Last month, I bought a small item from an overseas website. The price was clearly shown at checkout, but when it arrived, I found I had to pay extra—the package had reached customs, and the courier texted me to pay import tax before they would deliver it.
Later, I realized that the price you see at checkout when shopping across borders may not be the final price. The key is to look for one line of fine print: are taxes covered by the seller, or will you have to pay them on delivery? If they’re covered, a slightly higher price can save you the hassle. If not, that low price may come with hidden taxes and handling fees.
Now I take three extra steps before placing an order:
First, I scroll to the bottom of the checkout page and check whether taxes are included or due on delivery;
Second, I work out the total cost—the item price plus estimated taxes—and compare it with buying locally;
Third, I save a screenshot of the order and the tracking number, so if I’m charged tax, I know whom to ask about it.
Have you ever been charged taxes on delivery when shopping across borders? How did you handle it?
(Disclosure: I use PayAll to compare the cross-border payment options and currency conversion costs of different cards. I check the details before choosing a card and placing an order.)
#跨境购物 #海淘 #PaymentTips
Later, I realized that the price you see at checkout when shopping across borders may not be the final price. The key is to look for one line of fine print: are taxes covered by the seller, or will you have to pay them on delivery? If they’re covered, a slightly higher price can save you the hassle. If not, that low price may come with hidden taxes and handling fees.
Now I take three extra steps before placing an order:
First, I scroll to the bottom of the checkout page and check whether taxes are included or due on delivery;
Second, I work out the total cost—the item price plus estimated taxes—and compare it with buying locally;
Third, I save a screenshot of the order and the tracking number, so if I’m charged tax, I know whom to ask about it.
Have you ever been charged taxes on delivery when shopping across borders? How did you handle it?
(Disclosure: I use PayAll to compare the cross-border payment options and currency conversion costs of different cards. I check the details before choosing a card and placing an order.)
#跨境购物 #海淘 #PaymentTips