Saving money while shopping online in Romania

Hello Annaxsmith,

Welcome on board !

Do you mind me asking where you live in Romania ?

Saving money while shopping online is not really related to expatriation ...

Regards,

Bhavna

Most expats (especially those from western countries) have an income quite a bit higher than the typical locals.  "Saving" an inconsequential amount of money by using some browser plugin online and handing over your shopping information to another 3rd party (who profits from it) isn't high on the priority list I would imagine.  The promise of "cash-back" is just a ploy to get you to spend more.  Not really saving money at all.

Saving money comes more so from lifestyle changes.

Buy within the EU because if you buy outside (like the UK, China or America), expect a hefty charge when your package is delivered.

@romaniac - Shopping online isn't always about saving, though pinching pennies is a noble avocation, be you rich or poor. Often it is simply about availability of product. Wasting the time and money of hunting down items that may not even be available locally is tiresome, at best. I sometimes have friends buy for me in my home country and ship to me.

I sometimes have friends buy for me in my home country and ship to me.
-@JohnnyStLouis

Unless it's coming from an EU country you will be liable to extra changes- the new law can into effect 1st July 2021.

@SimCityAT - Depending on the available shipping options you have, extra charges may not levied. I use a private Românian shipper from the US and the charge is about 15RON/kg (40kg minimum), delivered to my door without additional charge.

@JohnnyStLouis -

I miscalcuted the conversion. It's 15RON/kg, 18 kg minimum. If my friend gets my stuff packed up in time I should have it by Christmas. It seems like a long time, but I'm patient and the convenience of delivery to my door without the vama is worth the wait.

@JohnnyStLouis -
I miscalcuted the conversion. It's 15RON/kg, 18 kg minimum. If my friend gets my stuff packed up in time I should have it by Christmas. It seems like a long time, but I'm patient and the convenience of delivery to my door without the vama is worth the wait.
-@JohnnyStLouis

Its still breaks the EU law!!!

@JohnnyStLouis

Apparently, you missed the point of the OP's post, which is what I replied to.  Care to read it more closely?

I understand your point and agree wholeheartedly, but that isn't what the OP was talking about.

Romaniac

@romaniac - I offer an option which many who are not familiar with the Românian diaspora are aware of, which I believe is something forums are useful for.

@romaniac - I offer an option which many who are not familiar with the Românian diaspora are aware of, which I believe is something forums are useful for.
-@JohnnyStLouis

"Romanian diaspora"??

What are you talking about now?  Try to stay on topic.

@romaniac - I offer an option which many who are not familiar with the Românian diaspora are aware of, which I believe is something forums are useful for.
-@JohnnyStLouis

"Romanian diaspora"??

What are you talking about now? Try to stay on topic.
-@romaniac

Românian diaspora??

@SimCityAT - Diaspora = Romanians who have emigrated to other countries.

-

Românian ex-patriates often maintain contact with friends and family in the homeland and send gifts or hard-to-get / higher quality items back home via trusted Romanian-owned companies in regularly-scheduled shipments at a greatly reduced cost over the available international options.

I personally find myself saving a lot of money on some items, particularly doctor-recommended vitamins and supplements.

The subject of the initiating post was acquiring goods conveniently so my two-cents only moderately expanded the discussion.

If I am to withhold experience and knowledge that may be of interest to others because it does not adhere to a strict, narrow, legalistic response the questioner should set those limitations in advance.

Good wishes to all in enjoying a colorful autumn.

The subject of the initiating post was acquiring goods conveniently so my two-cents only moderately expanded the discussion.
-@JohnnyStLouis

@JohnnyStLouis

Actually, that wasn't the post or subject at all.  There is nothing in the topic or OP's post about convenience.  Read it again, as I mentioned 4 posts ago.

Even with that aside, how would you propose the expat actually IN ROMANIA go about what you describe, if they do not have "Romanian diaspora" and knowledge of Romanian shipping companies at their disposal?   Keep in mind complying with EU law regarding VAT and duties as SimCityAT mentioned.  How does that save money in the end?  If you want to share knowledge and experience, fine, but please at least try to make some sense.

@romaniac - They can have any of their stateside people search for a nearby Romanian church and ask for any information about shippers. Additionally, a Google search may prove fruitful in finding such a shipper who may agree to re-package items to be forwarded.

Additionally, they might ask an American who has sent sent packages for over 15 years for advice. But, of course, since he continues to be spanked for daring to attempt to be helpful he may feel reluctant to offend anyone by speaking.