Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (2024)

By Roger Wade

08 Mar, 2012Comments (60)Add a comment

In our never-ending quest to sort out the best-value destinations around the world, we are examining a topic that is certainly more of interest to long-term travelers as well as those who travel a lot with gadgets. Below you’ll find the countries to buy cheap apple products, or at least as cheap as they are available, because Apple products aren’t exactly cheap anywhere in the world.

We recently published a list of thecheapest countries to buy electronic itemsin general, but we separated Apple products into their own list because the Apple world doesn’t work the same as other brands.

>>>NEW WITH MORE COMPLETE DATA:iPad prices in 35 countries from cheapest to most expensive

(The article linked above uses late 2012 prices for iPads in 35 countries. The article below uses 2011 prices for 28 countries)

As with the other list, the data here is provided byPricerunner, which is a UK-based comparison-shopping service. In late 2011 they researched the 28 different cities below (in 27 different countries) to find the best price possible for 3 different popular Apple products.

Unlike the other brands, Apple is famous for tightly controlling its retail market, with prices being virtually identical within each country. With that in mind, it’s perhaps even a bit more surprising to discover that the exact same products cost almost double in the most expensive city compared to the cheapest.

Products researched for this list

  • Macbook Air, 13.3″
  • Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi, 32GB
  • Apple iPhone 4, 16GB

Each of the three items was researched in late 2011 for the prevailing price in each city, and then the total of all three was combined. The Macbook Air costs about the same price as the other two items combined in every market, but still most things are proportional so it’s not like there’s a city that has cheap iPhones and expensive Macbook Airs.

Cheapest countries for Apple products

(Research was done in GBP and converted to USD in March, 2012)

  1. $2,225 – Tokyo, Japan
  2. $2,446 – Bangkok, Thailand
  3. $2,548 – San Francisco, USA
  4. $2,601 – Sydney, Australia
  5. $2,745 – New York, USA
  6. $2,779 – Dubai, UAE
  7. $3,006 – Cape Town, South Africa
  8. $3,160 – Stockholm, Sweden
  9. $3,222 – Warsaw, Poland
  10. $3,264 – Prague, Czech Republic
  11. $3,280 – London, England
  12. $3,308 – Oslo, Norway
  13. $3,347 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
  14. $3,411 – Dublin, Ireland
  15. $3,436 – Mumbai, India
  16. $3,452 – Copenhagen, Denmark
  17. $3,480 – Brussels, Belgium
  18. $3,484 – Madrid, Spain
  19. $3,516 – Moscow, Russia
  20. $3,544 – Paris, France
  21. $3,576 – Athens, Greece
  22. $3,591 – Reykjavik, Iceland
  23. $3,619 – Rome, Italy
  24. $3,645 – Lisbon, Portugal
  25. $3,646 – Helsinki, Finland
  26. $3,753 – Vilnius, Lithuania
  27. $3,800 – Vienna, Austria
  28. $4,160 – Sao Paolo, Brazil

Japan is cheapest again

Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (1)Just as on the list of electronic gadgets in general, Japan comes out as the cheapest, which seems at least a bit surprising. Their high rents and high wages seem to be more than offset by low import taxes combined with great wholesale prices due to massive demand.

Perhaps just as surprising is that Stockholm comes out as the cheapest of the European markets researched for Apple products. They are among the most expensive forother electronics gear, and one of the most expensive places in the world in general. Cape Town also shows up as a relative bargain for Apple products compared to other high-tech gear.

Where to buy if you are traveling

Most people seem to know that the United States has among the lowest prices on almost anything electronic, especially if you can buy tax-free either online or in one of the states with no sales tax. Many people routinely bring an empty suitcase when coming from Europe to the US because savings are so big.

Most European countries seem to charge about 40% more for Apple products than in the United States, which is frightening when you consider how much more Apple products cost compared to other brands of the same type of item.

Needless to say, new Apple products will continue to be released, but the rankings above should continue to stay very constant, at least until some countries unexpectedly lowers taxes or Japan unexpectedly raises import duties.

With Apple products at least, it’s comforting to know that anyone heading to Australia or Thailand (plus Japan, of course) can also find great deals compared to home.

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  1. Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (2)telin says:

    I live in India, Delhi. I got my all Apple products from Glocalzone which is a website provides to buy things from abroad). So, I bought the MacBook pro at its US price via Glocalzone. It was totally cheaper.I recommend it!

    Reply

  2. Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (3)Ruby says:

    Hello Mr. Wade,

    I’m going to Malaysia next week is the macbook air still cheaper there than in Singapore? It would be great if you could update me with pirces in Malaysia. I hope I’m not asking too much.

    Thank you and God bless.

    Reply

    1. Ruby,

      I’m pretty sure Apple prices in Malaysia are still cheaper than in Singapore, and you can check yourself. Just go to the online Apple store and then go to the bottom where it allows you to change the country. You can see the current prices for any country in the world you choose. Best of luck on this. -Roger

      Reply

  3. Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (5)Sally says:

    I’m moving to Istanbul in August. I need a new i-phone and am wondering if it would be cheaper to purchase in Turkey or here in Canada?

    Reply

    1. Sally,

      I lived in Turkey for a year and electronics there aren’t very cheap. You can check the current prices of all items at the Apple stores all over the world. Here is the link for the online Apple Store in Turkey. Compare the prices to Canada and you’ll have your answer. -Roger

      Reply

  4. Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (7)Anna says:

    Hi, great article!
    I am researching the market for a Macbook Air 13 and I was wondering if you can advise me on where it is better to buy it: China or Japan? And do you know anything about the VAT they can impose in the airport in Japan if you’re taking it out of the country (I heard you shouldn’t have the box with you or something like that haha) I am travelling between these 2 countries and would be grateful if you can help. Thanks! Cheers!

    Reply

    1. Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (8)Roger Wade says:

      Anna,

      My research has shown that Apple products are almost always cheaper in Japan than in China (or most other places). And I’m not sure how the VAT thing works between those two countries. If you bring a new computer in a box from one country to another, you might get charged a duty though, which is different from a VAT. A duty is an import tax on things above a certain value. I think if you take the laptop without the box, you should be fine. They mainly just want to make sure you aren’t buying in one country to sell in another. Good luck on this. -Roger

      Reply

  5. Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (9)aman says:

    i am from india. i want to buy a iPhone but which iPhone model should i buy when my range is 10000-12000 plz reply urgent

    Reply

    1. Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (10)Roger Wade says:

      Aman,

      If you have only 12,000 Indian Rupee, then you’ll have to buy a used iPhone or an older model like the iPhone 5. It’s probably easiest to just look around and buy the best one you can find and afford. Best of luck. -Roger

      Reply

  6. Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (11)Hans says:

    Hello Roger,

    great article, thanks!

    Going to Japan and Australia in October, leaving from Bucharest, Romania. If your list still stands I should wait and buy a Mac Air and iphone there.

    Do you have any idea if the list is still the same in 2015?

    If so,
    and if I buy in Japan,
    where should I buy?

    Thank you very much Roger!

    Hans

    Reply

    1. Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (12)Roger Wade says:

      Hans,

      I’m happy to hear that this has helped. Apple will be announcing their new products and prices on September 9 (6 days from when I write this) and this post will be totally updated then. In the meantime, the exchange rates have shifted a lot in the last year, so the picture is likely different from what you see above. But in general, Japan will be one of the cheapest places to buy Apple products, and buying them at the official Apple Stores is usually wise since the official price is the same everywhere. -Roger

      Reply

1234

Cheapest countries to buy iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products - Price of Travel (2024)

FAQs

Which country has the lowest price of Apple products? ›

Hong Kong. Like Korea, Hong Kong is also one of the most competitive markets for smartphones. The latest generation model starts at Rs 70,000, while the Plus model starts at Rs 78,000. The Pro and Pro Max models start at Rs 87,000 and Rs 95,000 respectively.

In which country Apple IPAD products are cheapest? ›

In which countries is the iPad (10th Gen) cheapest? I have checked the launch price inclusive of tax of the iPad (10th Gen) on the Apple website for each country.
...
64GB.
1.Hong KongUS$445.92
2.United States 1US$449.00
3.Canada 1US$469.58
4.MalaysiaUS$477.86
5.TaiwanUS$490.82
34 more rows
Oct 19, 2022

Is it cheaper to buy Apple products in USA or Europe? ›

The US is definitely the cheapest place to purchase Apple products, such as MacBooks and iPads. Prices in Apple's online store in the US can be as little as 50% of what other retailers across the world might charge.

Which state is cheapest to buy Apple products? ›

Delaware has no sales tax, which makes buying an iPhone in the nation's first state cheaper than it is in others. The Christiana Mall is also situated just off of I-95, the main highway connecting the East Coast states.

Are iPhones cheaper in some countries? ›

Apple iPhones are cheaper in many other regions of the world than in India due to lower taxes and duties.
...
Countries Where You Can Buy iPhone 13 at the Cheapest Prices.
CountryiPhone 13 (128GB)
United StatesUS$799/ Rs 58,833
CanadaCAD$1099 / Rs 63,863
AustraliaA$1349/ Rs 72,800
UAEAED 3399/ Rs 74,431
3 more columns
Jun 13, 2022

Which country Apple is best? ›

This key economic indicator for the Apples sector has been recently updated. In 2019, Apples Production in China rose 8.1% from a year earlier. Since 2014 Turkey Apples Production was up 7.9% year on year at 3,618,752 Metric Tons.
...
Apples Production - Source FAO.
95 Countries#1 China
Metric Tons42,426,578.00
Last2019
YoY+8.1 %
5‑years CAGR+0.7 %
49 more columns

Is iPad cheaper in Dubai or USA? ›

Dubai: Buying an iPad Mini or iPad Air is cheaper in the UAE than in the US as Apple has become very aggressive in pricing in bid to counterattack the mushrooming grey market.

In which country Apple products are expensive? ›

For years, Brazil had the most expensive iPhones, but this year Turkey has taken that spot in the list for the most expensive iPhones with the launch of the new iPhone 14 lineup. You may think that iPhones are the most expensive in India, but you're mistaken. Yes, the iPhones cost a lot of money in India.

What is the lowest price of iPad? ›

Take your pick.
  • New. iPad Pro. Take a closer look. or ₹81900.00Footnote‡ Buy.
  • iPad Air. Take a closer look. or ₹59900.00Footnote‡ Buy.
  • New. iPad iPad 10th gen. (10th generation) Take a closer look. ...
  • iPad iPad 9th gen. (9th generation) Take a closer look. or ₹33900.00Footnote‡ ...
  • iPad mini. Take a closer look. or ₹49900.00Footnote‡ Buy.

Is shopping in Europe cheaper than US? ›

There are a few reasons stateside shoppers are beelining it to the Old Continent. For one, the dollar and the euro are practically at parity. Furthermore, the majority of high-end wares are crafted in Europe and thus cheaper there than in the US.

Is Apple products cheaper in Europe? ›

It is no secret that Apple charges more money for its products in Europe as compared to the US. However, this was not always the case. Apple was charging both markets equivalently. But recently, Apple decided to increase prices for Europe and not the US.

Are Apple products cheaper in duty free? ›

Buying goods at airport duty-free stores is more expensive than shopping online, new research reveals. MacBook Pros, high-end Canon cameras, Beats by Dr Dre headphones, Samsung Galaxies and perfume are all cheaper to buy online, a study by PriceSpy shows.

Which state in USA is tax free for iPhone? ›

Only five states don't impose any sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon.

Where is the lowest tax for iPhone in USA? ›

States that have no sales tax are Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Mind you, this doesn't mean you can get out of paying sales tax by purchasing an item from a state that has none. Not unless you actually live in one of them.

How do I avoid paying sales tax on Apple products? ›

To place an order on behalf of a tax-exempt organization or individual, please call an Apple Store Specialist at 1‑800‑MY‑APPLE. You will need to provide proof of state tax-exempt status for the state where the product is being shipped.

Which iPhone is lowest in price? ›

  • iPhone 12. Rs. 50,900 Buy. Rating.
  • iPhone SE (2020) Rs. 28,990 Buy. Rating.
  • iPhone 11 Pro. Rs. 79,899 Buy.

Why iPhone is cheaper in Dubai? ›

Many countries charge heavy GST tax and that is why the prices of phones increase in those countries. one of the major factors why the prices are cheap in Dubai is because it is a duty-free port that makes all electronic devices cheaper than most of the countries in the world.

Does it matter what country you buy an iPhone? ›

The iPhone and some parts of AppleCare plus are not necessarily international in nature. That doesn't mean you won't get service, but you could be denied or could have to get the device back to the country of purchase on your dime to get service.

Can you put apples in the freezer to make them last longer? ›

Freezing apples is a really great way of preserving them, especially if you have a glut. Find out how best to freeze apples for use in crumbles and smoothies. It's best to use frozen apples in baking or smoothies, because the texture of fruit that has been frozen and thawed is softer.

What is the most popular Apple store in the world? ›

Fifth Avenue in New York City is the most iconic Apple store location. Clearly, the world's most famous Apple store location is the Apple Fifth Avenue store.

How much is iPhone 13 in Dubai 128GB? ›

The iPhone 13 is available in Dubai, UAE starting from AED 2799 for the iPhone 13 128GB, AED 3349 for the iPhone 13 256GB and AED 3449 for the iPhone 13 512GB.

Can I buy an iPad in a different country? ›

Apple warranties for all portable products are valid world wide, regardless of country of purchase.

How much tax do I pay on my iPhone in USA? ›

Apple iPhone 14 price in the US starts from $799 (Rs 63,920 approx) for the 128GB variant. You also have to pay an additional tax ranging from around 8.5 per cent to 13 per cent, based on which state you are buying the iPhone 14 or the iPhone 14 Pro from.

In which country electronic items are cheap? ›

China is the place where you can always get cheaper gadgets. Because of its cheaper assembling and manufacturing services, it provides cheaper goods. With cheap labor cost, China is continuously producing electronics at low cost. The electronics ensure quality and are delivered efficiently on time.

Do Apple products cost the same in every country? ›

Because they are different markets, with different cost overheads and different taxing structures. Other than that, thnis is not a question any user on this forum would be able to answer (you are not addressing Apple; this is a user to user forum). Prices for most all products are different in different countries.

Which Apple iPad is best? ›

The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
  • Best for Most People. Apple iPad (2021, 9th Gen) Read more. $329 at Apple.
  • The Awkward Choice. Apple iPad (2022, 10th Gen) Read more. $449 at Apple.
  • Best for Portability. Apple iPad Mini (2021, 6th Gen) Read more. $499 at Apple.
  • Best Upgrade. Apple iPad Air (2022, 5th Gen) Read more.
Nov 7, 2022

What is a cheap and good iPad? ›

The 10.2-inch iPad is the tablet for everyone. The mainstream tablet is not only the most affordable iPad, but it's also the best value for your dollar. The tablet uses Apple's A10 Fusion chip.

Is an iPad cheaper than an iPhone? ›

The iPhone is more expensive for a variety of reasons. One difference is that, despite its small size, an iPhone can perform more functions than an iPad. This raises the cost of production. In this article, we will look at the various reasons why the iPhone is more expensive than the iPad.

What brands are cheaper in Europe than USA? ›

Some of the most popular brands cheaper in Europe include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Givenchy, Balmain, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Hermès, Lanvin, Chloé, Céline, and more.

Which country is cheaper than USA? ›

10 Cheapest Countries in the World to Live In

Vietnam. South Africa. Ecuador. Costa Rica.

Is Europe safer than USA? ›

Of the world's top 20 safest countries, 14 are in Europe. And 29 European countries are in the world's top 50. Almost all countries in Europe are safer for students than the United States of America. Europe is generally considered the safest region in the world.

Why is Apple cheaper in USA? ›

Apple's US pricing is misleading

Only a handful of US states have no sales tax, enabling residents to pay the nominal price. The reason Apple shows price without sales tax is because the percentage varies by state, and because Americans are used to seeing prices without tax.

Can I buy an iPhone in the US and use it in Europe? ›

Virtually all modern smartphones (iPhone 7 and newer) are compatible with Europe's mobile infrastructure and every major US carrier has international data plans — so your smartphone should automatically work once you arrive in Europe because the major US carriers have partnerships with local European carriers.

Can you buy iPhone Tax Free at airport? ›

Can u buy at duty free at airport? No, you cannot.

Is it better to buy duty free at the airport? ›

Is duty-free shopping cheaper? Duty-free items which are tax free are generally cheaper compared to regular retail store prices. Before shelling out for a duty-free purchase, you should undertake a quick comparison to see if you could buy the same item at a similar price back home.

Why is Apple Care cheaper on Amazon? ›

Why are Apple products so cheap on Amazon? The answer is pretty simple. Amazon buys Apple products in bulk, in advance and at a whole sale price (i.e. not the MSRP), which allows them to sell the devices at a discount and still make a little bit of a profit.

What US state is tax free? ›

Eight states have no personal income tax, including Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. The states with the highest total sales taxes include Tennessee 9.55%, Louisiana 9.52%, Arkansas 9.51%, Washington 9.23%, and Alabama 9.22%.

Are Ipads tax free in Florida? ›

Sales tax holiday period is July 25–August 7, 2022. To qualify for the tax exemption, the purchase must be made during the sales tax holiday period by an individual for personal use with a price of $1500 or less. Computers (including iPad) and computer accessories qualify for this holiday.

What US cities are tax free? ›

As of 2022, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming are the only states that do not levy a state income tax.

Can I get VAT refund on iPhone in USA? ›

Nope, you can't.

Are iPhone cheaper in USA? ›

USA. The USA market is ubiquitously the least expensive for any iPhone in the world. Starting with the iPhone 14, you can get it in the US starting at around Rs 66,000. The iPhone 14 Plus starts at around Rs 73,500, while the iPhone 14 Pro starts at around Rs 79,900.

Do you have to pay tax when you buy an iPhone? ›

In accordance with state and local law, your online purchases from Apple will be taxed using the applicable sales tax or seller's use tax rate for your shipping address, or the Apple Store address where the item is picked up.

What states have no sales tax? ›

Four states — Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon — have no statewide sales tax, or local sales taxes, either. Alaska has no statewide sales tax, but it allows cities and towns to levy sales taxes.

Can you pay with cash at Apple? ›

Yes. For what do you want to pay cash? Apple Stores take cash, although there might be a limit as to how much a store might accept, or limits on the number of a specific device you can pay with cash.

Can you buy an iPad on tax free weekend? ›

Apple products, including Macs, iPad, and the iPod touch, are eligible, alongside accessories such as keyboard, mice, the Apple Pencil, and more.

Why is Apple cheaper in the US than in Europe? ›

The US has more lenient warranty regulations than the EU. This in turn enables Apple to save more money per product sold in the US as compared to the EU.

Are Apple products cheaper in Dubai? ›

Yes, due to tax rates it is cheaper to buy phones in Dubai. Many countries charge heavy GST tax and that is why the prices of phones increase in those countries.

Are Apple products cheap in China? ›

Apple products have always been more expensive in China than in the United States — even though iPhones are actually assembled in China. That is because iPhones sold in China are subject to a 17 percent value-added tax, while those that are exported can be sent abroad tax-free.

Is buying iPhone in USA cheaper? ›

The iPhone 14 price in the US is the cheapest when compared to the rest of the world, but we would suggest not buying this year's iPhones from the US.

Can I buy iPhone in US and use in Europe? ›

Virtually all modern smartphones (iPhone 7 and newer) are compatible with Europe's mobile infrastructure and every major US carrier has international data plans — so your smartphone should automatically work once you arrive in Europe because the major US carriers have partnerships with local European carriers.

Is iPhone cheaper in USA or Dubai? ›

In general, Apple products are cheaper in the USA compared to UAE.

Is it cheaper to buy Apple products at the airport? ›

Buying goods at airport duty-free stores is more expensive than shopping online, new research reveals. MacBook Pros, high-end Canon cameras, Beats by Dr Dre headphones, Samsung Galaxies and perfume are all cheaper to buy online, a study by PriceSpy shows.

How much is an iPhone 14 in China? ›

Apple's official China website has not changed prices. The iPhone 14 Pro starts at 7,999 yuan and the Pro Max starts at 8,999.

Can I use iPhone 14 in China? ›

You can use these iPhone models with China Mobile's 5G network: iPhone 14 Pro Max (Model A2896) iPhone 14 Pro (Model A2892) iPhone 14 Plus (Model A2888)

What is iPhone price in USA? ›

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CountryiPhone 13 miniiPhone 13 Pro Max
USUS $699/ Rs 51,382US$ 1099/ Rs 80,924
AustraliaA$ 1199/ Rs 64,705A$1849/ Rs 99,783
CanadaCAD$ 949/ Rs 55,146CAD$1549/ Rs 90,013
UAEAED 2999/ Rs 60,014AED 4699/ Rs 94,033
1 more row
Sep 17, 2021

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