U.S iPhone Questions - RE: BundleBox

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Willet

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#114605 25-Feb-2013 13:40

Hi guys,

long time stalker here,

I'm unsure if there is already a topic on this, I tired to have a quick look and couldn't find something, so here goes:

I'm interested in buying an iPhone, but being a fresh university graduate on a small salary, I really can't afford to pay NZ prices (I also refuse to be on a contract). About a year ago, for some reason (I really can't remember why I got it) I opened up a BundleBox account. This thing gives you a full US Address, a ZIP code and a phone number so you're able to make purchases only available in the US, which are then forwarded on to your NZ address.

Seems like it can't go wrong right? Have any of you gone through the same route? Can you guys see any problems that would arise? Would the original Apple purchase need a social security number or something that would prove to be a roadbump. My only concern is if I'm going to go through all this trouble, will the iPhone be able to work here? I'm hoping to get a 64GB iPhone 5.

And, ff it's already been worked out that it can't be done, if you could provide help with alternative, that'd be marvellous and greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Willy.

Willet

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#770364 26-Feb-2013 11:01

Also, just realised.. would there be a problem with warranty/replacement if I bought the iPhone overseas?

trig42

5814 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#770369 26-Feb-2013 11:09

Shouldn't be an issue with Warranty.

What price is the iPhone?

You would need to ensure it is the model that works on our networks - I believe there are a couple of models in the US (one that os for CDMA?)

You do realise you are likely to get hit with GST/Customs fees when it arrives at the border don't you? It's not like Customs will be unaware of the value of an iPhone and anything that attracts more than $40 GST should get picked up and held at the border until you pay it. $40 GST basically means anything over NZD350 in value. I think there is a customs handling fee to pay as well if they stop it at the border.

Willet

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#770374 26-Feb-2013 11:15

trig42: Shouldn't be an issue with Warranty.

What price is the iPhone?

You would need to ensure it is the model that works on our networks - I believe there are a couple of models in the US (one that os for CDMA?)

You do realise you are likely to get hit with GST/Customs fees when it arrives at the border don't you? It's not like Customs will be unaware of the value of an iPhone and anything that attracts more than $40 GST should get picked up and held at the border until you pay it. $40 GST basically means anything over NZD350 in value. I think there is a customs handling fee to pay as well if they stop it at the border.

Thanks for your response, man.

I'm assuming I won't be able to go on a U.S plan and get a cheaper phone. Surely there are legality issues there. So, I'd have to have it unlocked etc. which would make it $849 USD or 1013.25 NZD. That would mean I'd save $350 NZD on the phone itself. Then of course, there's the customs fees and the actual sending from BundleBox to me as another cost.. Could potentially end up being around the same cost?

Would you trust a site like this? http://www.mobicity.co.nz/apple-iphone-5-64gb.html

via that website - All Apple devices come with a standard Apple manufacturer's warranty, which is included in the standard purchase price.

Ideas?

Oriphix

523 posts

Ultimate Geek

#770419 26-Feb-2013 12:27

Does it need to be a iPhone 5?

I see iPhone 4 for around $600. Below is the link to compare the difference.

http://store.apple.com/nz/browse/home/shop_iphone/family/iphone/compare

Have a look to see if you really need the iPhone 5 for the features that it gives or you could do with an iPhone 4 as you might not really need the 8 mega pixel camera etc. Which in turn saves you money.

Up to you :)

Willet

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#770426 26-Feb-2013 12:37

Oriphix: Does it need to be a iPhone 5?

I see iPhone 4 for around $600. Below is the link to compare the difference.

http://store.apple.com/nz/browse/home/shop_iphone/family/iphone/compare

Have a look to see if you really need the iPhone 5 for the features that it gives or you could do with an iPhone 4 as you might not really need the 8 mega pixel camera etc. Which in turn saves you money.

Up to you :)

Hmmm. The reason I want an iPhone 5 is because I hate the idea of buying something and it becoming obsolete very quickly. I have to save up a long time to buy something like this, so I want it to last me a while and for it not to be useless in a year or two. That's why I want a 5. Also, recently, my car got broken into and my iPod got stolen, so I'm wanting the iPhone I get to be 64GB so I can store some of my music and two-birds-one-stone it.

Thank you for your response though, but yeah.. I would like to get a 5.

dickytim

2514 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#770427 26-Feb-2013 12:39

A couple of things you have not considered.

You have not included the tax in the USA, depending on where your address is in there will depend on the tax rate, if it is California add 7.5% = $912.68 USD then add shipping to NZ??? $100 USD ??? = $1,012.68 USD then add GST in NZ = $1,179.60 USD or around $1377.00
If you pay by credit card then add another 2.5% foreign transactions fee so $1,411.43

I am sorry to say but it is not cheaper to buy the iphone in USA and ship it to NZ

If you are over there it can work out around $200 if you don't have to pay GST on the way home and don't need to pay freight.

To get the phone for $399 you have to buy on a contract with the carrier for 2 years, i.e. hold a phone account with them and pay a monthly fee plus calls also the phone is locked to that network.

Oriphix

523 posts

Ultimate Geek

#770429 26-Feb-2013 12:41

Okay here is the best deal I can find saving you around $200 iPhone 5 64GB

http://www.mobicity.co.nz/apple-iphone-5-64gb.html

Cheaper then the prices on pricespy as well.