Nice setup, I can imagine the hardware is costing him significantly more to get it up there

Nice setup, I can imagine the hardware is costing him significantly more to get it up there

It's tax free, so not that expensive.

It's tax free, so not that expensive.

Shipping anything north of the 60th parallel is costly

Shipping anything north of the 60th parallel is costly

Indeed, but it's just 26 USD extra for one package. Sales tax is 24% on all products in Norway, so you get away a lot cheaper in total living on Svalbard.

Indeed, but it's just 26 USD extra for one package. Sales tax is 24% on all products in Norway, so you get away a lot cheaper in total living on Svalbard.

 

I don't think you are following this. It is the same for me. I live on an island nation and when I bought my Saitek Gear directly from Saitek I didn't have to pay any tax or duties on it either as I get yearly import tax exemptions as well. But I had to get the gear to my house from the point it was dispatched, which in some cases shipping costs more then the item I was purchasing.

 

He wouldn't pay $26 extra for a package as you would have to see what it cost him to get what he purchased from where it was dispatched and most likely through Oslo then onto Svalbard. I know what it costs to get things to New Zealand and since we have daily 777's coming here we pay far less, He would be paying significantly more then what it costs to get things to New Zealand, not $26 extra

 

When living on remote islands nothing is cheap, Find out what a can of Coke costs on Svalbard, not cheap even without the tax

I was suggesting that he got it from mainland Norway - there are very few products in his setup you'd need to get from foreign countries. No need to buy direct from Saitek. Anything ordered from Norway can be shipped by the Norwegian Postal Service for regular rates + Svalbard fee of $26 extra.

 

And for the record, a coke and beer is cheaper on Svalbard than on the mainland. What's expensive are fresh goods like milk, vegetables etc.

 

In 2013 prices of products on Svalbard where on average 13,9% cheaper than mainland Norway.

Postal Service for regular rates + Svalbard fee of $26 extra.

 

That is a good deal. Our friends on Chatham Island don't get a deal like that. They must get a subsidy on shipping to offset the costs of living that far north to get a price like that

I think the strategic importance of Svalbard helps. It is in Norways interest to have permanent settlement there, so they're treated nicely!

I would move there but I have a rule. Never live above the tree line

Hi Rob,

 

Welcome to the land of the VIKINGS.

 

 

Before you select a place to live in Norway, see these videos. ( A must see before leaving for Norway:))

 

http://www.tv2.no/a/5676481/

My wife and I are planning to retire outside of the US and Norway is one location we have our eye on.

 

Important reminder:

 

If you are at least 40 years old retiree - it's important to understand what is expected of a Viking. It's called "aettestup" (elderly people thrown themselves to their deaths - done when the old people were unable to support themselves or assist in a household).

 

An example:

 

Discussion who should get the honor of being the first one.

From 1:22 --->  2:32 _ in the timeline.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f2s3X_cqY0

 

They discuss other options:

From 3:48 --->  5:14 _ in the timeline.