How much tax am I supposed to pay when I shop online?

For things less than Rs1000, there's no tax or VAT. Above this amount but less than Rs10,000, you will usually pay 15% VAT. And for products above, Rs10,000, you will have to use a customs clearance company as Mauritius Post will not allow you to collect the item. This means that you will have to pay the "courtier" fees as well as the VAT and possibly Customs Duty on the product.

Things like purses (textile & plastic sheeting) have a 30% customs duty levied on them but not when the purse is leather. Chinaware/cookware have a 15% duty. This is in addition to the VAT imposed on the products.

Check this link if you're importing goods privately.

And this one to see how much customs duty and tax you're likely to pay. It gives you a list of products which you can reference.

Say if I order an item(laptop) costing me 34000 how much tax do I have to pay? http://www.mln.com.au/product/?itemID=5915

For something that's worth Rs5000, you'll pay Rs750, that is 15% of its value and no you can't escape the tax.

If you are buying an intangible product such as an ebook there is no tax.

If it is a tangible product (no matter its price) I think the authority taxes you on its weight or original price + VAT. I remember having bought a mobile phone in the U.K and at the Mauritius Post they made me pay tax.

The Tax price may vary between products. You have to contact the Mauritius Post for best answer.

I do not know any alternative. But perhaps if someone from abroad coming to Mauritius puts it in their bag then...