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.
