It’s unsurprising that people are looking for cheap iPhones, even if that means buying them abroad.
For years, Apple has positioned the iPhone as a somewhat aspirational product. When it first launched the iPhone, Apple revolutionized smartphones as we know it and made touchscreen the standard for smartphones everywhere. On the other hand, Apple sells most of its devices at a premium price point, which makes it less affordable to the average person. Given this, it’s unsurprising that people are looking for cheaper iPhone, even resorting to buying them abroad.
Apple has released relatively cheaper options in the past, like the iPhone SE line, which uses components of previous models to reach lower price points. However, those looking to for updated versions of the iPhone SE may have to wait a bit longer, as rumors have oscillated between of its cancellation and revival this year.
Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t slash prices on its new iPhone models very often in the United States. Instead of discounts, Apple Stores may reduce the prices on the iPhone through product bundles and gift cards. However, this doesn’t mean that Americans get a bad deal, especially because even without discounts they already enjoy some of the lowest iPhone prices in the world. Despite this, there are ways that an iPhone can be cheaper abroad. Here’s how.How to know if an iPhone is cheaper abroad for you
Aside from the base price and sales, there are other factors that impact if buying an iPhone abroad is overall a better financial decision. There are two things to consider when buying an iPhone abroad: currency conversion and tax refunds.
In some cases, iPhones can appear cheaper simply because your native currency is performing better than the currency of the country you are visiting. When it comes to currency conversion, you’ll also want to check your bank’s foreign exchange rates or the estimated fees based on the cash you plan to convert upon arrival. If you haven’t already, you can check out our recommendations for the best currency conversion apps for traveling. Additionally, if you’re a tourist or visiting a country temporarily, there are over 60 countries that offer tax-free shopping privileges in the world. For example, shoppers in Japan will get a 10% VAT refund at authorized retailers, which includes electronics.
Because conversion rates and taxes vary per country, you’ll need to check the official websites of the country you are visiting for more information, including if you need a customs inspection of the device upon exit. Due to the compounded impact of conversions and tax exclusions, buying a more expensive iPhone will likely yield more significant discounts that can offset the effort (and risks) of buying an iPhone abroad, compared to a cheap or base model version.
