Buying Iphone 4 In Hong Kong For Use In Los

[smiling mantis]

Hey guys,

I'm moving to Thailand in a couple of months, and I'm visiting Hong Kong in another week. In Hong Kong you can buy iPhone's that are unlocked, so you can put any sim you want in there and it will work, all without jailbreaking.

But is this a good idea? The iPhone 4 uses micro-sims... am I going to be able to get prepaid micro-sims in Thailand? Are there advantages to going with a contract in Thailand that make this a dumb idea?

The other thing about buying in HK is that the prices are comparable to what you'd pay in the US Apple Store, so I thought I'd save me some money this way too, but if it ends up that I can't use the thing then it doesn't really make sense doing this, does it?

Thanks

[insertcoins]

yes

[ATO1994]

Smart choice ... You get to purchase fancy gadgets at good value in HKG.

Would love to have an iPhone 4.

[negreanu]

You won't be able to walk into a Apple store or Mobile store that officially sells them in HK just now.

Your only choice will be third party stores for example in Mongkok. Some US unlocked phones but requires jailbreak and some UK,France and Italian factory unlocked models. Obviously more expensive than official phones just be careful what u buy.

Even HK apple online store is 4 week waiting before shipping.

Edited September 27, 2010 by negreanu

[negreanu]

A3 Technology in HK airport next to Checkin desks on same level. Has iPhone 4's and iPads in stock as of today. Price is HK$1000.00 more than HK Apple retail store. Still a decent price compared to the MBK prices at the moment.

[smiling mantis]

I've been in HK before and I bought a iPhone 3GS while there at one of the electronics shops in that big mall at Times Square. That price, as well as all of the other prices I saw, were the same as what was being advertised on Apple's HK site.

HK does not have a brick-and-mortar store to my knowledge, or at least, it did not as of six months ago.

My question is about the micro-sim though. On some other thread there's a guy talking about cutting a normal sim and using that to put in the phone. Seriously? That just can't be right.

I guess my question is better phrased: do the carriers in Thailand offer these micro-sims?

What I don't want to do is buy this and then show up in Bangkok with a useless brick simply because none of the available sims fit.

[negreanu]

That price, as well as all of the other prices I saw, were the same as what was being advertised on Apple's HK site.

You will not get the IPHONE 4 at the same price advertised on the Apple HK online store in any store in HK that is authorised to sell them.

(No carrier has stock in store and will not sell you it just now with out taking a contract - you will need to order and come back in 3-4 weeks - They will tell you no stock unless you take a contract then they mysteriously may have 1 or 2 in stock but highly doubtful most people are waiting 3 weeks for their "preorders")

You will not get the IPHONE 4 online from Apple HK store for 3-4 weeks.

Your only choice is to get it from a non approved dealer at a greater price than the official store. Would recommend Sincere podium in Mongkok for the best price.

(I work in HK) Expect to pay around HK$6000 for 16gb and HK$7000 for 32gb at todays HK prices if you want to walk in to a store and walk out with one. Just make sure you are buying a factory unlocked one.

You got the 3GS at the same price because there was stock and wide availability. Not the same deal with the iPhone 4 just now. Maybe in 2-3 months.

You can cut your existing sim - that is correct information or you can get a micro sim for your existing sim from DTAC, TRUE, AIS depending who your carrier is.

Edited September 27, 2010 by negreanu

[Tywais]

My question is about the micro-sim though. On some other thread there's a guy talking about cutting a normal sim and using that to put in the phone. Seriously? That just can't be right.

I ran across a youtube video sometime ago showing how to do just that. A friend at work picked his iPhone up in HK and plans on getting a newer version soon from there as the price is better. But then that was when True was the only source and required a contract.

[HDRIDER]

A3 Technology in HK airport next to Checkin desks on same level. Has iPhone 4's and iPads in stock as of today. Price is HK$1000.00 more than HK Apple retail store. Still a decent price compared to the MBK prices at the moment.

That's 2200B cheaper than Thailand grey marked for 32GB

[HDRIDER]

My question is about the micro-sim though. On some other thread there's a guy talking about cutting a normal sim and using that to put in the phone. Seriously? That just can't be right.

I ran across a youtube video sometime ago showing how to do just that. A friend at work picked his iPhone up in HK and plans on getting a newer version soon from there as the price is better. But then that was when True was the only source and required a contract.

Hi

No problem in cut the simcard, they have a tool like a pliers, done in 5 sec. i was to lazy to go into AIS and get a micro sim

[bubba]

Just keep in mind that if you buy an iPhone 4 in HKG, you will not have warranty service in Thailand. AFAIK, iPhones are the only Apple product with a warranty that is only valid in the country of [official] purchase.

[smiling mantis]

Thanks everyone for the good replies.

So, I can get it in HK, I'm just going to be paying more than the official price in HK, but not as much as I would be paying in Thailand if I buy it on the gray market. Since I already have the plane tickets to and back from HK, I guess I go through with the purchase, but...

The post about the warranty not applying in Thailand if I buy the phone in HK is very troubling. Sure enough, this is what Apple's legal language has to say:

Apple may restrict service to the country where Apple or its Authorized Distributors originally sold the hardware product. Apple will provide warranty service either (i) at an Apple Retail or AASP location, where service is performed at the location, or the Apple Retail or AASP may send the product to an Apple repair service location for service, (ii) by sending you prepaid way bills (and if you no longer have the original packaging, Apple may send you packaging material) to enable you to ship the product to Apple’s repair service location for service, or (iii) by sending you user-installable new or refurbished replacement product or parts to enable you to service or exchange your own product (“DIY Service”).

iPhone 4 Warranty.

As it happens the iPhone 3Gs I bought in HK has a sticky home button that is no end of grief, so this consideration is very real for me. I guess I take the chance... you kind of get used to bending over when you're an expat, I don't see why this should be any different.

And I understand about the micro-sim now too. I'll go for one off the shelf since that appears to be available, but sure, if I have to, I'll do the thing with the pliars.