American citizen, Macbook was stolen and need to get a new one
My Macbook was stolen last week. I need a new one for work, but I am currently stuck in France until May 8th for my flight back to the US.
It seems to me that I have two options, both with major negative consequences:
- Buy a new or used Macbook in France
- pretty sure I'll have to pay customs taxes when I enter the US because it was purchased in France
- if new, have to pay French tax of 20% (TVA) on the original product, AND US customs tax
- Buy new, ship to my parents in the US, have them ship to me in France
- when receiving the package, will have to pay French customs tax (20% or higher?)
In either case, I see no way to get a new laptop without paying taxes twice. And I simply can't afford that. Is there any way to get a new or used Macbook without paying absurd taxes in both countries?
Edit: I am an American citizen working in France on a "travailleur temporaire/assistant de langue" (temporary worker/language assistant) - Type D multiple-entry visa. I have been in France since September 10th (7 months). In 2018 I spent a total of 8 months in France (January-May and September-December). In 2019, itms 3 months so far.
I work as a language assistant in a high school and do pay taxes and what-not. I'm not sure how this affects my ability to reclaim VAT if I purchase in France...
Best Answer
For a VAT refund you the product should be exported without being used. If you use it in France you would be expected to pay VAT on it. But once used it is no longer a new laptop, but a used one, part of your personal luggage I would not expect you having to pay import duty on it when flying back to the US.
Your biggest issue may be finding one with a US keyboard...
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Can I get a new MacBook if mine was stolen?
As already mentioned Apple's Warranty does not cover loss or theft. However your normal home insurance probably will. I would investigate the details of your (assuming you have one) policy asap as that will be your best bet in getting a replacement. Bear in mind there will probably be an excess you'll have to pay.What happens if someone steals my Mac?
Report your lost or stolen Mac to local law enforcement. Law enforcement might request the serial number of your Mac. Find your device serial number. If you don't think you can recover your missing Mac, you can erase it remotely.How can I get a free MacBook replacement?
If your 13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) has an eligible serial number, Apple will replace the battery, free of charge. This program does not affect 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar or older 13-inch MacBook Pro models. The serial number you entered may be eligible for this program.Does Apple replace stolen laptops?
All repliesApple does not replace stolen items, the warranty does not cover that. You will have to buy a new MacBook Pro or file under your insurance coverage if you have that.My NEW Apple MacBook stolen ... What Can I DO?!
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Answer 2
The simplest route would be for your parents to buy a new or used MacBook in the US, and ship it to you as a gift. This'll have the correct keyboard.
Yes, you may have to pay French customs duty on the import of the machine. If it's used, however, its value (and the resultant duty) will be less than if it were new. There are reasonable, buyer-friendly web business from which they might purchase it. I've used Swappa several times and been very satisfied.
After you have it in your hands, the used machine's further travel back to the US will be ignored, just like the laptops carried by a large proportion of other travelers.
Answer 3
The solution is to purchase in France, then reclaim the VAT after you leave. You will still be eligible to pay appropriate taxes when entering the US, but I'm not sure how significant they are.
See http://www.douane.gouv.fr/articles/a14710-eligibility-for-vat-refunds for the offical information. Note that you will have to buy from a retailer that participates in the scheme, and make sure to properly register that you have exported the macbook.
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Images: Ketut Subiyanto, E M, Christina Morillo, Anna Shvets