Bike Holiday and Import Duties on Return

[SpruitCommuter]

What are the duty and tax implications of going on a cycling holiday overseas, purchasing a bicycle to use for the trip and then returning to South Africa with the bicycle. Does the answer to this question vary depending on the holiday destination and the duration of the holiday?

 

If this question has been addressed before please post the link to the thread - did do a bit of searching already.

 

Thanks in advance

[gtr1]

Make sure it looks dirty and used when you return,

 

I went overseas to race last year. At airport thought I better declare bike to not have problems when I returned. Customs told me I don't gave to declare it. Which means not much they can do when you return.

 

No questions were asked when I came back.

[Long Wheel Base]

Ping Lexx

[Duane_Bosch]

Step 1. Go to cash converters. Buy a R300 klunker

Step 2. Box said klunker

Step 3. When you are in your holiday destination bin the klunker or leave it on t e pavement to be collected

Step 4. Enjoy your holiday on your new bike

Step 5. Pack the new bike into your box and bring it home. Remember to ensure that it is dirty.

[Duane_Bosch]

Where are you going?

[SpruitCommuter]

Was just toying with the idea generally - but continental Europe or the USA would be cool.

[Duane_Bosch]

Was just toying with the idea generally - but continental Europe or the USA would be cool.

We just got back from Morzine. Took the road bikes this time. Europe is nowhere near as expensive as you might imagine. Just keep restaurant and bar visits to a minimum. We went for a week. Some of the best road riding on the planet is right there.

 

Flights 17k

Accom 6k

We spent 300 euro

Airport shuttles 70 euro

 

So under 30k for 2. You can easily live on 50 euro a day for 2 if you are self catering.

 

Then we rented a car. OMFG! 9k for 2 days if you count the fuel and toll roads. Buuut we got to see Mont Blanc up close (it's HUGE) and we saw Aosta which will be our next Euro destination if I have my way.

[Capri Wheeler]

Legally, in normal circumstances, the value of an item upon which the VAT and import duties is based depends on the value of the bike which one determines from the invoice. So if the bike comes back used and not attached to an invoice it is likely to be assumed that you did not buy the bike there. This however is tax evasion, and is frowned upon by SARS.

[Capri Wheeler]

Another side note is what would SARS determine the 'value' of the bike since it has been used. Interesting argument. Will try check my VAT act definitions of 'value' tonight if i rememember but I recall it bein the open market value.

[Nokka]

I can't see how you can have any problems with this. There is no way they can determine you bought it in europe and ot SA. Just box it and bring it home.

[GLuvsMtb]

Just don't be shady and try to claim the VAT / GST back before you leave the other side.