Database Develop

[Q] Downside of importing?

Hi guys!
I'm planning to buy a HTC one in the near future, but I have some questions about bying it.
- Should I import a device to cut the price?
In Belgium, the phone costs 699 euros (= 917 dollar), but in America the phone costs 699 dollar (= 533 euros).
--> http://catalogue.proximus.be/PUB/gs...&contentpath=18a6cf96bd1acba60000013d42e53d96
--> http://www.amazon.com/HTC-One-Facto...e=UTF8&qid=1370519371&sr=8-3&keywords=htc+one
- What issues could I face if I bought an HTC one from Amazon?
It's more than 150 euros cheaper for the phone (international version).
And normally, this would work in Belgium, right?
So guys, let me hear your opinions.
Importing, yes or no, and why?
Thanks!
Matt

No LTE, warranty will cost you (maybe 30euros per issue,) and only be 1 year not 2, import duty...

Why don't I have LTE?
If I insert a SIM from a local provider, it should work.
Or not?

Depends on what frequencies your local telcos use for LTE.
From this list http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks#Europe I see Belgium uses the 1800MHz bands so the international one supports it. However, a UK set supports the 800MHz as well, and 2100MHz is supported by both EU and International units.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2223236

MattProductions said:
Why don't I have LTE?
If I insert a SIM from a local provider, it should work.
Or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, a US version won't work, but obviously the international one will.

BenPope said:
Oh, a US version won't work, but obviously the international one will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the only thing is warranty and maybe some import duty.
I think I can live with that.
For the American peeps:
Is there another online store I could buy an international version from?
Maybe cheaper then the Amazon one?

If you're picking up the Euro model, then warranty should be fine...

BenPope said:
If you're picking up the Euro model, then warranty should be fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Euro model?
You mean the interntional version?

Have you checked if there are any fees in belgium?
In Germany, we have to pay 19% import sales tax (which is equal to our VAT) plus customs fees.
For me that would make at least 640 euros for that device.
The german amazon website shows both, white and black, for 599€
http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00BFUS8C6?t=bfde-21
This could be cheaper for you

sicorax said:
Have you checked if there are any fees in belgium?
In Germany, we have to pay 19% import sales tax (which is equal to our VAT) plus customs fees.
For me that would make at least 640 euros for that device.
The german amazon website shows both, white and black, for 599€
http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00BFUS8C6?t=bfde-21
This could be cheaper for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you mean I would have to pay taxes and fees when importing from America.
But when i'm importing from Germany, no taxes (but some fees) have to be paid.
Interesting...

I'd be surprised if they do any warranty work. This is from experience. I bought a galaxy nexus my first, from Singapore. After a week it stopped connecting to mobile data. No one would touch it. Samsung here or there. And too boot the seller offered a warranty that they would honor. It cost me an extra $126 too ship it back only to have them give me the run around for 4 months. Then one day it magically appeared still broken. It is the most expensive battery charger I have ever owned .
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

MattProductions said:
The Euro model?
You mean the interntional version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I can't be sure what is meant by "international". If it's from Europe, you'll get warranty in Europe.

MattProductions said:
So you mean I would have to pay taxes and fees when importing from America.
But when i'm importing from Germany, no taxes (but some fees) have to be paid.
Interesting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I assume, the european countries handle non-EU imports similar, so there will be additional taxes and fees buying outside the EU.
Within the european union (no matter if you buy in Britain, Sweden, Germany or Poland) there will be no additional taxes, and there shouldn't be any fees for that, just like you buy your device in Belgium.
And warranty issues will be easier to handle. When I remember right, I had to send my HD2 for display repair to a company based in the Netherlands.
Buying in the EU has some big advantages

sicorax said:
Exactly. I assume, the european countries handle non-EU imports similar, so there will be additional taxes and fees buying outside the EU.
Within the european union (no matter if you buy in Britain, Sweden, Germany or Poland) there will be no additional taxes, and there shouldn't be any fees for that, just like you buy your device in Belgium.
And warranty issues will be easier to handle. When I remember right, I had to send my HD2 for display repair to a company based in the Netherlands.
Buying in the EU has some big advantages
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I should go for the german one, because of the advantages?

Hi, I've done it a lot. Just few advices:
1/ pay attention to tax. As soon as it comes from outside EU, you can pay taxes.
But it's not only TVA (sorry, I'm FR) but you have to add additional taxes (custom tax, import tax...). For FR is close to 25-30% of purchase price (own experience ...).
2/ all the taxes are not based on the invoice or the price you declare. It's based on a "Custom" price fixed for your country.
3/ depending on the carrier, you have more or less chances to pay the taxes.
DHL, UPS... 100% chances to pay. It's a service they charge!
From US I was using USPS (US postal services), most of the time you don't pay. It's as fast (letters do not take boat anymore).
4/ Warranty is working by region. The serial nb of the phone gives the country of sales.
You buy in US => warranty is in US. So you can send it back, take a plane. All this is expensive.
Take into account that you can't complain so much, the seller knows it.
5/ The deal is made under seller's country's laws. And you don't know them... US can be ok, asia is different.
If you don't speak the local language, complain is also very difficult.
6/ You can have surpises with the product... the Chinese HTC One has no google apps... depending of the country you import from you will lose LTE (some care) but also 3G (a lot care). For ex, in china we have 3 providers, only one is EU compatible. For US it's the same, you may lose 4G and 3G.
Of course, taking into account all of this, if the price difference is big enough, go import.
For such a phone, just losing the warranty we have in EU worth some bucks/euros...
I'm in asia now... we have very good warranty and laws in EU!
I advise you to search internet for a good price in EU. If you still want to import, I can send you one from China... with a SD slot
I think for small amounts (< few thousands), if it's not 30-50% cheaper, do not import. Or, you have to buy bellow taxe exemption price (depend of each country, few hundred euros).

Nexus 5 - Hong Kong

For anyone who cares the Nexus 5 is officially out in Hong Kong. Its being sold by LG, rather than Google. Price is around HK$3,800 - 3,900 depending on where you buy it. Big name retailers such as Broadway are selling it. Only the 16GB model is presently available.

browngeek said:
For anyone who cares the Nexus 5 is officially out in Hong Kong. Its being sold by LG, rather than Google. Price is around HK$3,800 - 3,900 depending on where you buy it. Big name retailers such as Broadway are selling it. Only the 16GB model is presently available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HK3800 = USD490.. what a ripoff.

tangosierra_ said:
HK3800 = USD490.. what a ripoff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, but that's the rrp. Same price as in UK or thereabouts.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

2 expensivessss

Why is it HK always gets the low storage. First note 3, now this! Infuriating!!

Nice! I'm in Hong Kong right now, considering this (my Google Play order wont ship until November 8). Do you know if the International version will work on US networks and LTE bands, specifically T-Mobile?

l000needles said:
Nice! I'm in Hong Kong right now, considering this (my Google Play order wont ship until November 8). Do you know if the International version will work on US networks and LTE bands, specifically T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am very sure hk lte band is different from USA. So no it don't work

l000needles said:
Nice! I'm in Hong Kong right now, considering this (my Google Play order wont ship until November 8). Do you know if the International version will work on US networks and LTE bands, specifically T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. LTE wont work in North Americia. But 3G will work of course.

Damn. I had a feeling LTE wouldn't but was holding out hope. Oh well, guess I'll have to play the patience game some more..

Hond Kong LTE use band 3, and the US version of Nexus does not support that.
But does anyone know on the UMTS 2100, is HSPA supported by the NEXUS 5?

wonder when nexus 5 32 gb will release in hong kong.. right now for that price its still a steal!

heard from wilson guy that around nov 20 there will be google play order available in hk, with price around HKD3200..
dont yell at me how ridiculous this may be.. im just repeating their words..
is this really possible (that google play order is coming to hk)?

iamelton said:
heard from wilson guy that around nov 20 there will be google play order available in hk, with price around HKD3200..
dont yell at me how ridiculous this may be.. im just repeating their words..
is this really possible (that google play order is coming to hk)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HK Google Play store would be a very welcome development.
I think I am probably going to wait it out for around a month or two and hopefully the N5 price is drop a bit or at least a 32GB model will make its way to HK, otherwise seems the Oz store has the best value at the moment.

Fortress
Dear All,
I was at Fortress MK (MK New Century Mall) and they are selling it for $3,880.00. The guy says ONLY 16GB and I asked about 32GB and he said no. I don't believe him since he had to check 5 minutes to give me a price on the N5. Late Nov. HK PlayStore have it? I highly doubt it. I'm waiting till close to Christmas to buy it as the price will go down and retailers will have discounts.

if u go to "smaller" shops in mongkok/wanchai etc. the price is now in the range of 3700+..

Make sure..
iamelton said:
if u go to "smaller" shops in mongkok/wanchai etc. the price is now in the range of 3700+..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, parallel import will be cheaper in price but watch for what you get. Remember, US version (D820) won't work in HK for LTE. We have (D821) which is international version to work for Asia. I would stay with Fortress, Broadway etc. to be safe.

fcng said:
Yes, parallel import will be cheaper in price but watch for what you get. Remember, US version (D820) won't work in HK for LTE. We have (D821) which is international version to work for Asia. I would stay with Fortress, Broadway etc. to be safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as the smaller shop confirms its HK stock and you can get local warranty through LG I don't see an issue buying through them.
Remember the D821 is also being sold in Australia where the price is actually quite comparable to the North American prices. But you won't get local LG warranty if you get that.

Was at Broadway Shatin on Friday, asked if 32gb was available, sales said usually Hong Kong only get one version.
Agreed that it is expensive to buy from them, if really available through Play Store at end of November then Ill be one of the first to buy from there!

Was just in WCC.
Asked two shops for price, one said HK$4.2k the other said HK$3.9k!!!!! Local stock.
Wasn't going to buy and was in a bit of a hurry so didn't ask around too many places or try and negotiate for price.

duplicate post

Buying Note 8 in USA during upcoming visit question

Hi
Visiting las vegas in a few weeks and considering buying a Note 8. I can order off Amazon.com (I have a US account) and thinking of getting shipped to a locker. Will be $798 for unlocked international version. 64gb version in black.
Or is there a cheaper alternate? I know if I buy instore I have to pay the local tax, but dont think I do if I order via Amazon as just checked before pressing the complete button and its Nil tax.
Any advice appreciated.

where are you travelling from?
US version is snapdragon and if you want root the exynos is the better option

I think it is wiser to get a device in your home country, in case of needing to claim warranty, it would be infinitely easier for you, besides, in USA only the little 64 gb snapdragon version is available, if you are interested about avoiding taxes, be aware that those taxes you would pay in your country at an official distribuitor will give peace of mind and warranty

Version listed is SM-N950F/DS* which is the one in Europe on Amazon in USA which is not Snapdragon I gather.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

slewis1972 said:
Version listed is SM-N950F/DS* which is the one in Europe on Amazon in USA which is not Snapdragon I gather.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes that is Europe exynos dual sim model, have one here myself, if you bought in Europe you would have the 24 months warranty once registered with Samsung

Mine 600€ f version

Reception on Tencent Rog 3 in U.S? How is it?

Wondering how the reception is on the Chinese version in the U.S like on T-Mobile? Can anyone share their experiences? Any dropped calls, how's the 5g and 4g lte? The Chinese version says tencent on the back of the phone.
For 5g, it only has band 41 2.5GHz. It's missing band 71 600 MHz and the other 260 and 261 bands for 5G high speed mmwave.
For 4G LTE, it's missing bands 66, 12, and 71.
There's also a guide here showing you how to enable voLTE. Maybe someone can try that and share.
I'm trying to decide between global or tencent but the tencent is like $200-$300 cheaper because of the missing bands and you can get it in lower storage capacities than the global one. Wondering how it actually performs in the U.S

Sugaaa said:
Wondering how the reception is on the Chinese version in the U.S like on T-Mobile? Can anyone share their experiences? Any dropped calls, how's the 5g and 4g lte? The Chinese version says tencent on the back of the phone.
For 5g, it only has band 41 2.5GHz. It's missing band 71 600 MHz and the other 260 and 261 bands for 5G high speed mmwave.
For 4G LTE, it's missing bands 66, 12, and 71.
There's also a guide here showing you how to enable voLTE. Maybe someone can try that and share.
I'm trying to decide between global or tencent but the tencent is like $200-$300 cheaper because of the missing bands. Wondering how it actually performs in the U.S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My buddy has the tencent version and has no signal at times, when I do on my a version. Stop being cheap, and spend the $ for the a version. No band 12,66, and 71 is a deal breaker imo.

bs3pro said:
Stop being cheap, and spend the $ for the a version. No band 12,66, and 71 is a deal breaker imo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
512gb is overkill for me. I'd be fine with 128gb. I'd only pay $1000+ for iPhone 12 pro. imo, Android over $1000 isn't worth it due to its faster depreciation. Trying to see how the Chinese one actually performs.
I'm curious what bands the lenovo legion phone is going to have on its unreleased global variant too. If that comes with volte support, and priced significantly less than than the version a rog, I'll probably go with that.

Sugaaa said:
512gb is overkill for me. I'd be fine with 128gb. I'd only pay $1000+ for iPhone 12 pro. imo, Android over $1000 isn't worth it due to its faster depreciation. Trying to see how the Chinese one actually performs.
I'm curious what bands the lenovo legion phone is going to have on its unreleased global variant too. If that comes with volte support, and priced significantly less than than the version a rog, I'll probably go with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Move along then. My buddy is sending his tencent rog back. It works terrible. That legion is terrible. Sounds like you should just but an apple.

bs3pro said:
Move along then. My buddy is sending his tencent rog back. It works terrible. That legion is terrible. Sounds like you should just but an apple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You seem pretty experienced with the rog phones. Have you owned the first or second model because I'm mostly wondering how they perform after 2-3 years. I'm trying to get a new phone that will last me around 3 years without getting buggy and slow. If you have had one of the older ones, how are they after like 2 years with the updates? I read that asus also stops updating after the first year so does that affect overall performance after 2-3 years

Sugaaa said:
You seem pretty experienced with the rog phones. Have you owned the first or second model because I'm mostly wondering how they perform after 2-3 years. I'm trying to get a new phone that will last me around 3 years without getting buggy and slow. If you have had one of the older ones, how are they after like 2 years with the updates? I read that asus also stops updating after the first year so does that affect overall performance after 2-3 years
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the rog2, but get new phones every few months. Sorry, cant help there. Like i said, just buy an apple, very good HW, and SW is very reliable with plenty of updates.

bs3pro said:
I had the rog2, but get new phones every few months. Sorry, cant help there. Like i said, just buy an apple, very good HW, and SW is very reliable with plenty of updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I'm considering the rog 3 is because of the amazing Emulator support on 3ds,psp, and ps2 which iphone lacks. Just wish there was more info out there on this phone.

Sugaaa said:
The only reason I'm considering the rog 3 is because of the amazing Emulator support on 3ds,psp, and ps2 which iphone lacks. Just wish there was more info out there on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
INFO? Like what? I just gave you the answers. This i why i deleted the other thread. People dont like the answers they get, so they assume its BS. The tencent is not worth the savings IF you live in the US. Plain and simple.

bs3pro said:
INFO? Like what? I just gave you the answers. This i why i deleted the other thread. People dont like the answers they get, so they assume its BS. The tencent is not worth the savings IF you live in the US. Plain and simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily

Sugaaa said:
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, I just told you. 12gb, 512 IS the smallest in usa. Whatever, I'm done repeating myself

Sugaaa said:
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913

TehAdventurer said:
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. The Hong Kong version is a also. It's the one I have. There's also Germany A version

Thanks for the clarification but I still think the point stands for the actual specs as opposed to the region of production

bs3pro said:
Wrong. The Hong Kong version is a also. It's the one I have. There's also Germany A version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you put a link to the chinese version a you bought on ebay for 1000 if it's even still available. I'm only seeing global version a 12gb 512gb for 1200

TehAdventurer said:
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That was some solid advice. I found the taiwan version online for around $1250 with tax which was the lowest. I was going to get that and the asus kunai 3 gamepad for $200-$300 but I ended up ordering the oneplus 8 pro 12gb 256gb for $820 with tax and I'll just pick up the razer kishi gamepad for $100. I find it suits my needs better after finding out the oneplus 8 pro runs all the same games in the emulators and it's ip68 water resistant. Plus, I save $500-$600 and it has all the same tmobile bands. Just gonna miss out on that 6000mah battery.
I couldn't even find a decent case for the rog 3 let alone a water resistant one. It's a must for working out.

Sugaaa said:
Thanks. That was some solid advice. I found the taiwan version online for around $1250 with tax which was the lowest. I was going to get that and the asus kunai 3 gamepad for $200-$300 but I ended up ordering the oneplus 8 pro 12gb 256gb for $820 with tax and I'll just pick up the razer kishi gamepad for $100. I find it suits my needs better after finding out the oneplus 8 pro runs all the same games in the emulators and it's ip68 water resistant. Plus, I save $500-$600 and it has all the same tmobile bands. Just gonna miss out on that 6000mah battery.
I couldn't even find a decent case for the rog 3 let alone a water resistant one. It's a must for working out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's honestly was I was trying to get at. There's no reason to try and force yourself to like a phone that doesn't check every box for you, especially at it's price point. It's much better to get something that makes you happy and functions well than something that you forced yourself to like. Glad I could help!

Question Where to buy Xiaomi products in 2021?

Hi, sorry if this post don't goes here. But lately aliexpress doesn't ship to USA, already it has been like 5 months this problem, i don't know why. Because of that i am searchin for a new website reliable in europe or china but with shippin to USA. I need good prices because some units i intended to sales them.
Thanks, mate.

Kenshin1870 said:
Hi, sorry if this post don't goes here. But lately aliexpress doesn't ship to USA, already it has been like 5 months this problem, i don't know why. Because of that i am searchin for a new website reliable in europe or china but with shippin to USA. I need good prices because some units i intended to sales them.
Thanks, mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered my phone from Giztop (Gizmodo's sister site) but in your case, you're probably looking for something like GearBest. The pool has kind of dried for them to the U.S. Xiaomi has stopped selling directly to the U.S due to a "ban" here. It's kind of a weird ordeal.
On that note, it is a pain to use Xiaomi devices in the U.S now because they don't add the important cellular bands that are needed for here because the devices aren't meant for the U.S market. I'm not just talking about CDMA bands, I mean GSM Bands as well. I've been using Mint Mobile on my Mi 11 but funnily enough, T-Mobile doesn't support the Mi 11(the network Mint Mobile uses). It is only missing the B71 band (4G) and only supports one 5G band on GSM, then missing just one (B13) for 4G with the same 5G support of 1 of 5 bands for CDMA -- but that's enough to have the majority of carriers not support the device AND leave you with no signal if you're not in a big city.

Any problem in Europe, like @iamrance.asa said, it's only a USA problem.