Traveling to US soon, should I pre-book 1 iPhone 6S in US or purchase it in Australia?

• 

  piglet1 on 13/09/2015 - 16:20

  +2

  Warranty wise, only valid in the country of purchase AFAIK. They used to be less strict many years ago (able to claim warranty for US-model iPhone 3GS, swapped in Chadstone).

  http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/products/ios-warranty-do…

  Also check if you're able to use 4G in Aus, i think they use a different bands there?

  • 

    Shadowsfury on 13/09/2015 - 18:04

    +1 was definitely an issue with previous phones (US version using different bands) but not sure if that's changed for the new one.

  • 

    Brendoo on 14/09/2015 - 10:53

    I agree with the comment about the radio. Make sure you fully check this out. iPhone models around the world have different radios inside depending on the frequencies used in different countries or regions. A US iPhone in the past definitely would not fully work in Australia.
    But, in saying that, when I watched the keynote, Tim Cook did specifically say that more radio bands have been added to the 6s than ever before to make it even better for global roaming. So there is a chance it will be 100% compatible, but I would be very careful and research this beforehand.
    And keep your eye on this Thursday. If the US Fed raises interest rates for the first time since the GFC, the Aussie dollar could drop swiftly even more. If your pre-order would be fully paid for and price locked in, then maybe it might be good to do it before Thu US time. But obviously hard to tell if they will raise rates or not. Many analysts are saying yes, but not all. You may even want to lock in some US dollars for your trip before Thu on a Qantas or other travel card. Might save yourself a few bucks, but it's speculation of course, and that's not really the topic here.

• 

  wavesgreen on 13/09/2015 - 17:09

  +1

  Don't forget to factor in sales tax if you purchase in the USA. If you purchase in Australia and claim the TRS refund, it works out cheaper.

• 

  RockyRaccoon on 13/09/2015 - 17:19

  +3

  If you are able to confirm delivery here before you go, its likely to be cheaper here

  IF…

  1. You are travelling with another person as you could claim back the GST on leaving. Given that the price is over $900 you may be liable for GST on reentry (although you are technically liable for GST on the OS bought phone). Travelling together with a family member gives you the ability to pool purchases.

  2. based on the 64GB phone $749 USD = around AUD $1100 after exchange

  3. Unless you purchase the phone in the US in a low or Tax free state you will have to pay US sales tax.If say its California then this will be 7-8% as a guide so you will be up to $A1180

  4. If you get the GST back your cost will only be AUD $1100

  The only real difference if you are ravelling on your own is that Customs will know you claimed back the GST on the phone leaving, so its going be be harder to hide whereas buying it OS means they are less likely to know

  http://www.wwcf.com.au/Duty-Free-Allowance discusses the allowance and pooling by family members

• 

  oscargamer on 13/09/2015 - 17:35

  -5

  save your money……..keep what you have

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  decryption on 14/09/2015 - 10:50

  It's cheaper to buy in Australia once you factor in sales tax, credit card surcharges (there's usually an extra 1% or so on international transactions) and exchange rate. Not to mention warranty and the TRS.

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  resisting the urge on 14/09/2015 - 11:40

  Factor in getting into customs area 4 hours early too- The TRS often has huge queues these days which serves only to prevent people claiming the tax back. 4 hours @ your hourly rate = not worth the bother, buy here and support the building of our Great Australian Bureaucracy(ies)!