The keyboard could be different, or certain applications may not be included.
Apple products may look the same on the outside, but depending on the language, culture, and legal restrictions of the country you’re purchasing in, the product may be different than what you’re used to. (from the Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty policy) Product Differencesīeware of product differences. “IMPORTANT RESTRICTION FOR iPHONE AND iPAD SERVICE.Īpple may restrict warranty service for iPhone and iPad to the country where Apple or its Authorized Distributors originally sold the device.” We’ve had first-hand experience of this in the past, due to Apple’s warranty containing an inconvenient loophole for iPhones and iPads bought in another country: In the worst cases, warranties don’t apply, or they require you to ship the item to the country of purchase for repairs, leaving you without your tech for several days or weeks. Others claim the process was exactly the same as at home. Some people claim to have saved money on warranties in other countries due to the store being unable to charge in a foreign currency. There’s a whole lot of mixed messaging about whether or not your standard Apple one year warranty or Apple Care is valid in another country. If you decide to do so, give yourself plenty of extra time to stand in line and fill out forms. Trying to claim your refund at the time of departure could be a headache you don’t want to deal with at a busy airport, especially for lower-priced products like AirPods. In Thailand and Australia, for instance, you need to take the purchased product out of the country within 60 days from the date of purchase, which may be a problem for long-term travelers and remote workers. The restrictions on tax refunds are different for each country, so don’t assume they apply to you. You’ll need to show your passport at the time of purchase, too. You will still have to pay the tax upfront, but you can generally then get it back at customs as you leave the country, or in Japan at certain shopping centers. For high-priced items like MacBooks, your tax refund could be over $200. In many countries, including popular destinations like Japan, Australia, and Thailand, tourists are able to get a tax refund.
Here’s where taxes get even more complicated. In Japan, for example, you’ll see 税別 if tax isn’t included in the price, and 税込 if it is.
You’ll need to calculate the tax for each country you’re considering purchasing from in order to determine if the end cost is cheaper than it would be back home.
Wyoming (5.34%), Wisconsin (5.46%), and Maine (5.5%) have some of the lowest combined state and local rates in the country. If you live close to the border of a state with a lower tax rate, a short drive may get you a deal on pricey items. Assuming you’re US-based, start by considering your own state and local taxes when figuring out whether to buy overseas. Taxes are tricky, because some countries include the tax on the Apple website and some do not. The exchange rate versus your own currency could change in the meantime, making the products the same price or cost even more. You could be headed to a country thinking you’re going to find a great deal on an iPhone, only to find out the exchange rate has changed and it’s now more expensive than it would be at home.Įxchange rate changes are unavoidable, and if the cost difference is only a few bucks, it’s not worth waiting until you get to another country to make your purchase. When it comes to getting a bargain on Apple gear overseas, fluctuating exchange rates is the most important aspect to watch out for. The Cheapest Country To Buy MacBooksįinding the Cheapest Country to Buy Apple Products Exchange Rates Finding the Cheapest Country to Buy Apple Products