The cost of the new iPhone 7 is significantly more expensive compared to the US. Reasons for this difference in pricing range from export/import costs, tax and fees imposed by the countries respective governments.
In countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines, where the iPhone 7 has yet to be officially launched, Apple enthusiasts have resorted to getting the phone from abroad in the hope of being one of the first to own the phone. Unauthorized retailers are purchasing this latest model from countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, where it has been officially launched. The phones are then re-sold in their respective countries at higher prices, which can go up by 14% in Vietnam and by 49% in Thailand (refer to infographics).
(128 GB) in SouthEast Asia:
Plus made available since 16 September, Singaporeans has been coming in large
groups excited to get their hands on the new Apple phone. However, as the first
country in Asia to receive the new smartphone, many non-Singaporeans were at
the line as well with people coming as far as from India and Vietnam.
Singapore’s Apple.com also had limit the number of buyers to two iPhone 7 and
two iPhone 7 Plus per customer, as many are looking to own or resell it.
Comparing with other South East Asian countries, Singaporeans were the first
and easiest ones to obtain the new iPhones due to its early availability and
the appreciation of the SGD as compared with USD. At its price announcement,
Singtel offered the new iPhone at the lowest price point, just SG$27.90 monthly
plan (plus SG$698 handset cost), while M1 offered the highest data allowance of
13GB on its top-tier plans.
Sources:
1. http://www.apple.com/
2. http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living
3. http://www.tradingeconomics.com/
4. http://ictnews.vn/
5. http://www.lazada.com/
6. http://www.11street.com/
7. http://www.JD.com/
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