u/katanastormshadow88 — reddlx

Tariff surprise ordering from EU to the U.S.

I just ordered a pair of Groundies Panama from Prague to the U.S. because they had a pair of black ones with white soles, which aren’t available in the U.S., and they were discounted from $140 (the typical price in the U.S.) to $110. With the discount, the high $40 shipping seemed acceptable to me as it was only an extra $10 over the regular price with shipping for a color I really wanted that’s not available in the U.S.

I confirmed the order, paid the money and shipping, only to receive a message from DHL today that they were holding my order until I paid import duties (tariffs). Imagine my surprise when an additional $37 tariff charge was slapped on top of the $150 for the shoes and shipping. What’s infuriating is this tariff charge is not disclosed until you’ve actually placed the order and it’s already in the country, at which point I have the options to either not pay the tariff, which means the shoes would be shipped back to the seller, then I have to deal with a return and lose the $40 shipping, or pay the tariff.

Just a warning to anyone in the U.S. ordering shoes (or anything else for that matter) from the EU. Thanks to the “stable genius”, this is life in the U.S.

reddit.com

u/katanastormshadow88 — 1 day ago

▲ 2 r/chocolate

Cadbury UK vs US (and other countries), vs Hershey article

A lot of “facts” get thrown around about the differences between Cadbury in the UK and US, Hershey etc. Comments about cocoa percentages, milk percentages etc. based on minimum requirements in each country… I just read the article below which provides much needed nuance, explanations about the similarities and differences, while also giving individual subjective opinions about the differences in taste. Hope you enjoy the article as much as I did.

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31924912

u/katanastormshadow88 — 5 days ago

▲ 2 r/Cookies

Just another reason to buy Scottish shortbread over American “shortbread”

Beyond the delicious taste, Walker’s Shortbread, that’s made in Scotland, contains only 4 ingredients, wheat flour, butter, sugar and salt. Flip through the photos and compare that to all the artificial crap American companies put into their so-called “shortbread”. Lorna Doone shortbread cookies even contain a “bioengineered food ingredient”.

So sick of the fact that so much of the food we get in the U.S. is filled with chemicals and crap ingredients. I’m glad we at least have access to some tasty imported treats like Walkers with decent ingredients.

u/katanastormshadow88 — 9 days ago

▲ 2 r/CathayPacific

Premium economy vs economy 15hr flight for x2 the price, worth it?

Title basically says it. Flying from the US to HK round trip, 15 hours direct. Premium economy is twice the price of economy. Ticket prices are insane at the moment, the PE seats on Cathay at the moment cost the same as business class a few years ago on Eva Air. Is PE really worth the upgrade? Is there a significant difference between the two? An upgrade to PE would be a big splurge for us, but we’d do it if it’s really worth it. Would appreciate any input and insights, cheers!

reddit.com

u/katanastormshadow88 — 10 days ago

▲ 8 r/JapaneseWatches

North Sea Hijack

Was watching an old movie North Sea Hijack (1980) with Roger Moore, and had to grab this screenshot of the Seiko on Moore’s wrist. Cool to see a dive watch being used by a diver (who Moore plays).

u/katanastormshadow88 — 13 days ago

▲ 100 r/chocolate

Here’s part of my chocolate (and some biscuits and tablet) haul from my recent Scotland trip. I bought a bunch more stuff at WH Smiths at the airport before returning to the U.S., but this was the bulk of it. Had to stock up on my favorite British chocolate and sweet treats as I’m not sure how soon I’ll be back.

Got a few variations I’ve never had before i can’t get in the States, like the Cadbury Biscoff + More flavor (absolutely delicious!) and white chocolate maltesers (not pictured here, but also great). Also got a white chocolate Lion Bar!!! Loved it!

British chocolate will always be my favorite. I love the taste, the milk used, but it’s also very nostalgic for me… hits just right. The Cadbury produced in the U.S. by Hershey is absolutely disgusting compared to the Cadbury in the UK… they might as well call it by different names. Gold Bars are some of my favorites, but the shrinkflation on them feels pretty significant. I remember them being closer to the size of Club bars, but now they’re getting into Cadbury chocolate fingers territory.

Something I found surprisingly hard to find in mass produced packaged form, despite being in Scotland, was millionaire shortbread. You could find them in local bakeries, but it would have been a bit of a pain to bring back and keep fresh without proper packaging.

Anyway, I got as much as I could fit in my bags, and these should last me a good little while, so I’m pretty happy with my haul.

u/katanastormshadow88 — 20 days ago