World Cruise itinerary change

[TravelingChick]

So…instead of going through the Red Sea, we’re going around Africa. No surprise there.

Downside: I did not pack a telephoto lens for safaris that will be on offer.

anyone know of a good shop in Singapore to get the 150-600?

[griffljg]

Alan Photo appears to have them in stock. Just remember that the prices are in Singapore Dollars.

USD 1.00 is currently worth SGD 1.34.

https://alanphoto.com.sg/om-system-m-zuiko-digital-lens-ed-150-600mm-f5-0-6-3-is

Otherwise, look here: https://morebetter.sg/best-buy-camer...ops-singapore/

[TravelingChick]

Thank you! Do you offhand if Singapore has tax included? Or is it tacked on at the till like in the US?

[griffljg]

I didn't check about tax. Contact Alan Photo (email: [email protected]) to check availability and also to ask whether you can get a tax refund as you are buying it for export. You might be able to obtain a tax refund at the port when you re-board your ship.

Henry lives not all that far away from Singapore and may be able to offer better advice.

[TravelingChick]

Thank you so much!

[Gerry]

According to their FAQ:

1. I am a tourist, can I get GST refund is i purchase from the store.


GST refund can only be made in person with passport in the store. Do select Store pickup and proceed to the store when item is ready to be collected. We will process the GST refund when you collect your item.

[TravelingChick]

You guys are amazing! Next question: any idea if I bought in Singapore what kind of warranty that would come with? For instance, if I got it home and I needed a repair or replacement in the states, would OM USA honor that or would I have to send it back to Singapore/ Asia?

I'm headed to the FAQ page, but curious if any of you had dealt with something like that?

[Phill D]

Don't forget to right up a lens review for us about its use for safari's . What a great trip you are having.

[Gerry]

Warranty is something of a rats nest with different conditions depending on just where the item was purchased. Below is a quote from Olympus in 2014:

Olympus Imaging Corporation has been providing Worldwide warranty for digital cameras and accessories since April 1, 2004, except for some countries and regions.
However, the time has come to stop providing Worldwide warranty because of regulation by laws and differences in the infrastructure of the repair facilities in individual countries.
Please kindly be informed that Worldwide warranty will not be provided with most of our Micro Four Thirds System and compact digital camera products shipped after September of 2014.

The Worldwide warranty card you have, is currently still valid as long as it meets the conditions required for warranty repair. Also, the Worldwide warranty card enclosed with the new products which you purchase from now, is also valid. Local warranty card is valid only in the country where you purchase the product and all repairs undertaken in other countries will be a chargeable service.

For any questions please refer to the “Olympus Authorized Distributor List” and contact our Service Station or Distributor for assistance.

Below is from OM Systems USA

The warranty is valid for the original purchaser of the product and is not transferable. A card that states “Limited Warranty" is only covered in the country the product was formally sold by an authorized OMDS dealer or distributor.

The restrictions were apparently introduced in an attempt to stem the import and sale of grey market items and don't take into account a tourist stuck on a boat and needing to buy a longer lens far away from home. 😖😣

Ask if they only provide a limited warranty and make a gut feeling decision.

[TravelingChick]

Gerry, thanks for that information.

I’m not too keen to buy a lens at that price point without a valid warranty I can access in the USA. Especially as I already own 100-400 and the 40-150 at home. If I could rent just for the safaris would, but probably not an option.