buying a guitar in the states

robmac

I am travelling to the states on business.
What would happen if I bought a guitar there and brought it back with me.

Has anyone done this recently?

Thanks for the input.

Chabenda

A strat/tele sized guitar in a gig bag will generally fit in the overhead locker. Not sure about SA but generally you seem to get left alone as far as your instrument goes. There are so many people travelling with guitars it seems to be a normal day to day thing and a part of your luggage. Make it look low key and like it's a part of you. I have travelled with a Jazzmaster, a Tele and a Resonator, London to Tete and had no trouble yet.

Any other experiences?

babbalute

You might refer to bringing it past customs at OR Tambo ?

Make sure you got an invoice from who ever you are buying it, I would declare it at customs to avoid possible confiscation or other trouble.
You will pay 14% VAT on the invoice value, if it is in USD then they will use the daily exchange rate to get the Rand value and then calculate the VAT portion to pay.
NOTE there are no duties payable on a guitar either acoustic or electric or a combination of it.
You will safe on the initial purchase price and shipping costs but VAT you will always pay.
Since you would have no customs declaration(which would include the make or brand and serial number of the guitar) form that you "exported" the guitar out of SA with intention to bring it back you are obliged to declare it at customs.
You can of course take a chance and go through the green channel with possible implications.

Chabenda

Yup, Babbalute is right regarding declaring it to customs. I don't think that losing your new guitar to customs would be a pleasant experience.

Please disregard my comments as the term "Green Route" in Africa, north of your borders, takes on a completely different meaning and even a completely legitimate import process would likely involve some "Green" in order to be done within a reasonable time frame.

guidothepimmp

Hey Rob

So i done this exact thing in September.

Nothing to worry about at all. I bought mine from GC so had receipts and all.. not that it matters as the guys assume its your guitar and it probably left the country with you to start with.

My main worry was transport on the plane. I flew SAA with a United airlines link between DC and JFK. For United the guit went in the hold. No stress there as at the door the guy literally takes it and puts it in gently. This isnt because they difficult about it.. its because the plane was tiny and it wouldnt fit in the overhead bin.

For SAA i was stressing after hearing stories and reading the policy. Got on board with the fiddle in its hardcase.. asked the guy where i should put it.. he said just place it in the overhead. If there wasnt space to let him know and he would put it in a cupboard up front.. so super helpful.

Back in RSA.. no one even batted an eyelid. No issues at customs at all.

Enjoy. US is great. Dont sweat what might happen.. i found i stressed for nothing.

Lfan

What happens if you remove the neck and place the body and neck inside a suitcase with the rest of your luggage? Do you still have to pay 14% VAT. How will they know theres a guitar in there?

Chabenda

TGF wrote: What happens if you remove the neck and place the body and neck inside a suitcase with the rest of your luggage? Do you still have to pay 14% VAT. How will they know there's a guitar in there?

Hmmm... done that too, with a 2nd hand Crafter Stat type and small 10 watt amp for a kid. I had my resonator with me too. But it doesn't count 'cause circumstances are different. I had no trouble though.

Ibanezguy

Chabenda wrote:
TGF wrote: What happens if you remove the neck and place the body and neck inside a suitcase with the rest of your luggage? Do you still have to pay 14% VAT. How will they know there's a guitar in there?
Hmmm... done that too, with a 2nd hand Crafter Stat type and small 10 watt amp for a kid. I had my resonator with me too. But it doesn't count 'cause circumstances are different. I had no trouble though.

Can tell your a Zimbo, Chabenda, smuggling guitars in your luggage lol I once bought a guitar and just told them it was a gift from someone and its a cheap piece of shit they were throwing out and I'm going to hang on my wall behind the bar, worked for me. You don't get to work customs by having a high I.Q ?