mmk92 wroteAn update from my side:
Got a Xiaomi Pocophone F1 for $304 in late August (they estimated the price at 300,000L.L)
Stopped at customs. Went through the same process as hkbazzi (his guide saved me a lot of time, thank you)
All in all I had to pay 70,000 L.L at customs total + 30,000 L.L transportation + around 6 hours total of my time to get everything settled.
It was not worth my trouble to be honest.
I would suggest going through this process for the following reasons:
- The phone is not being sold in Lebanon
- The phone is significantly cheaper and you'd justify
- You have a lot of time to spare (they only open Monday Friday from 8 till 2-3pm)
I received my OnePlus yesterday.
Aramex handled everything related to customs and MoT, they charged 175$, I chose not to go myself and waste two days because I don't live in Beirut.
Customs estimated the phone at 300,000 LL as well, I had to pay 92,000 LBP in Tax (which shows how inconsistent Tax rates are in this country).
All in all I think it was kind of worth it, since I don't want a Samsung/Huawei/iPhone, and the phone is not available here. But I would think twice before ordering a phone again, if the current laws are still applied.