This thread has saved me from buying bulk or >500MYR... also, this has saved me from buying kinky stuff (the figurines I tell you) from Jlist. phew...
Thx guys...
dang, and i still want to order from JList. damn these restrictions/customs. looks like its a no-no.
are there virtually no packaging service that offers discreet packaging? i gues not...

This post has been edited by markiemark: Apr 2 2008, 11:09 PM

I'm still confused here... How exactly do they calculate the tax ah? I'm sure its been posted somewhere but phew... 30 pages to review??!
I have the urge suddenly to buy just one figure at the cost of RM260++ (inclusive of SAL Shipping) from HLJ and I'm staying at Sabah...
Plus, anyone here from Sabah have experience ordering from HLJ using SAL/EMS? Takes and duration of time? Care to share experience here?

Ok, i found my answer already... customs charge 5% in regards to toy figurines.
Now my next question is.. i need advise on buying at Play-Asia. Is there any difference between using Credit Card direct vs Paypal (via Credit Card also)?

Thanks Raptor dude for the info.
thts exactly what i was aware of.. taxes. well, i just came to know abt it when i made pre orders for my sister's behalf last week using both payment methods. the total went over 500 but it was a separate buy. i "testing testing" buy from PA.
now i wonder will the customs charge taxes per item or taxes all items received at a particular day even if its a separate buy? cause if they charge taxes per item and assuming they dont charge purchases below 500 like what was mentioned, i'd presume i'd be safe but then again like other ppl's experience, it totally depends on the person in charge.
also, i was wondering if charges differ from each country? like say, you buy stuff from ebay thats from the US, will taxes still be 5% (figurines)?
if any of the above questions have been previously addressed in the previous pages, my apologies. i'd appreciate it if someone could pinpoint me which page was it.

This post has been edited by markiemark: Jun 19 2008, 12:52 PM

in any case, the $ i used for this will be refunded. hehe, just when i was abt to try and buy figurines for myself but that really sux even if its separate... oh well.
Thanks valho and tempation for the tip up.
btw tempation, thanks again for bringing the difference up. maybe im ignorant but i didnt see any difference with my calculations when i checked the invoice. by conversion rates, which one is higher?
i struggled with my maths in high school and college so pls bear with my noobness.

Charges a little bit more? You mean there's fees included? I thought there was no fees but if its the foreign rates, i catch your drift.

yep, i never really use paypal if there's other options to use instead. usually direct to cc or db. to put it bluntly, ive been rather ignorant abt the fees charged.. i guess ive been an ignorant fool
thx ppl for the info btw!!

This post has been edited by markiemark: Jun 23 2008, 01:35 PM

I'm not completely sure but the way the laws/rules are, I don't think its even possible. Maybe having sort of like an insider there or perhaps through bribing might work (or not) which is of course against the law. Heck even sword replicas won't do (at least thats what I understood after talking to a random customs officer).
Still, back when I was studying at Thailand, I remember a friend of mine who seludup one air rifle by totally disassembling it. It took him 3-4 trips back and forth, if I wasn't mistaken, here at Sabah. Seriously.
I was and at the same time envious... damn, made me remember my beloved guns in which i was forced to "donate"
If you have the balls to do that, then maybe you could try but don't quote/blame me

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Added on August 1, 2008, 7:11 pmWhoa... you went thru all the pages?
i'm no pro but i dont think you'll get taxed... that is, unless its really over the weight limit and/or you happen to meet an evil customs officer. Speaking of which, you could've tried to get it personally since its Singapore unless you live very very far away like me. I remember getting my stuff outta there to Johor then fly straight to Sabah No tax. Maybe I was lucky or maybe my situation was different. In any case, its too late for that now since your friend have already sent it.
Don't worry. Why so serious?

This post has been edited by markiemark: Aug 1 2008, 07:11 PM

anyone have managed get around Poslaju from "destroying" parcels?
I've been hit for the 4th straight time for Hobby Search items sent via EMS. 2 damaged out of 4.

major dents, item affected. I most always get into an argument with the delivery dood.
speakin of poslaju center... sigh. i guess ive been on a wrong strategy when dealing with them.
lately though ive been lookin for alternatives locally and online (hlj & PA with Fedex) but i can't resist the goods/prices at Hobby Search man.
i havent had probs with smaller items though so far (knock wood).