Is there is anyway to import the WiFi version to the UK without having any contact in the US who could purchase it for me and have it shipped.

Hmm.. not that I know of.. Does Best Buy allow for international orders?

Best Buy is an American retailer without international operation or subsidiaries so I haven't any idea. I heard that electronic items are barred from international shipping form the US (I don't know if there is any truth to this), but if that's the case, how come American eBayers sell electronics and ship it overseas?

As far as I know certain technology items are forbidden from export to certain countries. But this pertains to commercial companies, not private individuals. A person on Ebay could probably sell you an iPad but the Customs in your country would require you to pay the appropriate duties and fees (which can be considerable depending on location and VAT.)

All the best.

It should be possible to buy one from Best Buy's on-line store, or wait for Amazon to have it, but I checked and they do not ship overseas except to APOs. I suppose if you knew a soldier stationed there, they could get one for you, but you would need to know them pretty well. The big issue would probably be the VAT. That may be the main hangup to buying one.

Originally Posted by ipad987

Is there is anyway to import the WiFi version to the UK without having any contact in the US who could purchase it for me and have it shipped.

You could do what i have done and i am from the UK.
Register with a mail forwarding company, i used Bundlebox.com then use your credit or debit card and purchase from Apple.com. Don't forget to tell your bank that you are making the purchase online otherwise they will probably decline transaction as they might suspect fruad.

Ship ipad to the bundle box address you are given when you register. When Bundle Box receive your order they e.mail you and you pay them to ship to the UK.

My ipad should be delivered to me here in the UK 7/8 April.

info here: Bundle Box - The smarter way to buy from the USA

Originally Posted by simon1966

Originally Posted by ipad987

Is there is anyway to import the WiFi version to the UK without having any contact in the US who could purchase it for me and have it shipped.

You could do what i have done and i am from the UK.
Register with a mail forwarding company, i used Bundlebox.com then use your credit or debit card and purchase from Apple.com. Don't forget to tell your bank that you are making the purchase online otherwise they will probably decline transaction as they might suspect fruad.

Ship ipad to the bundle box address you are given when you register. When Bundle Box receive your order they e.mail you and you pay them to ship to the UK.

My ipad should be delivered to me here in the UK 7/8 April.

info here: Bundle Box - The smarter way to buy from the USA

I know an other company do the same biz, but should be careful with the scammer , i am from Asia but lucky me i have friend in USA ;-)
so no this kind of problem

Originally Posted by simon1966

Originally Posted by ipad987

Is there is anyway to import the WiFi version to the UK without having any contact in the US who could purchase it for me and have it shipped.

You could do what i have done and i am from the UK.
Register with a mail forwarding company, i used Bundlebox.com then use your credit or debit card and purchase from Apple.com. Don't forget to tell your bank that you are making the purchase online otherwise they will probably decline transaction as they might suspect fruad.

Ship ipad to the bundle box address you are given when you register. When Bundle Box receive your order they e.mail you and you pay them to ship to the UK.

My ipad should be delivered to me here in the UK 7/8 April.

info here: Bundle Box - The smarter way to buy from the USA

OK. Thanks for that.

By the way, how much did you pay for total shipping cost inclusive of import VAT?

I am getting estimates of over £160.

What are you going to do for apps? DO you have a US credit card you could use for for your account so you can shop the US itunes store? If not I don't see the point.

Originally Posted by Rasputina

What are you going to do for apps? DO you have a US credit card you could use for for your account so you can shop the US itunes store? If not I don't see the point.

I have both UK and US itunes accounts so no problems purchasing apps, movies etc.