Camera shopping in Tokyo or Hong Kong.
Apr 5, 2019 10:36:26 #
It amazes me how so many people waste our time with useless stories of how it was back in the 1970's, back in Vietnam, Singapore, etc., and not answer the OP's question.
If you go to Yodobashi Camera Store in Tokyo with your passport, and you are NOT a resident of Japan, you will be exempt from the sales tax in Japan. You will be able to purchase any Nikon, Canon, or any other brand, at roughly 10% under US prices. You can do this at any of the big camera/electronics stores in Tokyo, where I lived for 10 years. My son was in Tokyo a few month ago checking Nikon prices for me.
Bottom line: you do NOT save much, and I would rather have a good relationship with BH, Adorama, or my local shop, than save so little. If you live in a state with a 10% sales tax, you might save a bit more
The advantage of shopping in Japan is that they have stuff in the shelves that won't be in the US for a year or two. They are ahead of us in the tech and gadget race. This is especially true with wrist watches.
Before the sales tax, if somebody could pick something up, it was a good deal, especially when the exchange rates were high: 300 yen to the dollar. Now, not so much at 108 yen per dollar.
Bottom line: buy your Nikon in the US.
If you go to Yodobashi Camera Store in Tokyo with your passport, and you are NOT a resident of Japan, you will be exempt from the sales tax in Japan. You will be able to purchase any Nikon, Canon, or any other brand, at roughly 10% under US prices. You can do this at any of the big camera/electronics stores in Tokyo, where I lived for 10 years. My son was in Tokyo a few month ago checking Nikon prices for me.
Bottom line: you do NOT save much, and I would rather have a good relationship with BH, Adorama, or my local shop, than save so little. If you live in a state with a 10% sales tax, you might save a bit more
The advantage of shopping in Japan is that they have stuff in the shelves that won't be in the US for a year or two. They are ahead of us in the tech and gadget race. This is especially true with wrist watches.
Before the sales tax, if somebody could pick something up, it was a good deal, especially when the exchange rates were high: 300 yen to the dollar. Now, not so much at 108 yen per dollar.
Bottom line: buy your Nikon in the US.
Apr 5, 2019 15:12:14 #
Take your passport to the bigger shops and you can get the 10% VAT tax refunded there. Cameras have no US customs duty, lenses 2.3%. The real value is the used equipment. You wouldn't be getting a warranty anyway so condition and price are paramount. The Japanese are fastidious with their camera equipment. I look at Roberts and all the US shops and most everything is beat to death. Same item in a store like MAP Camera in Tokyo (look on their web site) is rated worse than the actual condition. If they say it is a "B" (third ranking) it is what would be "A" Mint in the US. You can buy to have shipped here only from their Ebay site which has higher pricing but includes the expedited shipping. But you can look at the store site to see what they have and compare the pricing. Click through and they will convert to $s from yen at that days exchange rate. Not sure what others are referring to but the difference in pricing if you can get to Tokyo is large.
Apr 5, 2019 15:32:59 #
Properframe wrote:
Take your passport to the bigger shops and you can... (show quote)
Be sure to check your credit card provider. Some cards will not charge you for the ¥ -> $ conversion and this might save you even more.
Apr 5, 2019 21:29:53 #
clint f.
Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa
Old news but in ‘96 lenses were more expensive than in the US.
Apr 5, 2019 21:49:27 #
In many countries, the purchase price includes the local VALUE ADDED TAX, aka the VAT. When you leave that country you often are entitled to a refund of that tax. If travelling, and you buy anything of value, check on the process. I saved a bundle over time with the VST refunds.
Apr 6, 2019 00:00:32 #
toxdoc42 wrote:
In many countries, the purchase price includes the local VALUE ADDED TAX, aka the VAT. When you leave that country you often are entitled to a refund of that tax. If travelling, and you buy anything of value, check on the process. I saved a bundle over time with the VST refunds.
Read this concerning tax refunds in Japan.
Apr 6, 2019 00:55:37 #
hookedupin2005
Loc: Northwestern New Mexico
camerapapi wrote:
Anything bought there with the Nikon brand is considered in this country gray market and Nikon will not serve those cameras and lenses.
Second hand stores are common in Japan but you better know what you are buying.
Second hand stores are common in Japan but you better know what you are buying.
Go back up and read Bebulamar's post.
Apr 6, 2019 04:58:36 #
Pistnbroke
Loc: UK
If you do buy make sure you open any wrapped up box they give you before you leave and make sure there is not just a brick in the box.
Apr 6, 2019 09:54:35 #
Thanks to all who responded to my question. From all of your input I guess I have to abide by the adage “Buyer Be Aware!”
Apr 9, 2019 09:46:32 #
As I recall, the best camera shops were in Shinjuku. For other electronics a better bet is Akihabara.
Apr 12, 2019 13:34:46 #
I just got back from Tokyo and I had hoped to find some deals like I did about 15 years ago. It was a disappointment. As stated in many replies, prices are high and warranties generally require return to Japan. I was also hoping to find some bargains in the used markets (many of these in Shinjuku) but the prices are crazy and the selection was thin.
What I would recommend is to find a big Yodabashi Camera store (Akihabra has a good and there is supposed to be a good one in Shinjuku but I never found it). You can find lots of accessories and smaller items. In my case I found a Nikkor 50mm f1.2 for 58,500yen and then got a 5% discount for using Visa and no tax. The effective price was about $510usd; this lens is typically over $600 from US discounters. It was a Japanese model with no US warranty and they told me to test it well before leaving Japan. Just about all major camera gear would be cheaper buying from Adorama, BHPhoto, Keh, etc.
The is another line of stores call BIC Camera. They are all over the place but the selection in limited. Also, there is no real difference in prices throughout Japan so shopping around probably won't help if you find something you want.
I would be more leery of Hong Kong camera shopping due to the potential for fakes or defective products. I have no direct experience with this buying camera gear but I have lived in the area (Shenzhen) and generally am distrustful of the various markets. You'll be better off buying your gear here and spending your time taking pictures there.
What I would recommend is to find a big Yodabashi Camera store (Akihabra has a good and there is supposed to be a good one in Shinjuku but I never found it). You can find lots of accessories and smaller items. In my case I found a Nikkor 50mm f1.2 for 58,500yen and then got a 5% discount for using Visa and no tax. The effective price was about $510usd; this lens is typically over $600 from US discounters. It was a Japanese model with no US warranty and they told me to test it well before leaving Japan. Just about all major camera gear would be cheaper buying from Adorama, BHPhoto, Keh, etc.
The is another line of stores call BIC Camera. They are all over the place but the selection in limited. Also, there is no real difference in prices throughout Japan so shopping around probably won't help if you find something you want.
I would be more leery of Hong Kong camera shopping due to the potential for fakes or defective products. I have no direct experience with this buying camera gear but I have lived in the area (Shenzhen) and generally am distrustful of the various markets. You'll be better off buying your gear here and spending your time taking pictures there.
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