North American iMac in UK

Hi Nicky,

The other plugs should all be the same, the standards for usb, firewire, 3.5 mm plugs are universal.

You might even try and buy just a new power cord when you return home so you don't need a plug adaptor...much more elegant solution.

How do you plan on getting it back to the UK? Are you considering sending it as "checked baggage"? Are you going to have it shipped separately? Are you going to try to "buy it here and have it shipped directly there"?

I'm wondering if the costs of trying to get it back to the UK in pristine condition will eat up whatever savings you achieve on the purchase price.

You might try talking with the Apple Store you buy from, or FedEx or one of the shippers and see if you can have it shipped to the UK...that would still leave you open to the custom duties but would be a safer way to ship the iMac.

I would strongly recommend you research the carriage costs including any duty that might be payable before you go ahead with this plan. I bought a new iMac to use while I was working in S.E. Asia but found that it would cost considerably more than I had paid for it to get it shipped back to the UK. In the end I had to sell it at a huge loss. Never again...unless it's a portable that I can take on the aircraft as hand luggage.

That is a good point...I was just thinking of a safe way to ship it back...in the luggage hold of an aircraft, at the mercy of the baggage handlers does not seem like a good idea 🙂

New iMacs are packed in what is essentially a medium-size suitcase, with plenty of shock-absorbing material.

I wish I had confidence that the "ramp rats" at Fedex or UPS were somehow kinder, gentler folks than the passenger baggage handlers.

I'd be tempted to pay the baggage overage and check the iMac as a suitcase -- but first would find out what kind of insurance could be purchased for it.

-dan

Also, check whether the prices listed online include all taxes. Some countries include the taxes in their prices, some don't.

For sales in the US you have to add sales taxes...some areas there is a sales tax from the state, also from the city. Some states, only a couple, do not charge sales tax. Sales taxes are typically 5-10% of the price.

No idea if this place would even consider shipping out of the US, but they are located near Portland, Oregon and do not charge sales tax:

http://www.powermax.com/

+Free UPS Shipping on Orders Over $100+

+Free Shipping Offer+

+In addition to our long list of benefits below, PowerMax is pleased to offer free UPS shipping on orders over $100 (only used Mac computers, plasma displays and heavyweight items excluded). We want to make it easy for you to find the best bottom-line deal available for all your Apple computers!+

+PowerMax is committed to providing you the best overall purchasing experience possible on the web. If we ever fall short of that goal or you have some ideas for us to make it even better, don't hesitate to let us know!+

+* Free shipping on orders over $100 (to the 48 states)+
+* No Sales Tax - EVER (you gotta love Oregon)+
+* A liberal 30-day return policy+
+* The world's best Mac trade-in program+
+* The best warranty in the business on pre-owned Macs+

And they are a very reputable vendor in all things Mac.