Buying an iPhone abroad: what should you watch out for?

Buying an Apple iPhone abroad can be either a bargain or a disaster. In this article, we explain what you should pay attention to.

Apple iPhone: bargains abroad?

If you want to buy the current Apple iPhone in Germany, you usually have to put around 1000 euros on the table. Abroad, on the other hand, there are often cheaper offers: a different price calculation, a weaker currency and many other aspects make a lower purchase price possible. However, you should not pull out your credit card too quickly and buy an offer.

Buying an iPhone abroad: You have to be aware of this

• EU: Compare all international (!) Market prices for the iPhone model. You will find that the price of an iPhone is almost identical within the European currency area. With small deviations you save up to 100 euros depending on the model.
• Lock: Above all, make sure that the iPhone has no Net or Simlock. In the worst case, you cannot use it in Germany.
• Additional costs: Keep in mind that you won't pay the price displayed when ordering online. This is because shipping and, in some cases, transaction costs are often charged, which can be very extensive.
• Bargain: The pure purchase price for the iPhone is lowest in the US and Canada, among others. However, in addition to VAT, there is also a percentage duty for imports from non-EU countries.
• Model differences: The current iPhone models in particular differ in that they support different LTE frequencies.
• Warranty with a hook: Apple grants a warranty for every iPhone worldwide. It doesn't matter in which country you bought the model. However, you are not entitled to a German replacement device for a foreign model. For example, Apple only exchanges defective US devices for a US model.
• For foreign brands, e.g. For example, from Asia, you may not be able to turn off the shutter sound on the camera. Even if the iPhone's sound is turned off, it still clicks. This is because z. For example, the Japanese government has passed a law that requires manufacturers that the sound cannot be turned off. This is how the government wants to act against secret recordings.

Saving tip: If you buy your new iPhone, you can also trade in the old iPhone model from Apple.