What are the benefits of buying an iPhone in Japan?

回答於 : 2024-07-12

參考資料

iPhone from Japan? : r/apple - Reddit

reddit.com

iPhoneをネット購入するメリット・注意点を解説！おすすめ ...

xmobile.ne.jp

Is it cheaper to buy iPhone in Japan? - Quora

quora.com

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答案

完善答案

Buying an iPhone in Japan comes with several potential benefits, which can be categorized into price advantages, purchasing options, and specific features related to local policies. Here is a comprehensive overview:

### Price Advantages

- **Lower Prices**: iPhones tend to be cheaper in Japan due to specific tax policies, lower import duties, and favorable exchange rates[3][13]. This makes the overall cost of purchasing an iPhone in Japan lower compared to several other countries.

- **Tax-Free Shopping**: As a tourist, you can benefit from tax-free shopping, which can further reduce the cost of your purchase by about 10%[1].

### Purchasing Options

- **Apple Official Store**: Purchasing from the Apple Store (both physical and online) in Japan has several benefits:

- Generally cheaper than carrier prices[6].

- Availability of 0% interest installment plans, allowing you to spread the cost without additional financial burden[6].

- Access to official support and services, giving you peace of mind regarding after-sales service[2].

- **Wide Availability**: iPhones can be purchased from various sources including carrier shops, MVNOs, electronics stores, and even second-hand shops, providing you with multiple options to suit your needs and budget[4][6].

### Specific Features and Policies

- **Japanese Model Specifics**: There are some peculiarities with Japanese models:

- **Mandatory Shutter Sound**: Japanese iPhones have a non-disablable shutter sound due to local privacy laws[7].

- **Warranty Limitations**: The warranty for iPhones purchased in Japan is typically only valid within the country, which might be a consideration if you live elsewhere[7].

### Additional Considerations

- **Local Support and Popularity**: iPhones are extremely popular in Japan, with a market share exceeding 60%[4]. This means robust local support and a higher likelihood of finding accessories and getting help from other users.

- **Special Offers by Carriers**: Sometimes, carriers might have special offers or discounts if you switch from another carrier (MNP - Mobile Number Portability), although these may still be higher than the Apple Store prices[6].

In summary, buying an iPhone in Japan can be financially advantageous due to tax and price benefits, and the diverse purchasing options add flexibility. However, it's important to consider the local model specifics and warranty limitations.