Thailand with my lovely explorer on my wrist and declare nothing. It's also tempting to walk straight through Australia customs and declare nothing.

[NathansExplorer]

Originally Posted by bayerische

You're probably not a resident of Thailand?

Then you won't have to pay, it's an item "in transit". Thailand has some import restrictions that play out even if something was not intended for use/consumption in Thailand, but I doubt a Rolex is one of these. I've only seen restrictions on Alcohol/Tobacco.

Correct. I'm not a Thai resident. Will just be passing through on holiday.

[NathansExplorer]

Originally Posted by Tools

No, you are just visiting, not importing anything.

Thanks heaps. This was the info I was looking for

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by 77T

Does Australia allow citizens to buy items abroad and pay the local taxes without imposing their own duties for personal items? Not wondering about people who spend beyond the limits - just the typical purchases one makes on vacation like a Rolex or a bracelet, etc.

No idea, mate. You'd need to ask an Aussie that one. My gut says that it wouldn't be possible because the Aussies would be doing themselves out of funds.

Originally Posted by NathansExplorer

Thanks for the replies guys. You've been a great help.

May I ask, what's it actually mean to have a Rolex sealed? From my understanding it's when there packaged in that little plastic coffin thing?

I'm starting to think my best bet will be to get the AD in Singapore to post the box back to Australia, whilst keeping the warranty card and paper work on me. I'll claim the VAT refund when exiting Singapore. Enter and exit Thailand with my lovely explorer on my wrist and declare nothing. It's also tempting to walk straight through Australia customs and declare nothing.

Throw the 'sealed Rolex' out of your head. It's irrelevant (but yes, the watch does arrive at the AD all wrapped up in the plastic coffin with the warranty card clipped on the underside. Ask the AD and they'll probably let you have it). Customs do not require the watch to be sealed on leaving Singapore. Trust me on this, mate. I live in Singapore and I write from experience. Putting that to one side for a minute, the AD will 'unseal' the watch; he has to so that you can both inspect the watch and he can size it for you. There's probably other reasons too but I'm just thinking common sense.

Your plan to post the box back to Oz is sensible. For a start, the boxes are big and take up valuable space in your luggage. My AD will do that for you; again, I write from experience.

Good luck

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by 77T

Does Australia allow citizens to buy items abroad and pay the local taxes without imposing their own duties for personal items? Not wondering about people who spend beyond the limits - just the typical purchases one makes on vacation like a Rolex or a bracelet, etc.

No, it doesn't. Limit is $900 per person over 18 years of age, and $450 under 18. I believe family concessions can be combined. Check here if interested:

http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Ente/D...ee-concessions

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by NathansExplorer

May I ask, what's it actually mean to have a Rolex sealed?

Sorry for not being clear when I asked the question. Sealed meant customs sealed, not manufacturer sealed. When you buy duty free goods in Australia, they are sealed in a plastic bag with some form of identifier. You are only suppose to open it in the aircraft as you leave the EEZ. I was wondering if Singapore applies the same rule.

Be wary of advice from people who do not have an understanding of the Australian system and agreements. For example, when buying duty free alcohol at Changi Airport, I was surprised once that other Nationals could take their goods themselves, but purchases by Australians were sealed and made available only at the departure gate on boarding. I assumed that this was because some Aussies had gotten pissed in the airport and made idiots of themselves, so this was the Singaporean or airline's solution - but there may be more to it, and it may apply to other goods.

[NathansExplorer]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

No idea, mate. You'd need to ask an Aussie that one. My gut says that it wouldn't be possible because the Aussies would be doing themselves out of funds.



Throw the 'sealed Rolex' out of your head. It's irrelevant (but yes, the watch does arrive at the AD all wrapped up in the plastic coffin with the warranty card clipped on the underside. Ask the AD and they'll probably let you have it). Customs do not require the watch to be sealed on leaving Singapore. Trust me on this, mate. I live in Singapore and I write from experience. Putting that to one side for a minute, the AD will 'unseal' the watch; he has to so that you can both inspect the watch and he can size it for you. There's probably other reasons too but I'm just thinking common sense.

Your plan to post the box back to Oz is sensible. For a start, the boxes are big and take up valuable space in your luggage. My AD will do that for you; again, I write from experience.

Good luck

Cheers for your reply mate. You've been a tremendous help.

What's the name and location of your AD? I'll happily purchase from there.
Do they keep much stock of SS sports models? I'm assuming they would.

Stocks are all ways low in Australia unfortunately.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by NathansExplorer

Cheers for your reply mate. You've been a tremendous help.

What's the name and location of your AD? I'll happily purchase from there.
Do they keep much stock of SS sports models? I'm assuming they would.

Stocks are all ways low in Australia unfortunately.

I'm back in Singapore tonight so I'll see if he has one in stock or if he can get one. When he gets back to me, I'll ping you a PM

[NathansExplorer]

Originally Posted by arcadelt

Sorry for not being clear when I asked the question. Sealed meant customs sealed, not manufacturer sealed. When you buy duty free goods in Australia, they are sealed in a plastic bag with some form of identifier. You are only suppose to open it in the aircraft as you leave the EEZ. I was wondering if Singapore applies the same rule.

Be wary of advice from people who do not have an understanding of the Australian system and agreements. For example, when buying duty free alcohol at Changi Airport, I was surprised once that other Nationals could take their goods themselves, but purchases by Australians were sealed and made available only at the departure gate on boarding. I assumed that this was because some Aussies had gotten pissed in the airport and made idiots of themselves, so this was the Singaporean or airline's solution - but there may be more to it, and it may apply to other goods.

Haha Aussies getting pissed at airports. Sounds about right.

[NathansExplorer]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I'm back in Singapore tonight so I'll see if he has one in stock or if he can get one. When he gets back to me, I'll ping you a PM

Perfect. Thank you, I appreciate that. Would be great 2 have one already organised and ready to buy when I leave in April. Could I trouble you for a price as well?. Cheers.

[Beefstockcube]

I wouldn't declare it to Australian customs. Just wear it on the way in.


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[NathansExplorer]

[QUOTE=Beefstockcube;7092323]I wouldn't declare it to Australian customs. Just wear it on the way in.


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Very tempting not to declare it. It'll look well used as well. Will get lots of beach and pool time in ThAiland. Also scuba and rock climbing!

[Beefstockcube]

I specifically buy my watches just before my NZ trips and collect the GST back. It's a bit dodgy but those 10%'s add up to quite a chunk


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[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Beefstockcube

I wouldn't declare it to Australian customs. Just wear it on the way in.


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You're not recommending that he break the law, right?

[Beefstockcube]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

You're not recommending that he break the law, right?

Absolutely not. In the words of one Mr Packer the government doesn't do a good enough job for me to donate more than I have to.


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