Are you tired of breaking the bank to get your hands on the latest iPhone in India? You’re not alone. Many Indians are shocked to discover that buying an iPhone in other countries can be significantly cheaper than purchasing it in their home country. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and highlight the countries where you can get the best deals on the latest iPhone models.
No matter what the prices are the iPhone craze is different they will sell like hot cakes. But the price of iPhones is lower if bought abroad than in India. That is why many of their close friends in America and Dubai bring iPhones when they come to India. As example we know that the price of iPhone 16 Pro is Rs. 1,19,900? The same in Vietnam will cost Rs. 98,593. That means Rs.21,307 less than here. Flight charges to Vietnam are Rs.18 thousand and visa charges are Rs.2 thousand. so, it’s like going to Vietnam. It is also said that the phone can be bought at a low price.
If you want to buy the same iPhone 16 Pro Max, its price in India is Rs. 1,44,900. The price of the phone in Vietnam is only Rs.1,18,992. That means Rs.25,908 less than ours. Flight charges Rs.18 thousand, Visa cost Rs.2 thousand. Total Rs.20 thousand. This calculation says that you can save money if you go to Vietnam and buy an iPhone. Compared to our country, the room charges in 5star hotels in Vietnam are very low.
Some people say that it is better to buy an iPhone in India… There are offers like zero percent EMI and credit card cash back. Why do you think the cost is so high in India? We have high taxes on expensive phones.
The Price Disparity: A Global Comparison
When it comes to buying an iPhone, the prices can vary significantly depending on the country you’re in. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate prices of the latest iPhone models in different countries:
Country-Wise Price Comparison
| Country | iPhone 13 Price (approx.) |
| India | ₹79,900 – ₹1,49,900 |
| USA | $599 – $1,099 (approx. ₹44,000 – ₹82,000) |
| UK | £599 – £1,099 (approx. ₹55,000 – ₹1,02,000) |
| Singapore | SGD 1,299 – SGD 2,399 (approx. ₹68,000 – ₹1,26,000) |
| Japan | ¥79,800 – ¥179,800 (approx. ₹55,000 – ₹1,23,000) |
| Australia | AUD 1,049 – AUD 2,049 (approx. ₹55,000 – ₹1,08,000) |
| China | ¥5,999 – ¥12,999 (approx. ₹63,000 – ₹1,38,000) |
| UAE | AED 2,599 – AED 4,999 (approx. ₹53,000 – ₹1,03,000) |
| Hong Kong | HKD 5,999 – HKD 12,999 (approx. ₹63,000 – ₹1,38,000) |
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As you can see, the prices of the latest iPhone models vary significantly across countries. While the prices in India are among the highest, countries like the USA, UK, Singapore, Japan, and Australia offer more affordable options.
What’s Behind the Price Disparity?
Several factors contribute to the price disparity, including:
- Taxes and Duties: Different countries have varying tax rates and duties on imported electronic goods, which affects the final price of the iPhone.
- Distribution and Marketing Costs: Apple’s distribution and marketing costs vary across countries, depending on factors like logistics, advertising, and retail partnerships.
- Currency Exchange Rates: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact the prices of iPhones in different countries.
- Competition: The level of competition in each country’s market also plays a role in determining iPhone prices.
Why iPhones Are Cheaper in Other Countries Compared to India
Have you ever wondered why iPhones seem to be more affordable in other countries compared to India? The answer lies in a combination of factors, including taxes, duties, distribution costs, and currency exchange rates.
No Local Manufacturing & Retail
Apple does not have a local manufacturing unit in India, which means that most iPhone models are imported from other countries. This leads to higher costs due to import duties and taxes. Additionally, Apple sells its products in India through a vast third-party retail network, which adds to the final cost of the device.
Taxes & Custom Duty
The Indian government imposes a higher Goods and Services Tax (GST) on luxury goods like iPhones, which contributes to their higher prices. Furthermore, the government has increased the net import duty on mobile phones, including iPhones, which is passed on to the consumer.
Brand Value & Currency
Apple is a premium brand, and owning an iPhone is often seen as a status symbol. This perceived value is reflected in the prices of iPhones in India. Additionally, currency fluctuations can also impact iPhone prices in India, making them more expensive than in other countries.
Best Countries to Buy iPhone Abroad
If you’re planning to buy an iPhone, it’s worth considering purchasing it from a country with a lower price point. Here are some of the best countries to buy an iPhone abroad:
- Japan: Japan offers one of the lowest prices for iPhones, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max starting at around ¥249,800 (approximately ₹1,83,000).
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong is another popular destination for buying iPhones, with prices starting at around HKD 5,999 (approximately ₹63,000) for the iPhone 16.
- Singapore: Singapore offers competitive prices for iPhones, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max starting at around SGD 1,299 (approximately ₹68,000).
- USA: The USA is a great place to buy an iPhone, especially if you’re looking for a SIM-free or unlocked device. Prices start at around $599 (approximately ₹44,000) for the iPhone 16.
- Canada: Canada is another great option for buying an iPhone, with prices starting at around CAD 799 (approximately ₹45,000) for the iPhone 16.
Things to Consider Before Buying iPhone Abroad
Before planning a trip to buy an iPhone abroad, consider the following factors:
- Warranty Issues: Ensure that the iPhone you buy abroad is covered by Apple’s international warranty.
- Currency Fluctuations: Be aware of currency exchange rates and how they may affect the price of your iPhone.
- Regional Differences: Certain features, like 5G bands or network compatibility, may vary by country.
- Physical SIM Card Slot Availability: Some countries, like the USA, do not have a physical SIM card slot on their iPhones.
- Network-Locked iPhones: Be aware that certain markets sell network-locked iPhones, which may not be compatible with Indian SIM cards.
Will iPhones Ever Get Cheaper in India?
The question on everyone’s mind! While there’s no definitive answer, let’s break down the trends and insights from recent news and developments.
In recent years, Apple has been working to reduce iPhone prices in India. For instance, Apple cut iPhone prices in India by 3% to 4% in July 2024, following the government’s decision to slash import duties on imported smartphones from 20% to 15%.
Moreover, Apple has been expanding its manufacturing base in India, which could lead to cost savings and potentially lower prices for Indian consumers. In fact, Apple’s revenue from India jumped 42% to $8.7 billion in 2023, making it the company’s fifth-largest market for iPhones.
However, there are still several factors contributing to the high prices of iPhones in India, including:
- Customs duties and taxes: India imposes a 15% customs duty on imported smartphones, which adds to the final cost of the device.
- GST: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 18% further contributes to the cost of the iPhone.
- Retailer markups: Third-party retailers may add their own markups to the iPhone prices, increasing the final cost to consumers.
Despite these challenges, there are some positive trends emerging. For instance, the iPhone 16 is actually cheaper in India compared to many other high-end phones in the country.
- Competitive pricing of iPhone 16: The iPhone 16 is priced competitively in India, making it a more affordable option compared to many other high-end phones in the country.
- Increased manufacturing in India: Apple has been manufacturing iPhones in India since 2017, which could lead to cost savings and enable the company to price its devices more competitively.
- Growing market share: Apple has been expanding its market share in India, which could lead to further investment and growth in the country.
- Reduced prices of older iPhone models: Apple has been reducing the prices of older iPhone models in India, making them more affordable for consumers.
- More affordable iPhone options: Apple has been introducing more affordable iPhone options, such as the iPhone SE, which could appeal to price-sensitive Indian consumers.
These positive trends suggest that Apple is making efforts to increase its presence in the Indian market and make its devices more affordable for Indian consumers.
Conclusion
the phenomenon of iPhones being cheaper abroad than in India is a complex issue with multiple factors at play. Despite Apple’s efforts to reduce prices in India, the country’s customs duties, taxes, and retailer markups contribute to the higher cost of iPhones.
However, buying an iPhone abroad can be a cost-effective option, especially in countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, USA, and Canada, where prices are significantly lower. But it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as warranty issues, regional differences, and network compatibility.
The Indian market is growing, and Apple is expanding its manufacturing base in the country. While there’s no guarantee that iPhones will become significantly cheaper in India, there are signs of positive trends emerging. As the market continues to evolve, we may see more competitive pricing from Apple and other smartphone manufacturers.
