Hi guys -

I'm coming to Madrid for 10 days in March and I need to bring home a PAL vcr. Anybody know a good place to buy a cheap one in Madrid? Preferably around $50 US but it needs to be stereo. Anything like a 'Best Buy' or such actually within the city?

also - Is the Spanish PAL system the same as in the UK and Germany? I know France has SECAM PAL and I think that's the only version that is different.

thanks!

Hey, I have no idea if this is helpful, but I saw this in the classifieds about two months ago, I dunno if this guy still does this, but it's worth a try:

BARGAIN SECOND HAND TVS and videos. Can be seen working. Price from 36 Euros. Tel: 655 02 64 32

otherwise, I dunno, Alcampo, FNAC, Corte, all have electronic depts, I have no idea about prices though. Sorry! -Joy

Hey Aluche, as for the techy end of it all, I had no idea that France used a different system but I know the UK is the same as Spain since my bro whgo lives there has brought me tapes to watch here, no problem.

I can help with prices however. Your best bets will be...

� Alcampo ( www.alcampo.es )
� Carrefour ( www.carrefour.es )

For a place to get to via public transportation, try the Alcampo inside the "Madrid2 la Vaguada" mall at the "Barrio del Pilar" Metro stop on line #9.

$50 is way too little (unless you try the guy Joy has mentioned above for a used one). At Alcampo or Carrefour you will pay at least 120 Euros for a NEW stereo VCR. Remember, electronics are a lot more expensive here in Spain than they are in the U.S.A. A Monoi one can be purchased for under 100�.

Check the page HERE for general prices (it is the Carrefour web section for Stereo VCRs). The cheapest one they have is 129.00�.

Saludos,
jer...

thanks you guys! My guess is that it will only be a little while before wal-mart comes to Spain (and hopefully a lot longer than that!).

Jared

Ay, Aluche, with all due respect, bite your tongue! No Wal Mart in Spain, por favor! :jeje:
But, in all seriousness, I found that electric appliances are higher priced in Spain, why is that?

Hahaha, electronics and Coke are higher priced Booklady, what is that?! I totally agree! Besos, Joy

PS-Aluche, did you end up calling that guy for the used electronics? If you did, let us know whether he's still in business, and if he's legit!! Thanx, Joy

Aluche-
If you're looking to buy the VCR to watch PAL movies in the US- don't buy it over there. You'll have to make sure that it will work with the voltage in the US or use a transformer- its not worth it. Look into getting a multisystem VCR (they've come a long way, it used to be you needed to buy both a MS tv AND vcr- now the VCR does it all!) If you don't have any military friends (the bases or navy exchanges usually carry these- or you can catalog order them) I know that New Jersey has a big market for them, as does Miami- but I don't know about your neck of the woods. Its worth a try. And unless its used, you're not going to be able to purchase one for $50!!!!!!

For Walmart- doubtful they'll make it to Spain. Carrefour is actually Walmarts chief competitor ( I know insiders! ) Carrefour want's to get in the US market and can't seem to... but its just as well, I don't know if Walmart is trying for Spain, but I don't think they'd make it either! Besides, Spain doesn't have the need for a variety of superstores like the US- K-Mart, Target, Walmart, SuperWalmart, Sams (part of Walmart) BJ's, Costco- what would they do with all that!?!??!?!?! Better yet- where would they put it?!?!?! JUST SAY NO! (jejejej- a little joke)

Hey Booklady...

quote:

"I found that electric appliances are higher priced in Spain, why is that?"

This is something that has bugged me ever since I first came to Spain. Having to buy my digital cameras and other "toys" in the U.S.A. and bring them over is a bit of a hassle but for the cash one saves, WELL worht it!!!

Electronics are more expensive in European countries (with a few exceptions such as PCs, cell phones, etc...) than they are in the U.S.A. because...

Disclaimer of Possible Ignorance on my part: I hereby declare that I am not sure how much of this is true

1) European countries import as individual states and not as a whole (ie. as if Europe were one country ) and hence the prices that they get from foreign manufacturers can't compare to those of the U.S.A. with a population about 6X that of your average EU country.

2) The U.S.A. is a HUGE consumer society and therefore the law of supply and demand (higher the demand, lower the price) holds true and the prices on these goods are lower.

3) The sales tax in Spain is 16% , in UK is 18% and other European countries are similiar. Compared to the 4-9% sales tax in the U.S.A. (depending on the State).

4) ���???

As for Coca Cola being more expensive here than in the States, chalk it up to reason #2 above.

Also the reason why there are no BIG GULPS available at 7-11s here.

Saludos,
jer...

Thanks, Jer, I feel so much better! The falta of Big Gulps has always been a major factor in whether I decide to move back or not. hahaha you are so funny!!! Thanx for the info! besos, Joy

Aluche,

Try a to find a nice second hand VCR at Cash Converters (several locations), or look up the classified ads in both InMadrid (also on-line) and The Broadsheet magazines(free!), there're always a couple of ex-pats or people who are leaving Madrid and need to sell all their stuff, so hopefully, you might find some bargain.