Good deals on Amazon.co.uk--updated regularly (Part Two)

So the convertor saves me that 3% fee ! Wow. Thanks Bob ! Learn something every day.

 

I'm seeing it, both on a PC running Firefox and an iPad running Safari. It only happens to the link in the original post (#876), not in the one in the quote above (#915). When you reload the page, the amazon.co.uk link appears. Wait a few seconds, and it changes to overstock.com. I believe it's something being done by the web page itself; no malware detected here.

 

Hey thanks! Give Chris my regards

Back to Amazon deals:

Nilsson's RCA 17 CDs box: £ 39.58

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CJCHJ8S

it's $76 and change on Amazon.com

 

Well, Amazon's conversion rate is higher than the market, but the difference is far overshadowed by the credit card fees.

 

Not so fast. It only saves you the 3% fee if amazon.co.uk hasn't built in a similar fee to their currency conversion. Based on my experience, they have, in fact, tacked on a non-disclosed fee. In other words, if you get a credit card that doesn't charge a currency conversion fee (such as Capital One) and allow amazon.co.uk to charge you card in Great British Pounds you will get a better currency conversion rate courtesy Visa than you will get from amazon.co.uk if they convert the currency and post the charge in US dollars.

I recommend that anyone who travels internationally or who buys stuff online from overseas sellers should get a no-fee credit card.

 

Interesting...I am able to use the link in #876 without any issue...It brings me to the Amazon.co.uk page and stays there...I'm using AdBlock...I wonder if there's a popup or something that's screwing with the browser?

 

The only charge on my Visa is $38.23. Period.
I used the convertor on Amazon UK.

For my Burning Shed purchases, I am charged a 3% fee.

 

I'm seeing it too on my Nexus 5. Weird!

 

Right...but if you're lucky enough to have a credit card which does NOT charge a fee, you might save a little without the currency convertor. That's why I said the convertor "may" be preferable. It depends on your card.

 

Bob F I know I'm a dunce but I turned on the currency converter but the Miles Mono Box is in my cart showing up in UK pounds and I can't see where I can select USD.

Any help/advice?

 

I've never seen anything like it before. Very strange.

 

Go to checkout. It shows me the prices in US dollars, and gives the option to turn off the converter, on the right side of the screen.

 

Item Subtotal: £19.64
Delivery & Handling: £3.08
Total: £22.72
USD 38.23*
Paid by Visa: £22.72
USD 38.23*

 

Order Summary
Amazon Currency Converter is Enabled. Learn more
Items: GBP 19.64
Postage & Packing: GBP 3.08
Total before VAT: GBP 22.72
VAT: GBP 0.00
(Order Total: GBP 22.72)

Payment Total: USD 38.27
Switch currency
USD GBP
(Change card currency)

Applicable Exchange Rate
1 GBP = 1.6843428106 USD
(includes all Amazon fees and charges)

 

BTW, this is all academic for me, as I already own the Miles Davis box.

All I can say is: What a deal! I paid $63 at PopMarket nearly a year ago, and I thought that was a steal at the time.

 

Thanks!

 

Doesn't work for me in either Safari or Chrome…on with an Amazon.uk customer service rep via chat now…will report back on what they find...

 

Not a virus...I've noticed it on my iPhone browser as well...very weird.

 

It is very strange!

 

Here's the reply from Amazon.Uk

"Thanks for waiting.
I have checked and see that the currency converter option is not available for this item.
If currency converter is available, you will be able to see it during your checkout process.
Please be informed that all the items on our website are not eligible for currency converter option."

 

That's nonsense. You can see from the screen data I pasted into my post, it was available to me (and MYKE, who actually placed an order).

 

I find Amazon UK's GBP to Dollar conversion rate is usually about 4% higher than the actual exchange rate. Amazon is basically adding a fee of 4% if you want to pay in Dollars instead of GBP.

 

I didn't think their markup was that high, but you're right: I just checked, and Amazon's exchange rate is 4.35% higher than the current market rate. Another myth shattered. I'm sorry if I misled anyone. Unless your credit card charges a fee more than 4%, you're better off paying in GBP.

 

George Harrison - The Apple Years Box
I just got it for $85.08 USD delivered....
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...&tag=superdeluxeed-21&linkId=XIGGGP2DWE3FLIP5

 

Yes, one is better off paying in GBP. And one is also better off getting a credit card free of annual fees that also doesn't charge a currency conversion fee.