Advice needed - purchasing iPhone from US

Craze on 02/10/2020 - 11:31
Last edited 03/10/2020 - 12:31

Hi fellow OzBargainers,

Hoping to tap into the wisdom of the community. I have a friend currently in the US finishing up a short term work assignment and returning to Singapore in about 3 weeks. My dad has been in need of a phone upgrade for a while now. Is it a good idea to purchase the iPhone SE from US for my friend to bring back to SG (my dad's also located there)? The 128GB model is USD449 on US Apple Store which is approx AUD 660 (Forex plus CC rates, I'll use my 28 degrees for the purchase) considering it'll be a while before borders open up for international travel.

Any other suggestions are welcomed!

Mobile

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 02/10/2020 - 11:40
    +14

    Advise needed

    C'mon ozbargain. I thought we had this sorted by now.

    There should be a warning before posting with this word in the title…

    DID YOU MEAN ADVICE?
    • Seraphin7 on 02/10/2020 - 11:49
      +4

      Needs the advise to avoid loosing money.

      • thatonethere on 02/10/2020 - 11:51
        +1

        get more from the atm machine…

      • bdl on 02/10/2020 - 12:13

        Well, you wouldn't want too ask for advise after you brought the handset on Vodaphone, right?

  • ThithLord on 02/10/2020 - 11:52

    $449 doesn't include sales tax, FYI.

    • Drakesy on 02/10/2020 - 12:08
      -2

      but you'll probably get it back at the tax refund office.

      • ThithLord on 02/10/2020 - 12:41

        Does the US offer that?

        • Drakesy on 02/10/2020 - 12:44
          +2

          you're right!

          Yet another reason not to travel to America it seems.
          Would almost be better buying here then claiming when you leave the country.

  • brokenglish on 02/10/2020 - 11:56
    +1

    Is it a good idea to purchase the iPhone SE from US

    It's cheaper so why not. Why don't you tell us why is it not a good idea?
    To avoid paying high value goods tax at Customs in SG/AU, the phone may need to be removed from the box and setup properly as to appear being used.
    Just don't bring the virus from the US.

  • DannyC on 02/10/2020 - 12:07

    Is it a good idea to purchase the iPhone SE from US for my friend to bring back to SG (my dad's also located there)?

    My advice is don't bother, unless the savings is substantial. You're not saving much from what you've said in your post OP after all the conversions and taxes and the hassle of bringing it overseas, the 128gb model is like $719 SG dollars if you want to pay full retail in SG… so might as well go local n find a deal. Warranty also may be an issue, they can service it but the warranty offers are ONLY covered in the country of original purchase, excepting limited warranties within the EU single market area.

    Another thing to note is compatibility with SG networks:
    - All 3 telcos in SG are using both Band 3 and 7 on the iPhone, and with only Singtel using an additional Band 8.
    So Singtel is using 3 LTE Bands: 3, 7 and 8, while M1 and Starhub is just Bands 3 & 7
    You can find and compare models from SG and US and very likely compatible. Just make sure it is a carrier unlocked iPhone.

  • this is us on 02/10/2020 - 12:14

    My piece of advice:
    buy from Apple SG or somewhere else in Singapore.

    It's S$719.00 (AUD 734). The price difference is not worth the concerns.

  • bargainr on 02/10/2020 - 12:19
    +6

    Advice. Don't.

    The US doesn't let you claim back sales tax on departure. All US prices are ex sales tax.

    iPhones operate on different frequency bands and there are multiple models in the US. Technically you'll get one that is not the right model, not certified for Singapore, and not covered by warranty.

    Apple has all these sub models by country that no one ever pays attention to until they realize too late that they didn't get a bargain.

    See here

    https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/

    • crentist on 02/10/2020 - 13:15

      Yep gotta watch the frequencies. It varies by model and manufacturer, some phones have many regional variants.

      Apple is better than most in this area, especially with the Pro models which have have 3 variants.
      Problem is the variants are USA, China, and Everywhere Else.
      So definitely avoid a US iPhone if you live anywhere else.

      If it really seems like an amazing deal, maybe. I used to have a US iphone and it was fine except no B28.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2020 - 14:04
    +2

    Please note, that by purchasing an overseas model of any Apple product, you will only receive 1 year Apple warranty, and will not have any Australian Consumer Law rights or recourse if anything goes wrong.

    For that reason alone I wouldn't do it.

  • whooah1979 on 02/10/2020 - 14:15

    Buy it in a tax free state like Oregon.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2020 - 14:56

    Deport Deport Deport heh

  • OzHunterNSW on 03/10/2020 - 10:40

    Don't they sell phones in Singapore ?
    Ask whether Singapore sells phones, bc if they do, you get the warranty and a phone specifically for that region.
    I am sure Singapore does sell phone, but I could be wrong… how advanced is the country?

  • Craze on 03/10/2020 - 12:35

    Thanks all, appreciate the feedback (also take it on the chin with the spelling mistake!)

    Years ago my mom was given a hand me down iPhone from US which she's used it without issues so didn't think it would now. Have considered warranty issues but was going to take a chance given purchasing brand new rather than second hand/refurbished.

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