Buying a computer...
So unfortuneatly computers are the exception to the general rule that ´´everything is cheaper down south´´. My computer broke and I need one (okay, i really really want one). I am in the middle of writing college applications and doing some photography work on the side. I´m in Cusco now and everything seems expensive here. I need something basic, like an HP Mini or Asus eeePC. What city or country is best for this? I was going to head to Bolivia and Chile soon, and will be going to Quito in December for Christmas. Any suggetions on where to buy one?Colin
1
Panama is the cheapest in Latin America for that kind of thing -- but obviously the cost of getting there would outweigh the savings2
You are right that computers are cheaper in the USA.Bolivia has some decent value electronics by Latin American standards. Calle Eloy Salmon in La Paz has the biggest selection, but be sure to bargain and shop around.
Iqueque in Northern Chile has a duty free zone with tonnes of selection.
Both options will have similar prices from what I've seen, so just shop at which is more convenient.
4
Centro Comercial El Carmen in Cusco for new and second hand laptops, your best bet in Cusco.An external hard disk could be interesting as well.
Otherwise Tacna at the Chilean border (or Arica in Chile) for duty free.
Don't have anything shipped from the US, it will cost you even more with all the taxes. A friend of mine bought photography gear online from BH in New York which costed him more than if he would have bought it in Lima.
5
Paraguay has a duty free zone in Ciudad de Este, but quality can be doubtable.Nothing is cheap in the south in fact, besides basics. Electronics are damn expensive
I suggest buying something really basic for as little as possible and even throwing it away before you go home
8
I guess you heard wrong because computers are more expensive in South America. They are only cheaper in the USA.9
Sorry for not replying earlier! For some reason I stopped getting email updates about new forum replies. Well if Tacna and La Paz have comparable prices I will probably head to Bolivia as I think that makes more sense travel wise. I wish I knew somebody that was coming down here soon that could bring me a laptop from the states. Do you think it would be worth it trying to find someone here on The Thorn Tree that is coming down? Does anyone know a legit way to arrange payment if I were to find someone? Where neither of us could get screwed over? If any one reads this, I will pay you for the time and hassle for bringing down a laptop.If not, what are some of the specific places to go in La Paz? Are there any duty free zones there?
Thanks for all the help!
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