cho, page-104

You are right Billy, it is far more expensive to own international shares using a domestic broker such as Commsec. This is probably the reason why its much better to buy and hold outstanding companies than those of the mediocre type.
Berkshire fits in this category. As they dont pay no dividend, there is no need to worry about tax until you realise it. I have no intention on selling them in the near future (or decade) and now until then, tax rules may change (in favor of investors - I hope).

International shares also give the added bonus of exchange rate exposure. We can exercise our purchasing power in times of near parity and vice versa when selling.
If you want to buy international shares to get exposure to other exchanges, make sure you know what you want to buy into. Initial cost is one thing, continual forking up transaction costs is another.
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Long term & compounding in a reasonably priced but fantastic business far outweighs a cheap and nasty that may or may not eventuate.