Garmin from overseas

ombwiri
ombwiri Posts: 18
edited August 2009 in Road buying advice
Having looked around for bargains on a Garmin Edge 305 I'm trying to work out what the downsides are to getting one from America.

I'm guessing that the charger will need an adaptor but would there be any other problems?

Comments

  • jibberjim
    jibberjim Posts: 2,810
    ombwiri wrote:
    Having looked around for bargains on a Garmin Edge 305 I'm trying to work out what the downsides are to getting one from America.

    I'm guessing that the charger will need an adaptor but would there be any other problems?

    charging is easier done on the laptop anyway.

    There's no downside.

    Remember import duty and VAT
    Jibbering Sports Stuff: http://jibbering.com/sports/
  • GeorgeShaw
    GeorgeShaw Posts: 764
    I got mine from the US via eBay without any problems. No import duty or VAT if it is labelled "appropriately". I've never used a charger, it tops up from the USB port without any problems. Mine was a full UK version in any case.

    The only problem might be warranty returns - the 305 has some well-documented issues with quality control and the battery connections - as your contract is with the seller, but it seems that Garmin are pretty good about this.
  • GyatsoLa
    GyatsoLa Posts: 667
    You need to check on download availabilites, some Garmins are regionally 'locked' like DVD players. When I was in Taiwan early this year I was trying to get English language download maps for Taiwan for my UK purchased eTrex. I called Garmin direct (they are a Taiwanese company) and I was informed that I could only get the download if I bought the Garmin in Taiwan. I have no idea the reasoning behind this, probably something to do with copyrights.

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