Purchase iPhone from abroad?

GunRunner

GunRunner

GunRunner

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Joined
31 Jan 2007
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603
Is there any reason why I should not purchase an iPhone 4S from abroad? I will be in Bangkok on the 1st February and I would like to purchase 2 x iPhone 4S. Sim free and unlocked. One for my wife and one for myself!

I have spoken to Apple and the Specification is the same as the UK. By that I mean GSM. They advise that if I get from an Apple Store or a recognised Apple reseller, then the warranty holds good anywhere in the world. At the current exchange rate, I can get the 16GB Version for £430 each with a saving of £140 for the two and for the 32GB version I can get for £508 each with a total saving of £184.

Any reasons that I should not go for the 32GB version?
 
Not sure how they would know if you did buy it from a an apple shop/reseller? Warranty is linked to serial so the all ultimately come from apple ............

Ohhh and are you sure about those prices? When I was in Asia phone prices were the same/ little bit more when you worked out real life exchange rates not just what you get UE.com.

just a thought
 
divaboy said:
Not sure how they would know if you did buy it from a an apple shop/reseller? Warranty is linked to serial so the all ultimately come from apple ............

Ohhh and are you sure about those prices? When I was in Asia phone prices were the same/ little bit more when you worked out real life exchange rates not just what you get UE.com.

just a thought
Click to expand...

Yes the prices are exactly as stated. The 16GB version is Thai Baht 20,900 from the Bangkok store. At current exchange rate as I type this = £426.53. That is £73.46 cheaper than Apple UK
 
As I thought your using XE for conversion rates you will never ever get that rate when buying abroad from your bank. If you do good luck but I think your saving will be like 20-30 gbp at best. Good luck though.

http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=21000&From=THB&To=GBP

Compared to

Can't get travelex to link but your looking at 455 without bank charges etc etc still a saving but nothing like your expecting :-)
 
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divaboy said:
As I thought your using XE for conversion rates you will never ever get that rate when buying abroad from your bank. If you do good luck but I think your saving will be like 20-30 gbp at best. Good luck though.

http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=21000&From=THB&To=GBP

Compared to

Can't get travelex to link but your looking at 455 without bank charges etc etc still a saving but nothing like your expecting :-)
Click to expand...

Sorry you are incorrect. I have checked with Halifax and the rate I quoted was spot on. Also might I add that I have specifically obtained the Halifax Clarity card for purchases abroad such as this and paying hotel bills and the like. The card has no foreign exchange fee anywhere in the world, so you can get the best rate possible.. It is one of the few in the UK that does this. ;)

I hope this link is not deemed as advertising. If it is then would a moderator delete the following link.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money#halifax

Thanks
 
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Best of luck with getting that rate. Hope you do as you'll get a decent bargain. But unfortunately when the bill arrives I fear it will be higher than your expecting.

Like I say hope I'm wrong :-)
 
divaboy said:
Best of luck with getting that rate. Hope you do as you'll get a decent bargain. But unfortunately when the bill arrives I fear it will be higher than your expecting.

Like I say hope I'm wrong :-)
Click to expand...

divaboy

I mean you no disrespect, but you give me the impression that you are assuming that I have not researched what I am doing. I research everything in every respect, not just technically but financially as well. Just to clarify, the credit card is a Halifax Clarity card and is a MasterCard as well. The rates used by MasterCard can be worked out pretty precisely on a daily basis using the MasterCard Currency conversion tool see this link....

https://www.mastercard.com/global/currencyconversion/index.html

The exchange rate for the Thai Baht today (24 Jan 2012) is 48.579798 = £1.00 sterling.

Therefore the iPhone 4S:
16GB @ Thai Baht 20900.00 converted = £430.22. A saving of £68.78.
32GB @ Thai Baht 24900.00 converted = £512.56. A saving of £86.44.

Also there are 2 other options or should I say ways to save more cash.

1. I asked Apple UK about an extended international warranty for 1 year for an iPhone and in the UK it costs £69. Perhaps a another 10% there?

2. Also if Apple in Thailand are part of the tourist VAT refund organisation then I can get a further 7% reduction.

I am part of trip advisor and I have a contact in Bangkok who will be going into the Apple store to check these last 2 options. :)
 
No disrespect taken, appears you have done your research unlike majority of people when lokig to buy things abroad myself included in this.

Also surprised at how weak Thai baht is against the gbp nowadays!

Last time I checked thai baht tracked roughly the Taiwan new dollar which I wrongly took as an example for your prices :-)

Good luck and enjoy your apparent saving! Wish I was still living over them parts to take advantage. Enjoy your trip
 
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