Question about buying in/mailing to Australia

[wmw999 2,589]

I'd like to send a birthday present to my son; I have no idea what the VAT situation is there, so I'm wondering if I should
a. buy it here, wrap it in an amateurish gift box saying "from Mom" so it's clear it's something from Mom
b. buy it from an online retailer in Australia so it can be shipped from within the country
c. buy it from a major online retailer here in the US and have it shipped there

I don't want him to have to pay some silly amount of money, or go to town to pick it up because his retinas have to be scanned, or anything else like that. I just want him to be able to open the package, say "Man my Mom is great" and enjoy
So suggestions are welcome.
C. is cheapest and easiest, but if there's a VAT or something that is already paid for by buying it within Australia, well, that's obviously smartest.

thanks
Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[bigway 4]

i get things from my mum on b/days and christmas. I am usually in a different country every other year.
She does the same thing for every country i am in.
If she sends me cheap smokes, she will put them in a box and send me......well she will send me......the smokes wrapped in ....yes, underwear.
On the customs docket she will write underwear and socks and chocolate.

When she sends me a gift, she writes on the customs docket "gift" and what is inside there and the value.
If you buy on an online store in the states and send it to australia you will find that if it is brand new that when it arrives in australia your son will more than likely have to phone customs up and sort the tax out first.

If you buy on an online store in australia the tax will be included in the price. it will then just be sent straight to him. this would be the best way as you will get more for your dollar with the currency and you will pay bugger all in post.

i have had things shipped to me from new zealand to the states, australia and alot of europe. These are my experiences.
Unless you are shipping to a country that america has free trade agreement with you will find that you will have to pay tax. I think they call it goods and services tax in australia.

You should look at the ebay stores on the australian ebay site.

After all this my mum better ship me a xmas present.
The best present to send to someone on holiday in oz would be some pain killers for the hangovers.

.Karnage Krew Gear Store
.

[DrunkMonkey 0]

Who do I call in Oz to send me a live Wallaby? I want one as a pet.