Apple Store Thailand (online)?

[spider77]

Hi guys, just wondering if anybody has bought a computer through the Apple Thailand website. I'm in the market for a new desktop, and the iMac looks good for what I do. One thing that has me perplexed is that there is no option for an English keyboard, just Thai, with Thai manuals. Since so many people around the world use a plain qwerty keyboard, doesn't it make sense for that to at least be an option? I haven't been down to the retail store yet, but the reason I want to order online is that I want to add some upgrades, something which isn't done in-store. At least in the U.S. it isn't! But hey, I heard that anything is possible in Thailand?

Anyway, does anybody know how tax refund is handled through the online store? Would it be possible for me to redeem VAT if I don't have the computer with me when I next go through the airport? I plan on using the computer in Thailand for the next year at least before I go home. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[DaveBKK]

I've purchased through the online Apple store. No problems, stuff ships fairly quickly from Singapore.

The "thai" keyboard simply has thai script to the right of the standard english qwerty lettering. I don't even notice it.

No I don't believe you can't get a VAT refund without having the computer with you. VAT refunds are really intended for tourists and not for residents. I don't know that the online store has the paperwork for a VAT refund, as I don't think they really figure on a tourist coming to Thailand and ordering from the online Apple store

[richardt1808]

Hi,

I bought an iMac from the Apple store at Siam Discovery a few weeks back and they were only too happy to arrange for upgraded specs for me for HD, graphics and RAM.The service was excellent and they even delivered to my home when it was done. If you dont like the standard keyboard with the Thai letters on the side of each key, do yourself a favour and buy the wireless version which is available in English only and is brilliant.

Agree with the previous post about the VAT refund. It is intended for tourists who will be leaving the country within 14days (or something close to this).

[spider77]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll head to Siam one of these days and talk to them about the new iMacs. I guess the thai script is not really an issue, but it's just unnecessary in my case as I barely speak thai. I can't imagine ever needing to type it!

Good point on the VAT, it's not really a big deal, but I liked the idea of the refund to bring the price closer to what the US stores are offering. I guess it's not bad considering the pricing in places like the UK!

Thanks again.

[Cromarty]

I was amazed to see how much more the UK prices were, I'm looking for a macbook and had intended on having a friend bring one from the UK. I'll put up with th Thai keyboard considering the cheaper prices here. The 2 resellers I've been to don't have the new one yet, they reckon a couple of weeks. although it is available on the apple store.

[nikster]

The iStudio in Chiang Mai was very happy to get me an English-only keyboard. Same as you while the Thai lettering is not in the way very much, it's also completely useless for me. If I wanted useless stuff on my computer, I'd get a PC with tons of blue LEDs

Since the Apple online store is in Singapore, I am sure they will give you English-only if you ask for it - after all they must have them lying around for Singapore anyways. Just call them and ask how to do it - there seems to be no option on the website.

You can get the VAT refund if you leave the country within 14 days, and have the iMac in your suitcase. Or hand luggage in its original box? I guess if you get the 27" version you better have big arms It's not impossible, depends on how desperate you are to save those 7%...

[trunknuk]

A buddy got the new mac mini via the web store. Talked to a girl from Singapore and the product shipped from China. Clean and easy, no duty paid at the door. (maybe somewhere else down the line). Plus he got the thing before Thai Mac stores even had it in stock.