LEGO stores in Asia

[paostmo]

I moved to Taiwan last month and had to leave all my LEGOs behind . I found the Pet Shop at a Toys R Us, but it cost $6000NT ($200 USD). That big Harry Potter set with the three buildings is $7000NT! I've checked the LEGO website to see if I can order sets from the USA region and have them shipped to Taiwan, but it doesn't seem possible. And because I can't read Mandarin, I can't check the Asian region on the LEGO website. I'd rather not pay the 25% or greater markup by buying them at the local Toys R Us... but I may not have any other choice.

Does anybody have any suggestions? Does anybody else live in Taiwan?

[sharky]

Maybe buy from a non-Lego website like Amazon.com. I know shipping will be high, but it's worth looking around.

[fyrmedhatt]

You are in the same predicament as other non-US fans, lego is much more expensive around the world. I'm not sure with US Amazon.com, but I know several European Amazon sites ship worldwide, so you might be able to save that way. Beware of customs charges though, what you are saving might easily be eaten up but taxes when you import the product. From what I've understood, Lego in Asia is most reasonably priced in Korea, so you might be able to order from there for less.

Personally, if I move from the US I'll make sure visit a few times a year to purchase Lego. Customs is generally far more lenient with what you bring into a country in your luggage than in your mail.

[L@go]

You are in the same predicament as other non-US fans, lego is much more expensive around the world.

That's just what I was going to say: Welcome to the rest of the world :)

[WhiteFang]

One thing for sure, there is no other methods than buying the same or similar prices back in the US LEGO retail stores. Other parts of the world are paying dearly for it, so it is more or less a norm for us to accept. There is no way plus the fact that you will need to factor in shipping. You can't buy LEGO from Amazon US.com or Shop@Home.com (doesn't applies to countries in this part of the world), you may try B&N or Amazon France. Not sure of the shipping restrictions in Taiwan. In general, all LEGO sets in Asia Pacific region is normally 2 times or more as compared with the prices in US.

So, if I am looking at it correctly, the Pet Shop costing only 200 USD is considered very affordable in Taiwan when it costs SGD$300.00 converted to USD$240 in Singapore LEGO shops.

[paostmo]

Dang. I thought LEGO was an already moderately expensive hobby while living in the States. Now it's legit expensive. Almost prohibitively so. I'm definitely filling my bag with bricks the next time I visit North Dakota.

I never realized how good I had it.

[Jern92]

Anyone found good Lego stores in Taiwan? I'm going there next month for a holiday.