Apple Macbook - To Buy Here In The Uk? Or In Thailand?

[bendix]

1) Why would the OP be able to claim VAT back from a UK-purchased machine? As a Brit - even leaving the country to live overseas - he would pay 699 GBP. The poster may be VAT registered and therefore able to claim it back.

2) Why would he had 7% to the Thai VAT position? As a purchaser in Thailand, he would be paying the Thai price with the Thai VAT.had Pardon? VAT is calculated on base price therefore to create a level playing field for comparison I used the non-vat price in the UK, since that is where the OP is.

You're playing with numbers and it doesnt stack up.Yes it does, since the OP is in the UK the difference between the on-shore and offshore rates are relevant. I'm trying to answer the original question. Please reread.

Interesting on the Singapore price though, IF he was coming to Thailand via Singapore because in addition to the lower price he'd also get the Singapore tax deducted when he left the country.Correct

Regards

Well, you could be right A_Traveller, but as he clearly stated that he is leaving the UK to live in Thailand in two weeks, I'm inclined to bet that either he won't be eligible for VAT relief in the UK or it would hardly be worth the effort of applying for any refund after he's left the country.

My comparison was based on actual prices of what he would actually pay (VAT notwithstanding) in each country.

All things remaining equal, I'd still be advising him to buy here.

[absolutelyBangkok]

If you don't mind the Thai alphabet on the keyboard, I'd buy it here. If the price is better here, you can still exchange the keyboard back home (not expensive).

Did it with my Powerbook G4 - bought it in Singapore and switched to my European keyboard.

[GuestHouse]

We have 4 Apples all bought in Singapore - as was all the software we run.

If you have not yet booked your flight to Thailand you might want to consider making a detour vis Singapore - Don't waste time shopping around - buy your apple at the Apple store in the Wheelock center. You get your GST (VAT) back at the airport and will get a great price and a guaranteed international warranty.

[bendix]

We have 4 Apples all bought in Singapore - as was all the software we run.

If you have not yet booked your flight to Thailand you might want to consider making a detour vis Singapore - Don't waste time shopping around - buy your apple at the Apple store in the Wheelock center. You get your GST (VAT) back at the airport and will get a great price and a guaranteed international warranty.

Any idea of pricing on the MacBook Pro Guesthouse? I'm heading over there soon and and looking to upgrade my powerbook.

[dog412]

just google the Apple store Singapore.

[A_Traveller]

The Apple Store Singapore site give prices of

15" 2.2GHz 2GB Ram 3,452.00 SGD inc 225.83 GST

15" 2.4GHz 2GB Ram 4,267.00 SGD inc 279.15 GST

17" 2.4GHz 2GB Ram 4,777.00 SGD inc 321.51 GST

Regards

[Orangutan]

The price of the MacBook will change depending on what model you get. I have a friend bringing over a MacBook 2.16 GHZ, 2GB DDR2/120GB with a SuperDrive from the States. Cheaper there than here in Bangkok...converting to baht 49,851.

-O

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

If you don't mind the Thai alphabet on the keyboard, I'd buy it here. If the price is better here, you can still exchange the keyboard back home (not expensive).

Did it with my Powerbook G4 - bought it in Singapore and switched to my European keyboard.

I think it depends on which product. The MacBook Pro's only have the english keyboard... Last time I checked anyway. The various Apple resellers in Thailand seem to be affiliated with the Apple authorized company in Singapore. So when you buy your essentially buying from Singapore with a Thailand import markup.

This was the case a while back. Anyone have comment?

[nidge]

If you don't mind the Thai alphabet on the keyboard, I'd buy it here. If the price is better here, you can still exchange the keyboard back home (not expensive).

Did it with my Powerbook G4 - bought it in Singapore and switched to my European keyboard.

I think it depends on which product. The MacBook Pro's only have the english keyboard... Last time I checked anyway. The various Apple resellers in Thailand seem to be affiliated with the Apple authorized company in Singapore. So when you buy your essentially buying from Singapore with a Thailand import markup.

This was the case a while back. Anyone have comment?

My MacBook Pro has a Thai Keyboard.

[sutnyod]

I think it depends on which product. The MacBook Pro's only have the english keyboard...

My MacBook Pro has a Thai Keyboard.

Confirm the Thai keyboard. It's there.

[nikster]

MBP with Thai keyboard - that's new with the last model generation then, they didn't used to.

There seems to be some confusion about the warranty so I want to clear this up: All Macs purchased anywhere in the world come with a 1 year international warranty. Any Apple authorized dealer will honor the warranty. You can also purchase an extended 3 year warranty within the first year.

The quality of Apple service varies wildly - it's best in the U.S., Singapore, pretty OK in Thailand though there is that suspicion that the customer did something they shouldn't have done, and worst in my experience in Europe.

[nidge]

MBP with Thai keyboard - that's new with the last model generation then, they didn't used to.

My MacBook Pro is just over 1 year old, as far as i am aware they, (MBP), have always had Thai keyboards as an option.