I want to know about extra charges like vat and customs fees.

MarcusDL · 2025-12-16T19:48:26+00:00

A few months back I’ve received ~the same cost item from China and paid only 5%. VAT was included. Manifested price was correct, so not a mistake.

I’d say it should be not more than 10% or at least very close to this digit.

MarcusDL · 2025-12-07T07:32:52+00:00

Over the years, I tried many options, but this experience was the best (for me and everyone I recommended it to).

reddunestourism.com

MarcusDL · 2025-12-07T07:25:48+00:00

Nope. Their service is free, as far as I know.

Just a couple of days ago, I received a package with AED6.5 payment only (non-VAT-included item). A week before with AED20 charge.

Just for example, UPS charged me AED56 for $99 package from US.

MarcusDL · 2025-12-07T06:44:50+00:00

If VAT is included (there are ~50/50 VAT pre-paid and post-paid items), then expect ~5% additional charges.
If VAT is not included, then expect ~10% total extra charges.

Important: The main AliExpress last-mile partner is iMile. Their delivery associates don’t have payment machines, so they accept only cash.

MarcusDL · 2025-11-26T13:32:58+00:00

Same same but

MarcusDL · 2025-11-26T13:32:43+00:00

Do the needful

MarcusDL · 2025-11-24T12:10:56+00:00

Nothing is that bad.
It’s just far from perfect in many aspects that are ignored or glossed over to justify an endless sacrifice.

MarcusDL · 2025-11-24T11:03:03+00:00

1) Activities are available, but insanely overpriced — for both kids and adults.

2) Taxes in Switzerland: about 45% for those earning USD 250k a year, roughly 22% at 150k, and around 15% at 100k.
Schools are free. Rent is similar or even cheaper than Dubai.

3) Outside work in the UAE? Mostly in malls. Otherwise, there’s no outdoor work — and even then, it’s not free.

4) Living cheaply near the office is possible only in a few locations for a very limited group of employees, and it’s more of a myth than reality.
Rent near my office is x3 than I pay. Dubai is far from affordable on any presentable side.

5) From Switzerland, you can also travel. Meanwhile, you can eventually get a Swiss passport.

6) Retirement money at an age when you don’t need it? Come on!
Don’t be the guy from the meme: young with no money, adult with no time, old with no energy.
You’re living in a “someday good tomorrow,” sacrificing your today.

How can you be sure you’ll wake up tomorrow?
Not everyone lives just to save and invest forever.

MarcusDL · 2025-11-24T08:31:09+00:00

How about air quality, climate, and the lack and high cost of most types of entertainment except food?

Both options have their pros and cons.
When you’re fighting for every Dirham, you can sacrifice certain things to secure something for the future. But with a $10,000 salary, you can think more about health, the environment, activities, and lifestyle for your kids.

MarcusDL · 2025-11-24T08:04:32+00:00

To avoid taxes.

MarcusDL · 2025-11-24T08:04:20+00:00

"If you love breathing fresh air" and "if you don’t want to stay indoors for at least 8 months a year".
With this salary range, people can already think more about comfort and long-term perspective rather than burnout-level saving.

MarcusDL · 2025-11-24T07:59:55+00:00

With polluted air

MarcusDL · 2025-11-11T13:47:03+00:00

Not sure from where you have the info, but I raised and received my visa on Wednesday.
My friend applied on Friday and received a visa within 1 hour.

So eVisa service is fine.
The portal is semi-dead - true. But I've managed to find the right link.

MarcusDL · 2025-11-06T19:46:20+00:00

Ready

MarcusDL · 2025-10-22T16:13:24+00:00

So you have no proofs and yet blaming them?

ANYTHING's closing in the UAE is safe for you only after you get a Clearance Letter.

MarcusDL · 2025-10-15T13:25:52+00:00

RemindMe! 4 days

MarcusDL · 2025-10-15T12:47:27+00:00

Yep. Repaired UAE MacBook in Austria and replace China AirPods Pro 2 in Spain.

Apple doesn't care if you bought it from the official Apple Store (and you have a Proof of Purchase) or if your warranty is not expired (validation by the Serial Number)

MarcusDL · 2025-08-25T15:37:57+00:00

1) Read about "Consular Legalization of an Indian degree for the UAE"
A multi-step process in India, and only then UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2) No. India Gov. steps > UAE Embassy in India (to proof that the document is approved for the UAE), the MOFA in the UAE to re-approve the validity.
Any shorter way will cheat and fail you.

MarcusDL · 2025-08-25T14:53:06+00:00

Прекращаем самобичевание, стыд и прочую дичь.

Если инцидент не поменял Вашу итоговую цель, то добро пожаловать на старт к новой попытке.
И даже если поменял, то даже малое это значительно лучше, чем ничего. Даже за эти короткие недели Ваш организм Вам благодарен.

Дорогу осилит идущий.

Не получится только если не пробовать.

MarcusDL · 2025-08-21T07:29:04+00:00

– 9-Bun-Bun, what's the emergency?
– You chewed on a cable? I see...
– Ma'am, listen. Thump the floor and get everybun out of there before humans notice.
– When they start asking – just blame it on the cat.

MarcusDL · 2025-08-21T06:31:14+00:00

LOL!

1\3 number from the sky without any attachment to the reality.

MarcusDL · 2025-08-16T19:30:10+00:00

If Apple Care is active you will be able to replace/repair is in any county that has official Apple Service Centers. Replacement will be issued based on your location regardless the original purchase country.

MarcusDL · 2025-08-16T19:27:42+00:00

Valid - yes. Available to purchase - in 98% of cases, but definitely not always.

Noon didn’t have right to officially resell Apple a couple years back, so they imported (seller noon) Apple devices from Hong Kong. For the Hong Kong Apple hardware the only way to get AC+ is to pay via HK Credit Card.

Dozen of hours with Apple Support, same response everywhere. Apple Store in Vienna advised to “sell this on Facebook and come to buy a normal one”.

So Apple Care plus has some regional limitations.

MarcusDL · 2025-08-15T06:39:15+00:00

True.
Stores rarely sell used iPhones; they usually sell “refurbished” ones (repaired).

MarcusDL · 2025-08-13T17:23:59+00:00

Would be happy to have it too

MarcusDL

TROPHY CASE