subject: Want to buy a Kindle? - Tips to buy a Kindle in South Africa [print this page] Want to buy a Kindle? - Tips to buy a Kindle in South Africa
Since we saw the launch of the new Kindle 6" Wi-Fi & 3G models, along with the Kindle DX, I have been inundated with questions such as, Where and how do I buy a Kindle in South Africa? Does Amazon ship to South Africa? Is the Kindle supported in South Africa? Can I buy cheap Kindles in South Africa without ordering from Amazon? Do I have to pay import duties on the Kindle?
My aim is to provide you with all the information you need to buy the right Kindle with the right specifications, at the best price. So let's get to the facts and dispel the myths about buying from Amazon, shipping, duties and buying kindles directly from importers in South Africa:
Amazon Shipping Facts:
The Kindle is a product of Amazon and they are the sole wholesale distributors of the Kindle Wi-Fi, Kindle Wi-Fi+3G and the Kindle DX
Amazon in the US ships the Kindle directly to your door in South Africa. The Kindle is for sale to customers in over 100 countries worldwide
You need to have a physical address to receive your Kindle as Amazon does not ship to a PO Box address. Use your office or home address
When you order your Kindle, you'll also receive a micro-USB cable to charge your Kindle via your PC's USB port
Amazon will gladly send you a replacement Kindle if anything goes wrong with the delivery of your product.
Priority International Courier services average 2-7 days for the delivery of your Kindle to South Africa
Kindle includes a 1-year limited warranty.
Import Duties:
Amazon will add a refundable, import fee deposit, which is typically $29.11 on a $189.00 Kindle Wi-Fi + 3G
Amazon will designate a carrier ("Designated Carrier") to act as your agent with the relevant customs and tax authorities in the destination country, to clear your merchandise, process and remit your actual Import Fees for such item
In the event that the Import Fees Deposit exceeds the Actual Import Fees, Amazon Export or Merchant (as applicable) will refund the difference to you.
"Ad valorem" tax dictates that the Kindle is classed as an Information Technology product and should be exempt from tax. Imported goods has a price threshold and currently the Kindle falls below threshold
Buying from Importers in South Africa
Grey importers are companies/people who would buy Kindles from Amazon and then sell it on to you. They are in fact the middleman
They cannot compete with Amazon on price because they pay exactly the same as what you would, ordering directly from Amazon
The only area where you could potentially save is on shipping cost and time as the product is already in South Africa.
If saving money is important to you, do not consider buying a Kindle from anyone other than Amazon.
How to choose between the Kindle Wi-Fi and Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi
Kindle (Wi-Fi) is a great choice if you already have a high-speed internet connection and wireless router set up in your home and do not need the added convenience of a 3G connection. 3G enables you to download books anytime, anywhere, while on the go. If you do not have Wi-Fi set up in your home, Kindle 3G may be a better option.
Kindle 3G (Free 3G + Wi-Fi) is the easiest option because there is no wireless setupyou are ready to shop, purchase, and read right out of the box. Built-in Free 3G connectivity uses the same wireless signals that cell phones use, but there are no monthly fees or commitmentsAmazon pays for Kindle's 3G wireless connectivity. The added convenience of 3G enables you to download books anytime, anywhere, while on the gowithout having to find a Wi-Fi hotspot connection. With wireless coverage in over 100 countries and territories, Kindle 3G is a great option for travelers. For South African customers, there are also no additional charges for wireless delivery in or outside your home country.Wireless download times can vary based on 3G or EDGE/GPRS coverage, signal strength and file size.
Buying Kindle Books in South Africa.
There is growing selection of eBooks, magazines and newspapers to choose from in South Africa.
There are currently 500,000 English-language books to choose from; plus U.S. and international newspapers and magazines are available for your country.
Publishers give Amazon eBook rights on a country by country basis, available titles for South Africa will vary from our current U.S selection.
Access Wikipedia via Whispernet on the experimental web browser. Access other websites like Google via a Wi-Fi connection. Blogs can also be downloaded via a Wi-Fi connection.
