Author Topic: Buying books to be shipped to Malaysia. (Read 612 times)

HIDDEN · « **on:** November 28, 2009, 04:09:41 PM »

Has anyone ever ordered books online from sites such as Amazon? I was wondering how outrageous the taxes etc would be. I have heard that they may be up to 60% of the value of the books, including educational materials.

HIDDEN · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2009, 10:10:02 AM »

Hi Steveso, I order books from Amazon.co.uk, but be aware, the cost of shipping usually is equal or higher than the cost of the books ...

being in Langkawi, I don't know about tax levied ... can't help you there.

HIDDEN · « **Reply #2 on:** December 06, 2009, 05:20:03 PM »

Thanks Steph. I guess not only shipping is high, but also customs and taxes. I think I will forget ordering from abroad.

HIDDEN · « **Reply #3 on:** December 06, 2009, 06:20:27 PM »

Just a stray thought, but can't you order from Borders in Kuala Lumpur?

Also you can buy used books on ebay cheap, so tax could not be that high if they go by invoice. Might be worth a try!
I did a search on taxes, and it should be around 30% plus sales tax (10%?) according to some sites.

Stephan

HIDDEN · « **Reply #4 on:** December 06, 2009, 11:11:07 PM »

Thanks. I'll try to order from Border's in KL.

Steve

HIDDEN · « **Reply #5 on:** December 08, 2009, 04:09:13 AM »

Has anyone tried the e book readers such as the Kindle. I haven't but the media reviews is that they are improving dramatically.
For expats looking for the latest books at a good price (no postage) it might be worth an experiment. The upfront investment cost in the reader is not insignificant. (One of my pet hates with all the new electronic gadgets is the inability to try before you buy. Much better to borrow one and see if you can say goodbye to paper...also what happens if you drop it or get it wet? How does it work in sunlight etc etc)
Cheers

HIDDEN · « **Reply #6 on:** December 09, 2009, 06:37:28 PM »

I realise this doesn't address the Malaysia tax question, but I saw someone recommend this website recently which delivers books for free worldwide. It seems to be a UK website but someone told me it is very popular in Australia where apparently books are expensive. Anyway, might be useful for any folks that live outside Malaysia.

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/

HIDDEN · « **Reply #7 on:** December 10, 2009, 03:53:28 PM »

I bought some books through Amazon a few months ago (using a voucher I had received) and they arrived promptly in two batches. Neither attracted the attention of Customs so there was no tax to pay.

Bill

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Buying books to be shipped to Malaysia.