Buying an ipad in the USA

researcher

We are going to be in California over Xmas/New Year. What are the advantages/disadvantages of purchasing an ipad while we are there? I know we would save some money - but is it worth it?

busenbust

I suppose the warranty might be an issue?? whether it's valid in UK too?

busenbust

certainly the exchange rate is in your favor

scottishblondie

Apple warranty is valid world wide, they don't care where you use it. If you want one save yourself some money and buy it over there

Chorlie

I bought mine this summer while I was in the USA.

No problem at all, it works well; I bought a 32GB 3G.

Couple of things to bear in mind, import duty; you might have to pay when you declare it coming back into the UK.

The US Tax when you buy it, each state sets there own Tax, I bought mine in a state without Tax so I paid the ticket price at the Apple store, so it will be cheaper but might not be the price on the US Apple site.

googler

You'll get a 110v mains charger as opposed to a 240v, and will need to get the 240v elsewhere....

If it's still in the packaging, it'll raise eyebrows if customs look, and will generate import duty AND VAT, which will then be at the new 20% rate.

inmypocketnottheirs

Send the packaging back via surface mail.

diable

googler wrote: »

You'll get a 110v mains charger as opposed to a 240v, and will need to get the 240v elsewhere....

If it's still in the packaging, it'll raise eyebrows if customs look, and will generate import duty AND VAT, which will then be at the new 20% rate.

I think all of Apple's power adapters are now dual voltage the only thing that may need changing is the plug adapter on the power supply which can be bought on Ebay for a few £'s as this is what my son did when he bought a Mac whilst working in the US.

Chimpofdoom

Nothing, but if you want to save cash on import duty, either ditch the packaging or send it back via snail mail.

Buy an ipad case so you can keep it protected on the return leg.

As mentioned above, you can get a power supply from ebay or from Apple stores. Not sure about the warranty, think it only applies if you take out Applecare? I could be wrong!