Apple IPhone 11 Pro in Japan

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Chicknsoup

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Wannabe Geek

#257397 30-Sep-2019 23:16

Hi all,

Sorry if this is a newbie question.

I’m thinking about getting the 11 pro from the Apple Store in japan as it is significantly cheaper than NZ (the rrp and with the tourist refund scheme). As it’s from the Apple store, can I assume it’s unlocked and it will be ok for use in NZ? I know about the camera sound, is there anything else that’s different? Would you guys buy an iPhone overseas or is it too much of a hassle in the long run ie. repairs, warranties etc.

Thanks all

Linux

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#2327373 1-Oct-2019 06:12

This is not a good idea!

The handset will most likely be SIM locked but you will need to check with the retailer you are purchasing the iPhone from and next you will need to pay tax on the handset when coming back into New Zealand

I'm sure someone else can point out more reasons not to!

nathan

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#2327374 1-Oct-2019 06:38

If you know the model # you can check the radio specs. My guess is it will work fine.
Apple do sell unlocked SIM free

No, you don’t need to pay tax on a used, personal item when crossing the border.

Your warranty should be WW

Linux

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#2327377 1-Oct-2019 06:48

Are you sure about the Tax on a used item? If I remember correctly I thought it was on all items purchased overseas for that trip

Linux

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#2327378 1-Oct-2019 06:59

I looked at the cost of iPhones in Japan on a trip a few years back and it was more expensive but cheaper SIM locked on a contract term

Brumfondl

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#2327386 1-Oct-2019 07:46

nathan: If you know the model # you can check the radio specs. My guess is it will work fine.
Apple do sell unlocked SIM free

No, you don’t need to pay tax on a used, personal item when crossing the border.

Your warranty should be WW

Warranty is not necessarily world-wide. Some models can only be serviced in certain countries. It is not as restrictive as with cellular Apple Watches but still not guaranteed that it could be repaired in New Zealand. You also lose out on the CGA so even if it could be serviced you would probably have to pay after a year.

BlinkyBill

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#2327391 1-Oct-2019 07:57

Bought an XS in Kyoto Apple Store 12 months ago. Not sim-locked, instant tourist refund, confirmed world-wide warranty, works perfectly in NZ; a bit cheaper than here (about 15%). Got an iPad Pro at the same time, same deal.

Absolutely no reason not to do it if you happen to be in Japan.

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Linux

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#2327392 1-Oct-2019 07:59

BlinkyBill:

Bought an XS in Kyoto Apple Store 12 months ago. Not sim-locked, instant tourist refund, confirmed world-wide warranty, works perfectly in NZ; a bit cheaper than here (about 15%). Got an iPad Pro at the same time, same deal.

Absolutely no reason not to do it if you happen to be in Japan.

@BlinkyBill Did you pay the tax when returning to NZ?

BlinkyBill

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#2327409 1-Oct-2019 08:38

Linux:

BlinkyBill:

Bought an XS in Kyoto Apple Store 12 months ago. Not sim-locked, instant tourist refund, confirmed world-wide warranty, works perfectly in NZ; a bit cheaper than here (about 15%). Got an iPad Pro at the same time, same deal.

Absolutely no reason not to do it if you happen to be in Japan.

@BlinkyBill Did you pay the tax when returning to NZ?

Of course not, why would I? To be clear, I had unboxed and was using both items.

Linux

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#2327413 1-Oct-2019 08:50

BlinkyBill:

Linux:

BlinkyBill:

Bought an XS in Kyoto Apple Store 12 months ago. Not sim-locked, instant tourist refund, confirmed world-wide warranty, works perfectly in NZ; a bit cheaper than here (about 15%). Got an iPad Pro at the same time, same deal.

Absolutely no reason not to do it if you happen to be in Japan.

@BlinkyBill Did you pay the tax when returning to NZ?

Of course not, why would I? To be clear, I had unboxed and was using both items.

@BlinkyBill Just cause the items are unboxed and you are using them means nothing you are still meant to declare the items

BlinkyBill

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#2327446 1-Oct-2019 09:35

Linux, you aren’t telling me anything I don’t know. But I assure you, no one declares foreign-purchased items they have used. I travel a fair bit and I always buy my laptops, phones, iPads, headphones, watches etc overseas, so as to evade GST here. Yes, it is tax evasion.

Chicknsoup

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#2327470 1-Oct-2019 09:53

BlinkyBill:
Linux, you aren’t telling me anything I don’t know. But I assure you, no one declares foreign-purchased items they have used. I travel a fair bit and I always buy my laptops, phones, iPads, headphones, watches etc overseas, so as to evade GST here. Yes, it is tax evasion.

I do this sometimes as well and have not been charged GST yet. I guess they are looking for people who are buying and wanting to sell in NZ perhaps? Question about the iPhone you got in Kyoto - is the shutter really that loud? Or is it bearable? @blinkybill

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BlinkyBill

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#2327536 1-Oct-2019 10:55

I have no idea about the shutter sound being different, I barely notice the shutter sound. I think the issue is - there is no way to shut off the shutter noise for a Japanese iPhone. I speculate that the shutter noise is the same, but can’t be turned off.

Personally I don’t find the shutter noise intrusive.