So some shops buy or "distributors" buy direct from the factory but they are charged retail i.e. $850 ex GST/VAT.

They then have to add shipping and a small mark up to make the effort worthwhile and suddenly you arrive at a high price for an airframe that sells cheap in the US.

Its the reason I can't get one in SA. So I am saving for the Jet Legends Neptuno  instead. 

Pity because the EF could do very well over here in the Novice, sportsman, Advanced and MAsters classes. The F3A guys are always going to spend the extra but for the beginners its an ideal 2x2. But its waaaaay too expensive.

Nik have you considered a Ultra Rc ROck n Roll? its an older airfram but also built up and quite cost effective if you can find one