RE: Ordering while in Canada

["Graham Howe" <graham@xxxxxxx>]

I have ordered from the US whilst in Canada and I have bought from shops in
Canada. In my experience buying from shops is a bit of a rip off (prices
comparable with mail order here) however buying from US for delivery to
Canada can be good. I bought a digital camera six months before it cam out
here and 12 months later the price was still higher here even though it was
by then an outdated model. The only thing to watch out for is the fact that
you have a UK credit card, this can be a problem so I try not to tell them
unless they ask specifically. Also I suppose there is a risk if there is
any
delay in delivery (order it early during your stay). I have not ordered
from
here for delivery to the hotel, but I see no problem in doing that, again
there might be problems with UK credit card and of course make sure the
hotel knows to expect a parcel for you in case it arrives before you do. I
personally would not buy anything big as it is hard to hide from C&E,
also
there are neat tricks like destroying boxes, mailing warranties and
pretending the item is something you took with you (though technically they
can still ask to see the receipt). I once got caught bringing in a walkman
from the Channel Islands because they found the box in the suitcase (I was
wearing the walkman and they didn't say anything about that until they
found
the box). Getting hit for duty can seriously wipe out much of the discount!
If I buy things over there now it is more to do with lack of availability
over here rather than to save a lot of money. I also try to buy direct from
the US for delivery here first, it is simpler and  not much more expensive
if you manage to dodge customs (DHL seem to be good at this).

Graham