Buying New Iphone -- more expensive in US / Thai

[ThaiRebound]

I am looking to upgrade to a 10 (X) from my 6 (VI?), and would like to know where I'll fare better with the overall price? Also, the unlocking fee is free in the US, so is it additional in Thailand? 

[richard_smith237]

Have a look on the respective apple stores. 

 

Thai phones come unlocked, however, purchasing from a 'Provider' (True, AIS, DTAC) will tie you into a contract.

 

You may get a better price in Thailand (at MBK etc) for your iPhone6.

Edited March 14, 2019 by richard_smith237

[4evermaat]

8 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

.......

 

You may get a better price in Thailand (at MBK etc) for your iPhone6.

 

you can also try listing it in facebook marketplace.  Or other local groups.  You would likely get more for it.

 

8 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Have a look on the respective apple stores. 

 

Thai phones come unlocked, however, purchasing from a 'Provider' (True, AIS, DTAC) will tie you into a contract.

 

Have you checked the online apple Thai store?  If the language is in Thai, you can change to english at the bottom.  Starts at 39k+ all the way up to over 60k.

 

I think the warranty is still worldwide on new, genuine iPhones (if it is purchased in thailand), but I would write an email to apple support and confirm this.  I mean for the price, it better be ????

 

According to a phone call with apple Thailand, they say that the warranty is only valid within Thailand.   I noticed that the Apple Thailand website specifically excluded applecare warranty for iPhone.  You cannot buy applecare for iPhone in thailand.

 

Now if you buy it from your home country, USA, etc, you can purchase the applecare and still get service worldwide if you have an issue.  There is Applecare+ for most damage including screen replacement for $199 USD or AppleCare+ with lost/stolen coverage for $299 USD; 2 year total coverage from original phone purchase date.

 

Something to think about if you are going to pay 50-60k for a phone.

 

And yes, they would be unlocked if you buy direct from places like Amazon.com (make sure you double-check it is not contracted with a carrier).  In thailand, they are almost always unlocked unless you buy it discounted with a plan from a telecom provider.

 

[bubba]

If you are just visiting, remember that you can get the 7% VAT refund for tourists.

[Tropposurfer]

From what I know as a buyer of Apple phones and computers for about 12 years, Apple prices vary very, very little across the world. I once bought an iPhone after loosing mine in BKK some years back; the difference was literally a few dollars from Sydney to BKK prices.

 

[kevin612]

iPhone is more expensive in Thailand.

[elgenon]

I bought in Thailand thinking if there were a problem with it I could take it back from where i got it. Not sure if that thinking is right.

[ThaiRebound]

Hi, thank you everyone. I decided to buy one in the US because of quality/authenticity/location-of-assembly concerns. I have no idea if this is a legitimate concern, but ultimately it was nagging me.