How Indians Save Thousands on iPhones by Shopping Abroad!
Ankita Rai | Tue, 11 Mar 2025
With Holi around the corner, gifting an iPhone can be a thoughtful and exciting choice. However, given the high prices in India, many savvy shoppers prefer buying iPhones from countries where they are significantly cheaper. Factors like lower taxes, favorable exchange rates, and competitive markets contribute to reduced prices in places like the U.S., UAE, Hong Kong, Japan, and Canada. This guide explores why these countries offer better deals and key considerations before making an international purchase, ensuring you get the best value without unnecessary expenses.
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With the colorful celebration of Holi around the corner, everyone is thinking about the ideal gift to mark this festive season. An iPhone, with its stylish look and cutting-edge features, makes for a great gift. But the exorbitant price of iPhones in India may be out of reach for some. Thankfully, there are nations where buying an iPhone can be more affordable, and you can enjoy the pleasure of gifting along with substantial savings.

Indians possess a long-standing reputation for being thrifty savers. This is a carryover into the shopping process, where consumers are always searching for the best possible bargains and good value for their money. The dramatic difference in price of iPhones between countries offers intelligent consumers the chance to secure these phones at lower prices.
Factors Determining

A number of factors account for the difference in iPhone prices worldwide:
Taxes and import duties vary from country to country, impacting the final price of electronic devices.
Changes in the value of currencies can reduce the price of iPhones in some regions or increase them.
Demand and competition can reduce prices in certain markets.

According to available data, the following are five nations where iPhones are cheaper than in India:
The U.S. has some of the cheapest prices for iPhones, thanks mainly to lower taxes and competition. Apple products are priced more competitively here because of direct sales and state-dependent taxation laws. Some states do not even have a sales tax, which makes them even cheaper.
The absence of a Value-Added Tax (VAT) for international travelers and lower overall taxation policies make the UAE one of the best places to buy iPhones at reduced rates. Many tourists take advantage of Dubai’s duty-free stores to grab great deals on the latest Apple devices.
Hong Kong's free-market economy and absence of sales tax mean that iPhone prices are kept low. There are no other levies or import duties to be paid, so Apple items tend to be cheaper than in India. It's also a hot destination for technology shopping.
In spite of having a consumption tax, Japan is still one of the most affordable locations to purchase an iPhone, following aggressive pricing and beneficial exchange rates. Apple fans tend to favor Japan as a shopping option because it has a well-regulated electronics market.
Canada's slightly lower sales tax and periodic promotional price cuts make it an ideal place to purchase iPhones. The tax system and currency exchange rates in the country often favor overseas shoppers, and deals are more favorable than in India.

Though the potential to save money is alluring, one must keep in mind the following factors:
Warranties issued overseas might not be honored in India, which could result in difficulty in after-sales support.
Check that the iPhone model is compatible with the frequency bands employed by Indian telecom providers.
Importing electronics into India could incur customs duties. It is important to be aware of allowances and possible charges to prevent unforeseen costs.
Exchange rates may fluctuate, impacting the amount paid at the end. Keeping track of these rates can assist in making a well-informed choice.
In case international travel is not possible, the following alternatives can be considered:
Duty-free shops in airports usually have electronics available at tax-free rates. But availability and choice might be limited.
Certain online stores ship worldwide and can provide discounts on iPhones.
By buying an iPhone from either of these nations or looking at alternative choices, you can have the best of two worlds—proudly owning the new Apple device and also being prudent about your finances. With Holi around the corner, this can be just the right idea to spread smiles across your family and friends without emptying your pocket.
The Indian Preference for Savings
saving money
( Image credit : Pixabay )
Indians possess a long-standing reputation for being thrifty savers. This is a carryover into the shopping process, where consumers are always searching for the best possible bargains and good value for their money. The dramatic difference in price of iPhones between countries offers intelligent consumers the chance to secure these phones at lower prices.
Factors Determining iPhone Prices
i Phone
( Image credit : Pixabay )
A number of factors account for the difference in iPhone prices worldwide:
Taxes and Import Duties:
Currency Exchange Rates:
Market Demand and Competition:
Top 5 Countries to Buy Cheaper iPhones
buy cheapest i Phone
( Image credit : Pexels )
According to available data, the following are five nations where iPhones are cheaper than in India:
United States
The U.S. has some of the cheapest prices for iPhones, thanks mainly to lower taxes and competition. Apple products are priced more competitively here because of direct sales and state-dependent taxation laws. Some states do not even have a sales tax, which makes them even cheaper.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The absence of a Value-Added Tax (VAT) for international travelers and lower overall taxation policies make the UAE one of the best places to buy iPhones at reduced rates. Many tourists take advantage of Dubai’s duty-free stores to grab great deals on the latest Apple devices.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong's free-market economy and absence of sales tax mean that iPhone prices are kept low. There are no other levies or import duties to be paid, so Apple items tend to be cheaper than in India. It's also a hot destination for technology shopping.
Japan
In spite of having a consumption tax, Japan is still one of the most affordable locations to purchase an iPhone, following aggressive pricing and beneficial exchange rates. Apple fans tend to favor Japan as a shopping option because it has a well-regulated electronics market.
Canada
Canada's slightly lower sales tax and periodic promotional price cuts make it an ideal place to purchase iPhones. The tax system and currency exchange rates in the country often favor overseas shoppers, and deals are more favorable than in India.
Factors Before Buying Overseas
making smart purchase
( Image credit : Pexels )
Though the potential to save money is alluring, one must keep in mind the following factors:
Warranty and Service Support:
Network Compatibility:
Customs Duties:
Currency Fluctuations:
Alternative Options
i Phone
( Image credit : Pexels )
Duty-Free Shops:
International E-Commerce Platforms:
By buying an iPhone from either of these nations or looking at alternative choices, you can have the best of two worlds—proudly owning the new Apple device and also being prudent about your finances. With Holi around the corner, this can be just the right idea to spread smiles across your family and friends without emptying your pocket.