Well, the computer saga continues. There is, of course, a long version to this story but I'll try to give you the short one.
With the age of this computer and the impossibility of getting parts for it down here, I decided to go with something a friend of mine talked to me about approximately a week ago. She said that Dell was having a sale on computers and did I want to get one? Well, with the cost of new RAM for this computer and the knowledge that I'm going to need a better computer soon, I went ahead and got one. It ended up costing more than I had anticipated but I think it's going to work out just fine. Things always seem to for me. I end up on my feet far more often than not.
Anyway, that should be here in a week or so.
One of the things I found out (I knew about it at one point but I stored the info in a very distant filing cabinet in my brain and ended up misplacing it) is that only electronics that cost less than $400 and weigh less than 4 kilos (8.8 pounds) aren't subject to duty. Mine is over that limitation so I get to pay a 12% duty on it before I can get it, too. Fortunately it costs less than the amount that requires one to get an import something-or-other to handle the transaction. I'm not quite sure how it works but I'm fairly certain they just take the money out of my bank account the same way they do with the shipping charges.
When I find out for sure I'll definitely let you know so you will know how to anticipate these things if you should decide to move down here.
Oh, the other thought I had is checking to see if there are people who might be interested in buying an elderly computer or two. I have another laptop in the States in need of a mother board that may will be a good thing to have here if the sale price is right. Then it would make sense to have the RAM shipped here. It's all just things I'm thinking about right now but I'll be checking into them in the days and weeks to come.
Have you checked on getting the designation with the government that lets 65+ get the 12% VAT returned to your bank account every 2 months? You have to turn in copies of the receipts, of course.
ReplyDeleteIf you're that age, I'd sure apply for it. I will be 65 by the time we get there any my husband is 70 so we're looking forward to the benefits.
BTW...I haven't told you how very much I admire your spunk and courage in moving to a new country by yourself. I would do that as well, but most women I know would not take the risk. And I really admire that you not only made the decision, but are so successful at your adventure!
Can't wait to meet you!
Thanks--yes, I think "spunk" is a good word. I've had people say I'm brave but it never occurred to me that bravery was involved. I do, though, definitely have spunk.
DeleteNope, I'm not yet 65. I get to wait another three years before I get my "tax rebate."