[Imp]

My last 10 pence worth as I live in the UK
Yes Aus & some baltic states get hammered but a lot of Europe does not.
If a tax is to be levied it is normally added at source when you buy it. For instance think Aus does or that State in the States. I would guess if the company did not charge the tax it would be breaking the law as its now smuggling.

Postage to the UK is reasonable unless you want instant delivery. You just pay & a few days later it pops through your letterbox as our post system is relativly cheap.
No taxes to pay just open & play.
The cost think they are about US$38 plus whatever postage was cant remember but not great say $8.
This means in the UK you get it delivered to your door for the same price as going to your game store & buying a current title. Its about the same price as a main stream game thats been around for a while less than a brand spanking new top title.

This means Crosses point is valid its buying power not wage dependant.
Buy stuff from the US one CD or DVD you wont save anything because the postage will get you. Buy a few or more expensive items like a pair of Levis or Nikes & you will get it dead cheap even after paying the postage. Electrical goods same but US not neccesarilly the best place to buy it.
Get yourself a free ho;iday to the states or the the Far East go with empty suitcases & buy stuff. If you are unlucky you will get caught for import duty & wont save anything but otherwise the savings will pay for your holiday.
Its even worth shipping expensive stuff back