First off, I am not saying this is for everyone. But as an university student myself, text books have become a major part of my tuition. Remember back in the good old high school days when you get all your text books for free and you can return them at the end of the year?  Why don't they do that any more?  Greed of course... as if the rising tuition cost wasn't bad enough already, universities and colleges all around the world are finding newer and better ways to reach their greedy little hands into our poor students' or in most cases their parents' pockets. So you might be thinking if you are paying 150 dollars for your text books published in the US then it must cost twice a much for the people in Asia, Australia, and other places figure in all the import/export duties, taxes, shipping and handling costs?  Maybe... But you would think if that's so... then a student in Malaysia or China must be paying their half year's savings on text books!  well.... lol

Actually most of the publishing and printing now a days have been out sourced to other countries where labor and material costs are dramatically lower when compared to us.

PRICE PRICE PRICE

So Now with the Power of Ebay or any other internet shopping center, You can save any where from 40% to 80% on brand new text books. Exactly the same as the fancy hard cover one your reading right now.  Here are a few words concerning international editions what they are, why they can save you money and suggestions for making sure you get the book you need when you need it.
So what is an international edition textbook?

International texbooks are sold at lower prices due to lower printing and publishing costs overseas.  well... you may say "I am poor"  well, not poor enough when compared to the developing nations in South America, Asia and Africa. So How do the publishers dig their hands into their pockets?

By lowering the prices of course, plus they don't have to negotiate contracts with universities and bookstores so they can sell their text books to their students.
Averaging Saving for buying an international text books is 50% of prices offered at their college bookstores.
*****Caution****
International editions may be softcovers with black and white illustrations, and may not include cd roms, or other supplementary material.

Almost all international editions have "Not for sale in the U.S. or Canada" labels on the back cover. This is because the book is meant to be sold overseas.  It is not illegal however to purchase the book from sellers overseas or a used book here.
So how do one find the Corresponding International Text?

International Editions have different ISBNs, bar codes numbers.  Best way is to just search for the Regular Demostic version on Ebay and you will see lists and lists of people selling the book for a lower price but when you read their description it will tell you it is the international version of the text. Most common item locations for international texts are Hong Kong and Singapore.

But You should ALWAYS carefully compare your search results to the author and title of the book you want to order.  Also check for publisher, editors, dates...etc if they are available. or you can just ask the seller.
Other Materials that comes with the Book

When you see a book you want to buy always ask the seller no matter if its international edition or not if it includes CDs and other supplementry materials you need.