Is importing iPhone cheaper overall

[rjay100]

Want to buy sister her favourite gadget and try save a few cents:
iPhone 15 pro max = iStore R33500 @ 256gb
iPhone 15 pro max = US $1099 = R19000 @ 256gb

Anyone ever bought an iPhone/expensive electronic form the US/UK and had someone post it to SA? Any experience/tips/is it worth it or will I end up just paying the ridiculous R33k anyway when the extra costs are added?

 

[FiestaST]

Your direct conversion of USD to ZAR seems way off.



Then still add the (likely) sales tax on top.

 

[rjay100]

Yes I’m way off by R1600

 

[kory]

Want to buy sister her favourite gadget and try save a few cents:
iPhone 15 pro max = iStore R33500 @ 256gb
iPhone 15 pro max = US $1099 = R19000 @ 256gb

Anyone ever bought an iPhone/expensive electronic form the US/UK and had someone post it to SA? Any experience/tips/is it worth it or will I end up just paying the ridiculous R33k anyway when the extra costs are added?

Correct calculation for import. Istore usually gives free extended warranty right ? So it’s iPhone 15 pro max plus Apple care 2 years @$199 and sales tax average around $85 usd you are looking at 1450 usd as the cost from the states. Ie about 27000 usd. If you are mailing shipping direct then you have to add shipping cost and duties. If there are any saving it will be a couple of 1000s. A couple of 1000s is still savings so … you can go for it. The biggest challenge might be warranty claim in case of damage. While warranty claims for computers have been honoured locally, I have had warranty on AirPods not honoured locally. Explanation was part mismatch due to product not specified for market but this years ago and can be solved by insuring. The best way to save is if you are on holidays and bringing it in yourself or someone is bringing it for you.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

is that what a Kidney costs on the black market?

 

[bwana]

Correct calculation for import. Istore usually gives free extended warranty right ? So it’s iPhone 15 pro max plus Apple care 2 years @$199 and sales tax average around $85 usd you are looking at 1450 usd as the cost from the states. Ie about 27000 usd. If you are mailing shipping direct then you have to add shipping cost and duties. If there are any saving it will be a couple of 1000s. A couple of 1000s is still savings so … you can go for it. The biggest challenge might be warranty claim in case of damage. While warranty claims for computers have been honoured locally, I have had warranty on AirPods not honoured locally. Explanation was part mismatch due to product not specified for market but this years ago and can be solved by insuring. The best way to save is if you are on holidays and bringing it in yourself or someone is bringing it for you.

If you're going to include Apple Care then why not iCare Plus for iPhone which bring the warranty at least up to the same level in terms of screen replacements etc.

 

[Dave]

Want to buy sister her favourite gadget and try save a few cents:
iPhone 15 pro max = iStore R33500 @ 256gb
iPhone 15 pro max = US $1099 = R19000 @ 256gb

Anyone ever bought an iPhone/expensive electronic form the US/UK and had someone post it to SA? Any experience/tips/is it worth it or will I end up just paying the ridiculous R33k anyway when the extra costs are added?

If you're buying in the US are you comfortable with an eSIM only phone?

 

[rjay100]

If there are any saving it will be a couple of 1000s.

if I save less than R3000 then I’ll just buy locally. Anything more might be worth the import headache.

If you're buying in the US are you comfortable with an eSIM only phone?

Yes. I only ever change my sim when I lose it. And I already use eSIM tech when I travel out the country anyway

 

[kory]

If you're going to include Apple Care then why not iCare Plus for iPhone which bring the warranty at least up to the same level in terms of screen replacements etc.

View attachment 1591348

I think that’s what I included. For a while now Istore has added it for free when you buy or upgrade from them. I am not sure if there are going to maintain this with the 15 series. However, in the USA you still have to purchase it. I think incredible connection also adds in free warranty.

 

[bwana]

I think that’s what I included. For a while now Istore has added it for free when you buy or upgrade from them. I am not sure if there are going to maintain this with the 15 series. However, in the USA you still have to purchase it. I think incredible connection also adds in free warranty.

That screen shot was on their 15 page. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

iPhone 15

Buy the new & latest iPhone 15 from the iStore. iStore - The dedicated hub for all Apple products alongside the best Apple experience & exclusive services.

www.istore.co.za

 

[kory]

if I save less than R3000 then I’ll just buy locally. Anything more might be worth the import headache.

Yes. I only ever change my sim when I lose it. And I already use eSIM tech when I travel out the country anyway

You are playing with about 7000 difference overall between the USA and local prices. The black box here is how much is shipping and duties going to cost? I am a big fan of buying from the States but with the Apple products only if I can avoid shipping et al. Never worth it if you are shipping etc. the big advantage is Apple care from the states tend to be global but the local Istore etc versions only work in SA.

 

[rjay100]

The black box here is how much is shipping and duties going to cost?

Shoulda made this my post title. Coz no point in buying it in the US only to find that after the duties, I save R1200

 

[Pak Fa Fui]

Want to buy sister her favourite gadget and try save a few cents:
iPhone 15 pro max = iStore R33500 @ 256gb
iPhone 15 pro max = US $1099 = R19000 @ 256gb

Anyone ever bought an iPhone/expensive electronic form the US/UK and had someone post it to SA? Any experience/tips/is it worth it or will I end up just paying the ridiculous R33k anyway when the extra costs are added?

Is it really $1099 in the US

 

[bwana]

Is it really $1099 in the US

No - the base price for a 15 Pro Max is $1199.00, excluding sales tax which varies from state to state.

 

[rjay100]

Is it really $1099 in the US

 

[rjay100]

That was the final amount for me being in "Atlanta"

 

[Pho3nix]

That was the final amount for me being in "Atlanta"

You’ll let us know how shipping costs go.

 

[rjay100]

You’ll let us know how shipping costs go.

Still asking around in the US (and here - waiting for more enlightenment) for the tax, shipping costs
But for sure if I do pull the trigger, I'll share results

 

[Pho3nix]

Still asking around in the US (and here - waiting for more enlightenment) for the tax, shipping costs
But for sure if I do pull the trigger, I'll share results

MyUS is my usual US shipper. Maybe ask them on costs?

 

[SauRoNZA]

Just remember those prices are without tax.

So run all the way through your cart purchase to get the final amounts before you get too excited.

Then there’s the cost for MyUS or whoever.

And then there’s the 15% on 110% of the value.

Suddenly it might not seem so cheap any more. Cheaper…but not without hassles and risks.

If you find out the weight and dimensions I can give you a price from myUS into SA.

You’d also ship to Sarasota which is apparently tax free. I think federal tax not sales tax free.