Exporting from the UK to Cairo

Fiona08 · #1 (**permalink**) 30th September 2011, 03:41 PM

Does anyone know if it is easy to export laptop computers to cairo?
I have tried to look around the website, but it is not easy. I know that there is no export taxes to pay, but trying to get an export license is nonsense.

hhaddad · #2 (**permalink**) 30th September 2011, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiona08

Does anyone know if it is easy to export laptop computers to cairo?
I have tried to look around the website, but it is not easy. I know that there is no export taxes to pay, but trying to get an export license is nonsense.

I think the biggest problem here if your thinking in bulk is here in Egypt as the custom authorities aren't easy and customs duties are normally high.Also the market is flooded with all types of laptops and all prices.if your thinking 1 off no problem just bring it.

Fiona08 · #3 (**permalink**) 1st October 2011, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hhaddad

I think the biggest problem here if your thinking in bulk is here in Egypt as the custom authorities aren't easy and customs duties are normally high.Also the market is flooded with all types of laptops and all prices.if your thinking 1 off no problem just bring it.

thank for your reply. My husband (who is Egyptian) has a lot of contacts from Cairo and they are asking him to bring over British laptops as the ones you already have are not ORIGINALS and come from Taiwan. For example we know that Sony's name is used, like Dell and HP, but the motherboard is being put in as a cheap one and apparently the computers are only to be used for about 1 hour at a time and in abut 3 months they "blow up". I realise that if we are talking about say 4-6, then we could bring them with us, otherwise I think it could be tricky.
Fiona

hhaddad · #4 (**permalink**) 1st October 2011, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiona08

thank for your reply. My husband (who is Egyptian) has a lot of contacts from Cairo and they are asking him to bring over British laptops as the ones you already have are not ORIGINALS and come from Taiwan. For example we know that Sony's name is used, like Dell and HP, but the motherboard is being put in as a cheap one and apparently the computers are only to be used for about 1 hour at a time and in abut 3 months they "blow up". I realise that if we are talking about say 4-6, then we could bring them with us, otherwise I think it could be tricky.
Fiona

I have an acer laptop I bought here 5 years ago and use regularly 8 hours a day and never any problems with it.The only thing is that Windows is a copy but thats normal.My nephew has a Dell bought here 2 years ago also no problems.My niece has an HP for 1 year and never any problems. One thing to remember that buying
anything here you have to beware of copies and buy only from reputable stores.Anyway the originals are about the same price here as in Europe.

Also SONY,HP etc have factories all over the world mostly in Asia and are producing originals to the same specs.

Probably the laptops your husband is referring to are mounted here in backstreet shops as are a lot of PC's.

Even if you bring 4 to 6 you could run into problems at the airport and have them conficated or pay an exhorbitant fine/duty.

MaidenScotland · #5 (**permalink**) 1st October 2011, 08:10 AM

If you buy your computer in a reputable shop then it is an original. I have had many laptops bought in Cairo and they all work fine... it really isn't worth your while IMO for you to try and start importing computers.. the market is already sewn up

canuck2010 · #6 (**permalink**) 1st October 2011, 08:51 AM

That does sound strange. Every major manufacturer has an official outlet here in Cairo. Sounds like someone is getting scammed.

MaidenScotland · #7 (**permalink**) 1st October 2011, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canuck2010

That does sound strange. Every major manufacturer has an official outlet here in Cairo. Sounds like someone is getting scammed.

Exactly.. I have never known anyone to have a problem mind if you go to Ataba and buy one of the market stall then you will have problems

hhaddad · #8 (**permalink**) 1st October 2011, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canuck2010

That does sound strange. Every major manufacturer has an official outlet here in Cairo. Sounds like someone is getting scammed.

I agree with you sounds very much like a scam.

GM1 · #9 (**permalink**) 1st October 2011, 09:52 AM

I have never heard of this problem, my son is really into computers and he never mentioned it! I live here already 12 years. Also if you bring the laptop from abroad it doesn't have an Arabic keyboard, which most Egyptians prefer. We have two Acer laptops, one bought 2 years ago, the other almost a year ago, no problems at all. Prices here are the same or cheaper than in Europe.

hhaddad · #10 (**permalink**) 1st October 2011, 10:34 AM

Since my last reply I've done some research by calling some of my Egyptian friends who are in the know and without exception they all replied that the story is rubbish and a scam.The only problems in laptops was in the early models that had a tendency to overheat and this was not a disaster. The only thing that one of them could think of was that possibly somebody bought a recon using second hand parts.

One of them just called me back and asked me if you're married to your Egyptian and how long have you known him because my friend has heard of similar scams.