Hi Martin,
the price level is different in the U.S and here in Europe because the Us$ Dollar price rate has been high for quite a long time - and it is still rising . Just browse
http://www.lpmusic.com to compare the difference. A Matador 11 3/4 Conga is not expensive there, but I paid 600 DM (German bucks) for it.
Ordering drums from the U.S would probably not cost less, for the postal fees might be pretty high.
Still, perhaps it is different in Holland?
Besides, LP produces Congas in Thailand, re-imports them to the States which does´nt make them cheaper.
I´m afraid the same applies to bongos, too, yes.