Taking an LED TV to India from US

[qesehmk]

Guys

Those of us who are looking for taking their LEDs to India or gift an LED to someone in India here are some lessons learned first hand in last few days.

1. Size of TV - 32 or smaller are priced reasonably. But for 40 inches or more it makes economic sense to take them to India.
2. Size of TV - 32-36 inches will go as one piece of baggage with your airline. But 40 inches and more will go as OVERSIZE and will cost you approx $200. So be prepared for that cost.
3. Voltage - India has 220 volts. US has 110 volts. So be prepared to buy a voltage converter. Do that in India and buy an industrial grade coverter if possible.
4. Customs - Upto 25K Rs import is free. So travelling with family should waive the custom duty for most TVs.
5. NTSC vs PAL - This is the worst hurddle in moving a TV to India. NTSC is North American standard for color TVs and PAL is used in rest of the world including India. Most TVs in US required NTSC. There are 3-4 ways to make your NTSC TV work in India:
---------- a. Buy an NTSC-PAL coverter from US (since in India is tough to get a good quality one).
---------- b. Install Direct TV in India with your own Dish. That signal is digital. So NTSC PAL doesn't apply there.
---------- c. Work with your local Cable provider to change the settings of the incoming signal to NTSC vs PAL in the settop box that they provide.

So all in all - there is some hassle and costs in taking a TV to india. But it can work. Good luck!

[gc0907]

Thanks for the info Q. Was planning to take one on my last trip but wasn't sure of all hassels. Also I heard people getting from Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, etc. as well.
Now I know will give it a try next time.
LEDs in India are costly compared to US. My family bought Sony 40" LED for Rs 60,000/- a month ago.


Guys

Those of us who are looking for taking their LEDs to India or gift an LED to someone in India here are some lessons learned first hand in last few days.

1. Size of TV - 32 or smaller are priced reasonably. But for 40 inches or more it makes economic sense to take them to India.
2. Size of TV - 32-36 inches will go as one piece of baggage with your airline. But 40 inches and more will go as OVERSIZE and will cost you approx $200. So be prepared for that cost.
3. Voltage - India has 220 volts. US has 110 volts. So be prepared to buy a voltage converter. Do that in India and buy an industrial grade coverter if possible.
4. Customs - Upto 25K Rs import is free. So travelling with family should waive the custom duty for most TVs.
5. NTSC vs PAL - This is the worst hurddle in moving a TV to India. NTSC is North American standard for color TVs and PAL is used in rest of the world including India. Most TVs in US required NTSC. There are 3-4 ways to make your NTSC TV work in India:
---------- a. Buy an NTSC-PAL coverter from US (since in India is tough to get a good quality one).
---------- b. Install Direct TV in India with your own Dish. That signal is digital. So NTSC PAL doesn't apply there.
---------- c. Work with your local Cable provider to change the settings of the incoming signal to NTSC vs PAL in the settop box that they provide.

So all in all - there is some hassle and costs in taking a TV to india. But it can work. Good luck!

[qesehmk]

Sure. The biggest hurdle is NTSC vs PAL - which needs to be sorted out with a bit effort. Rest all can be handled very easily. I got a Samsung 40" LED last thanksgiving for 400 in costco. That one is still going for 60000 Rs in India. So the effort was worth it. Besides - there is an emotional value with it if you are gifting it to someone or taking your own to India. One can't put a price on that either :)

Thanks for the info Q. Was planning to take one on my last trip but wasn't sure of all hassels. Also I heard people getting from Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, etc. as well.
Now I know will give it a try next time.
LEDs in India are costly compared to US. My family bought Sony 40" LED for Rs 60,000/- a month ago.

[Sanjeev]

Hi, did you take your 40" TV to India?


Sure. The biggest hurdle is NTSC vs PAL - which needs to be sorted out with a bit effort. Rest all can be handled very easily. I got a Samsung 40" LED last thanksgiving for 400 in costco. That one is still going for 60000 Rs in India. So the effort was worth it. Besides - there is an emotional value with it if you are gifting it to someone or taking your own to India. One can't put a price on that either :)

[qesehmk]

Yes .
Hi, did you take your 40" TV to India?

[Prabhas]

Hi,

Last Year I got a Killer deal on Samsung 46 inch LED TV for $700 ( 6000 Series weighs 43 pounds) during Thanks Giving. I sent this with my father to India on Etihad Airways and it costed us $137 for Over size. My father had two check-in baggage allowance and we used TV as one check-in of the two. The Port of Entry was Hyderabad and our TV and other baggage were all out with us for Rs3000.

As Q mentioned in the Header Power, Network Signal Converter were all additional but it was worth of a deal at that time.

Also check the customs allowance website for India and it specifically says there is a 10 -15% charge of the original cost (make sure you take the purchase receipt with you) for any Television Tubes shipped from abroad. take this printout as an argument document should need arise against the customs.

Just thought to share this information as it might help someone interested.

Vic

[SARAVANAKUMAR]

Hi Prabhas,

Actually I also got the same tv last year and planning to take it to India.Booked ticket with Etihad and when I called the customer service they told me I cannot carry TV more than 81 inch (total dimension)..But my TV comes around 85.5 inch.How did you convince them or is there any other way?

Regards,
Saravana

[suresh0112]

Hi Prabhas,

Actually I also got the same tv last year and planning to take it to India.Booked ticket with Etihad and when I called the customer service they told me I cannot carry TV more than 81 inch (total dimension)..But my TV comes around 85.5 inch.How did you convince them or is there any other way?

Regards,
Saravana

Hi Saravana,

I am in same situation? Were you able to carry TV?

Thanks,
Suresh

[Tech-User]

All,

I recently moved to India due to Maxout on my H1B and bought my 46" Samsung LED.
Couple of things you need to remember at Blore airport
1) Customs officials will ask for receipt if you have one show them else go to costco and request for it when you mention month year they will pull it up for you.
2) They have different rates for old and new
3) I took 46" thru Etihad..they charged me $270, when I spoke with customer rep he said $135 but when I reached airport with 2 checkins and TV they said $270..no other option but have to pay for it.
4) TV came in good shape no issues it comes in the same baggage claim area so there is possibility of damage if you don't take the box out for the first time it comes on belt else some other baggage might be dropped on it.
5) I didn't use voltage converter..just pluged in and its working...guess its dual voltage
6) I connected the tv at my sisters place using a set up box the picture is not clear and tried to reach customer care they asked to try with other options of DVD player and other...its working fine with everything else...
7) Planning to visit Samsung showroom in blore to check for more details regarding the NAL converter...

will keep the group posted if interested...

[mk_usa]

Dear Tech-User,
I also have to carry LED TV to india via Etihad airways and i was told upto 42' TV they will charge $ 137 and beyond that size $ 187
basically they are looking for box size 60 inch is $ 137 and box size 80 inch as $ 187, but after looking your post it looks like irrespective of any size $ 270 will be charged ?
could you please confirm ?





All,

I recently moved to India due to Maxout on my H1B and bought my 46" Samsung LED.
Couple of things you need to remember at Blore airport
1) Customs officials will ask for receipt if you have one show them else go to costco and request for it when you mention month year they will pull it up for you.
2) They have different rates for old and new
3) I took 46" thru Etihad..they charged me $270, when I spoke with customer rep he said $135 but when I reached airport with 2 checkins and TV they said $270..no other option but have to pay for it.
4) TV came in good shape no issues it comes in the same baggage claim area so there is possibility of damage if you don't take the box out for the first time it comes on belt else some other baggage might be dropped on it.
5) I didn't use voltage converter..just pluged in and its working...guess its dual voltage
6) I connected the tv at my sisters place using a set up box the picture is not clear and tried to reach customer care they asked to try with other options of DVD player and other...its working fine with everything else...
7) Planning to visit Samsung showroom in blore to check for more details regarding the NAL converter...

will keep the group posted if interested...

[GCKnowHow]

Try LG. I see power rating as 110 ~ 220V in the electric cable port and comes with all tuners.

[Vishuandvishu]

Hi...
This thread is really helpfull. Thank you.
I have some questions, please help me with these question.

1. I have my tickets booked in Airfrance economy class. Do they allow TV of size more than 36"(allowed is only 60" of total length) and What will be charges from Airfrance.?
2. How to pack the TV so that it dont get damaged.
3. Do we need to put tv box in a Bag or directly I can do the check in of TV box.
4. How is VIZIO brand, are they good?
Thank you.



Guys

Those of us who are looking for taking their LEDs to India or gift an LED to someone in India here are some lessons learned first hand in last few days.

1. Size of TV - 32 or smaller are priced reasonably. But for 40 inches or more it makes economic sense to take them to India.
2. Size of TV - 32-36 inches will go as one piece of baggage with your airline. But 40 inches and more will go as OVERSIZE and will cost you approx $200. So be prepared for that cost.
3. Voltage - India has 220 volts. US has 110 volts. So be prepared to buy a voltage converter. Do that in India and buy an industrial grade coverter if possible.
4. Customs - Upto 25K Rs import is free. So travelling with family should waive the custom duty for most TVs.
5. NTSC vs PAL - This is the worst hurddle in moving a TV to India. NTSC is North American standard for color TVs and PAL is used in rest of the world including India. Most TVs in US required NTSC. There are 3-4 ways to make your NTSC TV work in India:
---------- a. Buy an NTSC-PAL coverter from US (since in India is tough to get a good quality one).
---------- b. Install Direct TV in India with your own Dish. That signal is digital. So NTSC PAL doesn't apply there.
---------- c. Work with your local Cable provider to change the settings of the incoming signal to NTSC vs PAL in the settop box that they provide.

So all in all - there is some hassle and costs in taking a TV to india. But it can work. Good luck!

[qesehmk]

Vishu - i answered inline what I could.. hope it helps.
Hi...
This thread is really helpfull. Thank you.
I have some questions, please help me with these question.

1. I have my tickets booked in Airfrance economy class. Do they allow TV of size more than 36"(allowed is only 60" of total length) and What will be charges from Airfrance.?
I think upto 78 inches is allowed (total length). Not sure upto what would be FREE and when you need to pay how much.
2. How to pack the TV so that it dont get damaged.
I just used the packing that TV came in.
3. Do we need to put tv box in a Bag or directly I can do the check in of TV box.
Just directly check in.
4. How is VIZIO brand, are they good?
Think so. But Samsung and Sharp are probably better.
Thank you.

[SARAVANAKUMAR]

Thanks for your posting.It was really helpfull to me as I am planning to take a 46" Samsung led tv .Please keep posting like what all you need to make it work in India.

Thanks
Saravana






All,

I recently moved to India due to Maxout on my H1B and bought my 46" Samsung LED.
Couple of things you need to remember at Blore airport
1) Customs officials will ask for receipt if you have one show them else go to costco and request for it when you mention month year they will pull it up for you.
2) They have different rates for old and new
3) I took 46" thru Etihad..they charged me $270, when I spoke with customer rep he said $135 but when I reached airport with 2 checkins and TV they said $270..no other option but have to pay for it.
4) TV came in good shape no issues it comes in the same baggage claim area so there is possibility of damage if you don't take the box out for the first time it comes on belt else some other baggage might be dropped on it.
5) I didn't use voltage converter..just pluged in and its working...guess its dual voltage
6) I connected the tv at my sisters place using a set up box the picture is not clear and tried to reach customer care they asked to try with other options of DVD player and other...its working fine with everything else...
7) Planning to visit Samsung showroom in blore to check for more details regarding the NAL converter...

will keep the group posted if interested...

[deep1687]

Guys

Those of us who are looking for taking their LEDs to India or gift an LED to someone in India here are some lessons learned first hand in last few days.

1. Size of TV - 32 or smaller are priced reasonably. But for 40 inches or more it makes economic sense to take them to India.
2. Size of TV - 32-36 inches will go as one piece of baggage with your airline. But 40 inches and more will go as OVERSIZE and will cost you approx $200. So be prepared for that cost.
3. Voltage - India has 220 volts. US has 110 volts. So be prepared to buy a voltage converter. Do that in India and buy an industrial grade coverter if possible.
4. Customs - Upto 25K Rs import is free. So travelling with family should waive the custom duty for most TVs.
5. NTSC vs PAL - This is the worst hurddle in moving a TV to India. NTSC is North American standard for color TVs and PAL is used in rest of the world including India. Most TVs in US required NTSC. There are 3-4 ways to make your NTSC TV work in India:
---------- a. Buy an NTSC-PAL coverter from US (since in India is tough to get a good quality one).
---------- b. Install Direct TV in India with your own Dish. That signal is digital. So NTSC PAL doesn't apply there.
---------- c. Work with your local Cable provider to change the settings of the incoming signal to NTSC vs PAL in the settop box that they provide.

So all in all - there is some hassle and costs in taking a TV to india. But it can work. Good luck!

Thanks for the post. I have few questions here.
I have to carry a LG 47inch TV to India. Do the airlines check for total size of the TV or the size of the box. My TV box is around 90inch lenght wise.

[qesehmk]

Thanks for the post. I have few questions here.
I have to carry a LG 47inch TV to India. Do the airlines check for total size of the TV or the size of the box. My TV box is around 90inch lenght wise.
You're welcome.

It's size of the box where Size = length + width + height ... all in inches.

[trackright]

I have taken LG 47 in via Emirates. Total size allowed is 80inches( lenght + width + height). Our box was also about 90in so we had to carefully cut the box and repackage to fall within 80inches. Ofcourse we had to pay 175$ for the extra large size.

Hope this helps

[asb_kumar]

I have taken LG 47 in via Emirates. Total size allowed is 80inches( lenght + width + height). Our box was also about 90in so we had to carefully cut the box and repackage to fall within 80inches. Ofcourse we had to pay 175$ for the extra large size.

Hope this helps

Hi trackright
I am planning to take a samsung 46" LED from SFO to BLR on Emirates. Could you please let me know in detail how you repackaged. My TV's overall size comes to 85 inches. Is it OK to keep it as it is or need to repackage? Did you take any professional repackaging stores or you did yourself. Your help is highly appreciated and is lil' urgent.

Regards
Balaji

[trackright]

Hi trackright
I am planning to take a samsung 46" LED from SFO to BLR on Emirates. Could you please let me know in detail how you repackaged. My TV's overall size comes to 85 inches. Is it OK to keep it as it is or need to repackage? Did you take any professional repackaging stores or you did yourself. Your help is highly appreciated and is lil' urgent.

Regards
Balaji

Balaji,

Anything above 80" is not allowed. If it is greater than 60"( could be 62" not sure exactly) and less than 80" they charge you 175$ towards oversized luggage. So no if it is 85" they will not accept it.

We live with in 5 miles of the airport and tried to check-in earlier in the day. They didn't accept out TV which was close to 90in and the guy at the counter suggested to cut the box. We had enough time to do it luckily.

Hope this helps.

[asb_kumar]

[QUOTE=trackright;39077]Balaji,

Anything above 80" is not allowed. If it is greater than 60"( could be 62" not sure exactly) and less than 80" they charge you 175$ towards oversized luggage. So no if it is 85" they will not accept it.

We live with in 5 miles of the airport and tried to check-in earlier in the day. They didn't accept out TV which was close to 90in and the guy at the counter suggested to cut the box. We had enough time to do it luckily.

Hope this helps.[/QUOTE
Hi trackright
thanks for the info but i am more interested to know how you repacked the box. how did u cut the box so nicely without any problem. please let me know what are the portions of the box, thermocol did you cut and how.I need hints(dos and donts) to repack.

thanks
Balaji

[incredible]

There was a news in Times of India about this. It seems India is not going to allow any TV's from other countries after 08/26. Please read the following URL :
http://profit.ndtv.com/news/economy/article-why-you-cant-bring-duty-free-tvs-from-abroad-anymore-325997?pfrom=home-otherstories



[QUOTE=trackright;39077]Balaji,

Anything above 80" is not allowed. If it is greater than 60"( could be 62" not sure exactly) and less than 80" they charge you 175$ towards oversized luggage. So no if it is 85" they will not accept it.

We live with in 5 miles of the airport and tried to check-in earlier in the day. They didn't accept out TV which was close to 90in and the guy at the counter suggested to cut the box. We had enough time to do it luckily.

Hope this helps.[/QUOTE
Hi trackright
thanks for the info but i am more interested to know how you repacked the box. how did u cut the box so nicely without any problem. please let me know what are the portions of the box, thermocol did you cut and how.I need hints(dos and donts) to repack.

thanks
Balaji

[skpanda]

India bans tv import


http://m.timesofindia.com/business/india-business/Government-bans-duty-free-TV-imports-by-air-travellers-to-prop-up-rupee/articleshow/21916841.cms