Going to USA - What (if anything) to buy?

[Ilikebeaver]

So me and the OH are going to The States in a few months.

It will be the first time I have been.

I hadn't really thought about doing any shopping whilst we are there, but I keep hearing that certain things are much cheaper in USA and worth buying there rather than in the UK.

I wondered if this is still the case with the current exchange rates, and if so - what sort of items are the best savings to be found on?

[Stu R]

Depends where you go. I generally take as few clothes as possible and come back with a suitcase rammed full of new gear every time I go.

[Ilikebeaver]

Austin, Texas.

Clothes should be a good shout.

I just assume that most things will be huge over there, but that is my dreadful stereotyping i guess

[theaxe]

Unsurprisingly American products tend to be the best value, so for clothes Gap, Levi etc. Apple products are also a good bet.

Don't forget to factor any local sales taxes into your maths though.

[Thom987]

Stu R said:

Depends where you go. I generally take as few clothes as possible and come back with a suitcase rammed full of new gear every time I go.

Make sure you remove the labels, customs sometimes want their cut. Jewellery is also much cheaper, I am waiting until my next visit for a new watch.

[Simon Brooks]

Petrol if you can find a way of getting it back in volume

[audidoody]

Boots. Lots of cowboy boots.

[5potTurbo]

Thom987 said:

Stu R said:

Depends where you go. I generally take as few clothes as possible and come back with a suitcase rammed full of new gear every time I go.

Make sure you remove the labels, customs sometimes want their cut. Jewellery is also much cheaper, I am waiting until my next visit for a new watch.

Just back from the U.S. as my eldest brother lives nr Chicago.

With a wife and 2 primary school aged children, we went for 3 weeks, took clothes for only 3-4 days, and bought everything else! There's a HUGE outlet mall near where he lives, with all the top brands there, and it was a fraction of the UK/European prices.

We removed all the tags from everything that was new and posted all the receipts home to check against credit card bills when they arrive.

I reckon that had we have bought those clothes/shoes in Luxembourg where we live, it would have cost me 250-300% more than I paid.

[anonymous-user]

Ilikebeaver said:

Austin, Texas.

Clothes should be a good shout.

I just assume that most things will be huge over there, but that is my dreadful stereotyping i guess

They have different sizes too.

[DCS01]

If you are into out door sports / camping, then try bass pro or the sportsmans warehouse. Huge huge warehouse type stores that have everything for all field sports / out doors. You can buy everthing from boats to fishing and hunting kit, clothing etc.Last time I was in the US I spent about two hours just looking around at all the stuff we will never have over here. Big tip check out the portable freezer chests / cool boxes.

[CHIEF]

Go to http://callahansgeneralstore.com/ and buy yourself a Stetson like i did.

[Motown Junk]

New rear bumper and a pair of front split bumpers for a 70-73 Camaro......

[Robatr0n]

Motown Junk said:

New rear bumper and a pair of front split bumpers for a 70-73 Camaro......

[chopper602]

Apart from clothes the big purchse I made in Florida last year was an iPad. Saved about £100, so it was a no-brainer really (I wouldn't have bought one here)

[Shinobi]

Abercrombie seems to be all anyone buys. Shows Your posh when You get home.

[RammyMP]

Things aren't as cheap as what they were a few years ago, but head for the outlet malls to get cheap clothes and trainers. Marshalls and Beals are sometimes worth a visit for clothes, but can be like jumble sales!

[mph999]

I always grab a couple of pairs of Timberland shoes .... $30-50 against £100-150 over here.

They do last quite a long time, so great value.

Martin

[Matt Harper]

TX you say? Bring a fire extinguisher

[F1sh]

Sunglasses for next year. What we pay £100 for here, they pay $100 if that. As for the sales taxes, do it as close to your flight as possible and take the ticket with you when purchasing, and they should wave that tax.

Fish

[Bing o]

Oakleys. Ralph Lauren. A+F. Golf stuff.