SIM-free iPhones now available in the USA

snaver

If you want to buy a new iPhone and are planning a trip to the USA anytime soon, buy it there as Apple now offer SIM-free unlocked phones without a tariff. As long as the exchange rate is OK, they're substantially cheaper, even after adding the USA sales tax, which varies from place to place (10% in Alabama, 8.8% in NYC, 4.5% in Honolulu and 0% in Portland, Oregon).


Be sure to ask for the model A1586 gsm model, which is compatible with all UK networks. At the moment you'll save around £80 for an iPhone 6 16gb to £120 for a 6 plus 128gb. Remember also to use a Halifax Clarity card to pay, so you don't get charged extra fees.

tavernman

What about the 20% VAT and 2.5% Excise Duty?

Swipe

tavernman wrote: »

What about the 20% VAT and 2.5% Excise Duty?

Easily got around by posting your empty boxes home

enfield_freddy

but the phone is left hand drive ,:j and has the wrong charger

gjchester

tavernman wrote: »

What about the 20% VAT and 2.5% Excise Duty?

And warranty may require it to be returned to the USA if Apple so wish. You are unlikely to get it swapped if it has issues as simply as a normal "UK "model

Swipe wrote: »

Easily got around by posting your empty boxes home

Despite what people think if HMRC stop you it's down to you to prove you have paid the correct taxes not them to prove you have not.

If they stop as they believe you are evading taxes they will charge VAT and duty on the item regardless of boxes. What makes it worse is computers and electronics are often zero rated for duty but in the interests of simplification rather than have to calculate duty in every category of any items you have HMRC simply charge a blanket rate of ( I think) 12% duty on everything.

Yes it's a small risk but one to bear in mind.

Swipe

gjchester wrote: »

If they stop as they believe you are evading taxes they will charge VAT and duty on the item regardless of boxes.

If the phone is in your pocket and no there are no boxes for it in your luggage, why would they have reason to suspect that the device was purchased whilst abroad?

AJXX

Warranty will be a pain to sort out should it go wrong.

I know this as I used to work for an Apple authorised repairer, as soon as the serial number is entered and they go to setup a repair it'll flag up that it's a US model then you will either be told;

A) Sorry, it'll have to be repaired in the US (make your own arrangements to get it back over there)

OR - if the person serving you is nice enough

Okay, we can replace it but we have to order a like-for-like model which will take 7-10 days.

You're also NOT covered under the Sales of Goods act either, so any 2-6 year additional protection you'd usually get in the UK is also gone.

For the sake of 80 quid I'd rather just get a uk model.

gjchester

Swipe wrote: »

If the phone is in your pocket and no there are no boxes for it in your luggage, why would they have reason to suspect that the device was purchased whilst abroad?

Why do HMRC suspect anyone. Intelligence and people who are well trained to look for anyone acting unusual.

I didn't say it would happen only pointing out the often cited claim of no boxes so can't charge me duty is wrong.

barmonkey

Swipe wrote: »

If the phone is in your pocket and no there are no boxes for it in your luggage, why would they have reason to suspect that the device was purchased whilst abroad?

I know someone who's son lives in Florida and she flies out to see him 2 or 3 times a year, on one such visit her son was getting married so she borrowed a video camera to video the wedding,
On her way home she was stopped and they believed she had bought it there. In the end she had to come back home to Devon to get the recipe and return 2 days later to get the camera.

snaver

I was told about this by several members of Apple Store staff in London and it would be fully covered by Apple warranty. From what the saving disciples are saying, they're not as smart as they're reputed to be, it seems.

paddyrg

snaver wrote: »

I was told about this by several members of Apple Store staff in London and it would be fully covered by Apple warranty. From what the saving disciples are saying, they're not as smart as they're reputed to be, it seems.

I think Apple are one of the few companies that do offer worldwide protection, however the terms of that may not be equal according to where it's bought. They're certainly free to apply whatever constraints on those terms they like, as you've zero rights against them, only the retailer.

Also just be aware of the power brick (probably switched mode, but best check), and local sales tax (varies by state, can be ~6%, will not be down in the headline rate unlike vat which has to be included in the price you see), the savings are hardly overwhelming.

Beyond that, in terms of bang-for-buck, the technology is a very premium price but fairly mid-market technically. Not for me, but some people think it's worth the extra ~30% or so.