EOS Purchase - Dubai or Singapore

I am moving from the domains of a high end compact camera to DSLR and, since I live in 'rip-off Britain', I am keen to exploit an imminent business trip and try to save some money.

My travels take me first to Dubai and subsequently Singapore and I'm keen to buy a system which will be the foundation for many years' enjoyment.

Does anyone have any views or experience of buying in either of these geographies and who could perhaps recommend in which of the two I'd be better off buying?

Many thanks in advance.

Gordon

P.S. I considered opening up the 350D versus 30D debate but thought better of it.....

I would suggest Malaysia Can get it cheaper if you know the place to buy.

Not sure about the Dubai/Sing comparison but I've bought from Cathay photo in Sg - firstly my 16-35 via mail which worked out a fair bit cheaper than NZ at the time, then I visited their shop on my travels and bought a mini-tripod & head and a teleconverter. I suspect the usual rules apply - work out what you want way in advance and know what it's worth somewhere like B&H for comparison. Show any shopkeeper who tries the inflated price routine a printout of B&H prices....

My brother inlaw has been working in singapore for the pass 5 years and he came back to NY to buy his camera and also pickup a MF for his coworker. But then again it might still be then cheaper GB.

Hmmm, thanks for your input. The US angle isn't one I'd immediately considered as I had assumed (always dangerous) that both Dubai and Singapore would likely be cheaper - even with the UAE Dirham linked to the US Dollar.

I travel to the US at least a couple of times a year. I think I'll take joeseph's advice and ensure I have B&H prices with me - colleagues with whom I've spoken suggest that bartering is often expected.

So now it's just he 350D, 30D or even 400D argument...!

Thanks again everyone.

Gordon

theres atleast 1 Dubai resident here, and it seems its more expensive for him, and servicing was awful, they actually told him to send it to Canon USA.

A friend of mine bought his 24-105 IS at the Dubai Airport for around £550. He bought inside the airport where there is no tax applied. You might want to check it there. The only problem is the warranty only valid in UAE

jojacos wrote:
A friend of mine bought his 24-105 IS at the Dubai Airport for around £550. He bought inside the airport where there is no tax applied. You might want to check it there. The only problem is the warranty only valid in UAE

Isn't Dubai a tax=free haven? If so, it should not make a difference where you buy it in Dubai.

I'm a Singaporean and I find the USA prices for Canon products are cheaper.