Here's How to Buy Goods From Abroad Easily

Shopping for goods from abroad has become much easier thanks to the numerous e-commerce platforms and international shipping services available. You can now purchase items that may not be available in Indonesia directly from their country of origin!

However, before you start checking out the items you want, there are a few essential things to consider to ensure a smooth shopping process and avoid tax-related issues. In this article, we’ll cover how to shop from abroad, important tips, and how to calculate taxes that you need to know!

How to Buy Goods from Abroad

Shopping for products from abroad can be done through various international e-commerce platforms. Here are the steps to get started:

Use International E-commerce Platforms

Many e-commerce platforms offer the ability to purchase goods from abroad, such as Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and Shopee. These platforms allow you to find a variety of international products that may be hard to find locally.

Choose the Right Shipping Method

After selecting your product, you’ll need to choose a shipping method. Generally, there are two options: regular shipping or express shipping. Regular shipping is usually cheaper but takes longer, while express shipping is faster but comes with higher costs.

Pay Attention to Taxes and Customs Duties

Goods shipped from abroad are subject to customs duties and taxes. Make sure you understand the applicable regulations to avoid surprises with additional costs when the goods arrive in Indonesia.

Use International Payment Methods

Ensure your payment method supports international transactions. Credit cards, PayPal, and other international digital wallets are commonly accepted on foreign e-commerce platforms.

Track Your Shipping Status

Once your purchase is successful, always track the shipping status to ensure the product arrives on time and without issues.

Read Also: 6 Ways to Transfer Money From Abroad to Indonesia

Tips for Shopping Abroad

To ensure you get the right products safely, here are some key tips:

Choose the Right Products

Make sure you select products that suit your needs. Compare prices and read product reviews before making a decision.

Select a Trusted Platform

Choose a reliable e-commerce platform like Amazon, AliExpress, or eBay. Ensure the platform offers shipping options to Indonesia.

Understand the Terms and Conditions

Each e-commerce platform and seller has different terms and conditions, especially regarding returns and international warranties. Read them carefully before making a purchase.

Customs Duties and Taxes

You need to find out if the products you’re buying are subject to customs duties and taxes. Items under USD 3 or approximately IDR 45,000 are exempt from customs duties but are still subject to a 10% VAT. For products above this amount, you will be charged a customs duty of 7.5% and a 10% VAT.

Read Also: 6 Imported Commodities of Singapore Along with Tariffs and Regulations

Understand Applicable Payment Methods

Make sure the payment method you use is accepted by international e-commerce platforms. Paying with PayPal, credit cards, or digital wallet services are often easy and safe options.

How to Calculate Tax on Purchases of Goods from Abroad

Any goods purchased from abroad and sent to Indonesia will be subject to tax and customs duties. Here is how to calculate taxes according to applicable regulations.

According to Law No. 42 of 2009, every item purchased from abroad will be subject to tax and customs duties. The calculation of this tax depends on the price of the item you purchased.

• Goods priced below USD3 (around Rp. 45,000): Free of customs duties, but subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) of 10%.
• Goods priced above USD3: Subject to 7.5% customs duty and 10% VAT.
  Example:
  If you purchase an item worth USD 100, the calculation is as follows:
  • Customs Duty: 7.5% x USD 100 = USD 7.5
  • VAT: 10% x USD 100 = USD 10 Total Tax: USD 17.5

Buying Pre-owned Goods from Abroad

If you’re interested in buying pre-owned items from abroad, eBay is one of the best platforms available. Here’s how to shop for pre-owned goods on eBay:

1. Download the eBay App or Visit the Official Website eBay.
2. To start shopping, create an eBay account. The process is simple and quick. terlebih dahulu. Prosesnya sederhana dan cepat.
3. Use search filters to find items by category, price, and condition.
4. Once you find the right item, you can either click “Buy It Now” or participate in an auction by bidding on the “Bid” option.
5. Follow through with your chosen payment method and Monitor the shipping status until the item reaches you.

Shopping for goods from abroad is now super convenient thanks to the variety of e-commerce platforms available.

However, to keep your shopping experience enjoyable and hassle-free, it’s crucial to understand the payment methods, shipping options, and taxes involved. By following the tips we’ve discussed, you can shop for international products more smartly and efficiently.

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