Is it cheaper to buy Leica in Europe?

[caeruz]

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I'll be traveling to Milan in the next few days and was wondering if anyone would know how much cheaper it would be to buy Leica there?

 

Prices in Hong Kong are quite good as well, a brand new M 240 is around USD5420, just want to know if it'll be cheaper to buy in Hong Kong or in Europe.

[Al_OOF]

Take a look at this shop and you can see prices of old and new:

http://newoldcamera.com

You will find a passionate dealer, competent and very kind.

I have taken a used M9 and a new lens; always satisfied of the service...

The shop in in the center of Milan so it's convenient also for a sightseeing.

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[La Morte]

I certainly have not seen a better price than the one you quote in Hong Kong.

[leicatraveller]

sure not, in europe there vat (that is around 20%)

so its impossible that you will find a better price then Hong kong

[Al_OOF]

unfortunately VAT (IVA in Italy) is 22%... but...

I did a search on the net and is reported that a resident outside the EU may be exempt from VAT at the time of purchase. If what I have read is reliable it would be a good opportunity.

Caeruz, If you are interested I can inquire better, maybe by calling the store.

[DigitalHeMan]

You won't have to pay local vat if you show you are a tourist and will be leaving the country again. You can do this directly in some larger shops, and in other shops you pay the vat and then claim it back on departure at the airport, although this will incur a fee. There should be some relevant info on globalblue.com

[algrove]

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I have bought MANY photographic items in Europe and with global blue you generally get only 12% VAT back no matter the rate. That is why I search out Leica stores that do NOT use gloabl blue and as such give all the VAT back to non-European residents.

[bernd_muc]

The official price here in HK for the M is HK$ 68,500 (at the Leica Store), on the grey market ("water goods") they meanwhile go for HK$ 40,000 - in Euro that is ca. 6,500 and 4,000.

 

If you travel to HK multiple times a year, a grey market M might be okay, as you can bring it back to the seller in case something breaks, otherwise it might be a bit risky.

[jaapv]

Why should that be? Leica guaranty may be not for grey import with the local importer, Leica Wetzlar guarantees ALL their products.

[jaapv]

I have bought MANY photographic items in Europe and with global blue you generally get only 12% VAT back no matter the rate. That is why I search out Leica stores that do NOT use gloabl blue and as such give all the VAT back to non-European residents.

 

Global Blue is milking the market and seem to have gained something of a monopoly. VAT refunds should be repaid by the merchant in full if the shop provides the proper form and the goods are reported to customs on departure. The merchant may charge a fee for the service, however, which in the case of Global Blue and Premier is ridiculously high, often exceeding 50% of the actual tax reclaimed.

 

Look for shops that display a tax refund sticker in the window, mostly found in large towns and tourist entres.

Some are willing to deal directly with the customer, but you must trust them to remit the funds.

 

Travellers leaving the EU - European commission

Edited September 11, 2014 by jaapv

[Edward Louis Marit]

The Leica boutiques in Frankfurt AM Main airport, terminal 1 , give cash VAT refund. I bought a Leica polarizer and was refunded on the spot.

[sanyasi]

If you are returning to the US, keep in mind the Customs declaration and associated fees. Plus, we once got a letter from the State of Illinois demanding use tax on a rug we bought in Turkey. Seems Illinois and customs have an information sharing agreement.

 

Also of note, I went through U.S, Customs last week, they have upped the inspections, I assume in response to terrorism concerns. I had never waited in line to go through, but this time there was a 10 to 15 minute wait. The guy in front of me got pulled from the line for inspection. As an aside, immigration took longer than normal.

[hkgmatt]

If you are traveling through Hong Kong, the official Leica boutiques currently offer a 20% discount when you buy a body with a lens (excluding the Noctilux or the 50mm APO) or 10% when you buy lenses alone. I don't know when the promotion ends.

[NZDavid]

You don't say where you are from. Much depends on the exchange rate.

[Einst_Stein]

I'll be traveling to Milan in the next few days and was wondering if anyone would know how much cheaper it would be to buy Leica there?

 

Prices in Hong Kong are quite good as well, a brand new M 240 is around USD5420, just want to know if it'll be cheaper to buy in Hong Kong or in Europe.

 

Could you share which store has that price?*any web site? Thanks.