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SwissTony

(2,560 posts)
Sat Apr 6, 2013, 02:48 PM Apr 2013

Buying a laptop from Amazon US for an European user

I want to buy a Windows 7 laptop to use in Holland. I've looked on Amazon UK and most companies don't seem to ship to Holland (I mean, we are SO far away from the UK) or the price is ridiculously high or shipping time is 3 months away. I'm aware that it will cost more to ship from the US but I'm willing to consider it. (Local prices are horrendous, just FYI).

But my question is actually a technical one: if I buy a laptop in the US and replace the American lead into the transformer with a European one, will my laptop blow up? The little white letters on the transformer indicate 110V and 220V. And it is a transformer!!! So it should be OK. My laptop made the transition from 240V (Australia) to 220V without any problems. But that's not the same.

But I want to be sure.

I'd appreciate your input.

I've never been to the US - God I want to see Niagara and that great big hole in the ground you guys have (can't remember the name...duh). Next year is our planning.

Thank you.

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Buying a laptop from Amazon US for an European user (Original Post) SwissTony Apr 2013 OP
All you need to do is change the power adapter liberal N proud Apr 2013 #1
Thanks, that's what I thought. SwissTony Apr 2013 #2
Other considerations pokerfan Apr 2013 #3
Thanks for replying. SwissTony Apr 2013 #4
This message was self-deleted by its author Denzil_DC Apr 2013 #5
It looks like you'll be liable to pay VAT on the laptop. Denzil_DC Apr 2013 #6
I'm aware of the VAT issue. SwissTony Apr 2013 #7
Even with VAT included, it'd probably still be a lot better deal than you'd get otherwise. Denzil_DC Apr 2013 #8
The laptop has arrived and is working beautifully. SwissTony Apr 2013 #9

liberal N proud

(60,289 posts)
1. All you need to do is change the power adapter
Sat Apr 6, 2013, 02:54 PM
Apr 2013

Laptops are designed to accommodate the different electrical systems.

SwissTony

(2,560 posts)
2. Thanks, that's what I thought.
Sat Apr 6, 2013, 03:15 PM
Apr 2013

The change from 240/60 to 220/60 was no problem. I was pretty sure the change to 110/50 would also be no problem.

Plus I get a get a free American power lead!!!!

Many thanks.

pokerfan

(27,677 posts)
3. Other considerations
Sat Apr 6, 2013, 04:09 PM
Apr 2013

Power Adapter: You might be able to get away with just a plug adapter: Most power adapters can convert voltage from 110-240. If so, then all you will need is a plug adapter to accommodate the type of electrical plug used in Holland. To be sure, read the labels on your power adapter, which will tell you the input voltage range of your unit.

DVD: If you plan on playing DVDs on your laptop while traveling, be aware of the fact that there are six global region codes for DVDs. You can change the region code but keep in mind that you can only change it a handful (five?) of times.

Modem: Is this even an issue anymore? Anyway, your computer may or may not recognize the dial tone of the country you are in as a "dial tone" which hopefully will just amount to tweaking a setting. In addition to voltage, there's also the physical connection. RJ-11 is what we use here. I have no idea what Holland uses. Of course this is only an issue if you wish to use dial up.

Happy travels.

SwissTony

(2,560 posts)
4. Thanks for replying.
Sat Apr 6, 2013, 04:58 PM
Apr 2013

I'm pretty sure the plug adapter "problem" has been solved. I've ordered the laptop from amazon US and I'll check the fine print on the transformer.

I was aware of the DVD region problem. If we go travelling, i don't know if this will be a problem. If I go to the US/Canada/Fiji I won't want to spend a lot of of time watching DVDs. Maybe i want to take one or two home....

Modems???? I've had a couple of those. Didn't they used to beep, scream, squelch and fart? Or was that my that my kids? I think one of my kids is called Modem. I'll have to ask the wife.

Response to SwissTony (Original post)

Denzil_DC

(7,182 posts)
6. It looks like you'll be liable to pay VAT on the laptop.
Sat Apr 6, 2013, 10:38 PM
Apr 2013
http://www.dutycalculator.com/help_center/Import-duty-taxes-when-importing-into-the-Netherlands/

The good news is that laptops are exempt from import duty. The bad news is that VAT is calculated on the cost of the laptop plus shipping and insurance at a rate of 21%.

This widget will let you calculate the cost: http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/

The carrier may also levy a handling charge for clearing Customs.

SwissTony

(2,560 posts)
7. I'm aware of the VAT issue.
Sun Apr 7, 2013, 07:16 AM
Apr 2013

That's why I try to buy from Amazon.uk.

The carriers/customs don't seem to apply the VAT rules consistently. I've only been stung once and why they picked that particular item and ignored the others, I can't say.

So, here's hoping.

Denzil_DC

(7,182 posts)
8. Even with VAT included, it'd probably still be a lot better deal than you'd get otherwise.
Mon Apr 8, 2013, 08:03 PM
Apr 2013

I just didn't want you to be flummoxed if you hadn't realized it was a possibility.

SwissTony

(2,560 posts)
9. The laptop has arrived and is working beautifully.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:45 AM
Apr 2013

The quick start guide even has Dutch in it.

And I didn't get slugged for VAT. Win/wion for me.

Thanks to all who responded.

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