Buying an iphone in China

Forums › Apple iOS and devices › Buying an iphone in China

Samslyf3

45 posts

Geek

#73814 22-Dec-2010 23:07

Hi i just wanted to ask about the disadvantages of buying an iphone 4 in China rather than in New Zealand as I am considering to replace my old phone.

Thanks in advance

tomgeeknz

923 posts

Ultimate Geek

#420735 22-Dec-2010 23:37

Not factory unlocked, will require a blockable software unlock that could leave your phone useless outside of China. No warranty support outside of country of origin. Chinese iPhbes may have other Chinese government limItations that apple was forced to implement.

Buy NZ New is the best and safest bet.

Samslyf3

45 posts

Geek

#420749 23-Dec-2010 00:06

I thought Apple's warranty was global?

I was planning to buy an iphone in New Zealand before i go on Holiday in China on 1/01 but apparently they are strict on apple products and by law will charge 1000rmb or so when you enter China. Also I'll be visiting Hong Kong and returning back to China thus another 1000rmb =_=" .. .Some people have made it passed the borders without having to pay tax but some were forced to pay tax even after declaration, so i thought it would be wise to buy iphone 4 in China and save 200NZD.

But after hearing the limitations set by the government would you possibly know any alterations to the iphone 4?
And i thought China had both locked and unlocked iphones?

Thankks

marmel

1924 posts

Uber Geek

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#420764 23-Dec-2010 02:21

I can't see how you could be charged for entering China with a phone? Sure if it is still in the box wrapped up they may charge import tax.

Are you saying anyone who wants to enter China with an iphone is going to get charged some sought of "Apple" tax??

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#420766 23-Dec-2010 04:16

There is a good chance it will be a fake

This question has been asked before about 20+ times and its always the same answers

corksta

2397 posts

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#420772 23-Dec-2010 06:08

Warranty for iPhone is country-specific.

Don't they have the Wi-Fi disabled on them? I'm sure I read that somewhere (don't have time to double check right now).

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#420784 23-Dec-2010 07:38

As JohnR said, the chances of you buying a fake would be great. No warranty outside the country of origin. Locked.

khull

1245 posts

Uber Geek

#421073 23-Dec-2010 18:42

you are better off getting it from Hong Kong - China iPhones have wifi disabled and are locked

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Samslyf3

45 posts

Geek

#421455 25-Dec-2010 01:31

Ahh guess i made up my mind getting an iphone 4 in New Zealand

Thanks guys and yea i was going to buy from Hong Kong but its currently demand>stock so its pretty hard to get one.. and China now allows iphone 4's to have wifi enabled (first ever wifi phone in China). + the tax is Chinas new law...