Macbook Air BTO + iPhone 4 in Singapore

s2dio · Oct 28, 2010

Hi, guys!

I really hope you could help me with an advice on this one..

I will be traveling to Singapore from Europe for a business trip in late November, and I would really like to get myself a MAX stuffed Macbook Air 13" (2.13, 256 GB, 4GB RAM) and an iPhone 4.

I've searched the apple.com/sg for the local retailers and found a few authorised reseller shops (Apple Shop sections, located in large electronics stores).

links:
http://www.apple.com/sg/reseller/appleshop/
http://www.apple.com/sg/reseller/appleshop/list.php

It seems I've got the following options:
- arrive and go check the stores for the MBA and an iPhone is stock
- contact the stores in advance to ask whether they have the products and reserve/order them if possible
- use the Apple Online Store Singapore

I have already contacted "Best Denki" store and the manager replied that they do not carry iPhones in their stores at all (so it probably leaves me with the Apple Online Store, because I do not want to buy it with a contract - I'm leaving Singapore early in December and going back to Europe).
As for Macbook Air - he said that the BTO option takes about 2 weeks to deliver and may be delayed, and a 15% payment required in advance. (the price is the same as in the Apple Online Store, so I guess they are ordering there themselves)

So my question is: is there a retail store in Singapore where I could buy a maximum equipped Macbook Air and an iPhone 4?

Or will I be able to order the products via Apple Online Store Singapore with my international VISA card and have the products delivered to my hotel, where I'll be staying? (however, they say "We are unable to accept credit cards issued by banks outside of Singapore." But I guess I could give it a try)

feipor · Oct 28, 2010

Apple Premium Reseller

http://www.apple.com/sg/reseller/apr/list.php

Why don't you try epicentre, they're big and many people have bought stuff from them. I have.

http://www.epicentreorchard.com/contact.html

s2dio · Oct 28, 2010

feipor said:
http://www.apple.com/sg/reseller/apr/list.php

Why don't you try epicentre, they're big and many people have bought stuff from them. I have.

http://www.epicentreorchard.com/contact.html

Oh, thank you. I'll try to contact them. But could you please tell what actually have you bought from them? Macbook air (which specs?) or an iPhone? Are you aware if they have the iPhones in stock, contract-free? (because they mention the SingTel carrier plans on their website, and not a single word about the full, contract-free pricing)

Cerano · Oct 28, 2010

s2dio said:
Hi, guys!

I really hope you could help me with an advice on this one..

I will be traveling to Singapore from Europe for a business trip in late November, and I would really like to get myself a MAX stuffed Macbook Air 13" (2.13, 256 GB, 4GB RAM) and an iPhone 4.

I've searched the apple.com/sg for the local retailers and found a few authorised reseller shops (Apple Shop sections, located in large electronics stores).

links:
http://www.apple.com/sg/reseller/appleshop/
http://www.apple.com/sg/reseller/appleshop/list.php

It seems I've got the following options:
- arrive and go check the stores for the MBA and an iPhone is stock
- contact the stores in advance to ask whether they have the products and reserve/order them if possible
- use the Apple Online Store Singapore

I have already contacted "Best Denki" store and the manager replied that they do not carry iPhones in their stores at all (so it probably leaves me with the Apple Online Store, because I do not want to buy it with a contract - I'm leaving Singapore early in December and going back to Europe).
As for Macbook Air - he said that the BTO option takes about 2 weeks to deliver and may be delayed, and a 15% payment required in advance. (the price is the same as in the Apple Online Store, so I guess they are ordering there themselves)

So my question is: is there a retail store in Singapore where I could buy a maximum equipped Macbook Air and an iPhone 4?

Or will I be able to order the products via Apple Online Store Singapore with my international VISA card and have the products delivered to my hotel, where I'll be staying? (however, they say "We are unable to accept credit cards issued by banks outside of Singapore." But I guess I could give it a try)

Hey mate

I live in Singapore so please tell me if you need any help

but to be honest the same set costs more here than in the US you know that right.

I have checked almost all the stores here and none of them have macbook airs in stock yet because im waiting for my own.

From my understanding even for previous models, they only stock the lower versions they dont do customs so if you want a custom from here its definitely the apple online store in singapore.

Cerano · Oct 28, 2010

s2dio said:
Oh, thank you. I'll try to contact them. But could you please tell what actually have you bought from them? Macbook air (which specs?) or an iPhone? Are you aware if they have the iPhones in stock, contract-free? (because they mention the SingTel carrier plans on their website, and not a single word about the full, contract-free pricing)

Iphones are sold contract free by Singtel,Starhub and M1. Someone told me that they retail at $888 SGD each same as the online apple store.

However, getting stock of an Iphone 4 can be quite tricky as the waiting list can stretch for weeks

Cerano · Oct 28, 2010

maybe you can contact me at vagpwner@gmail.com

should be able to help you order a MBA before you arrive here.

s2dio · Oct 28, 2010

Cerano said:
Iphones are sold contract free by Singtel,Starhub and M1. Someone told me that they retail at $888 SGD each same as the online apple store.

However, getting stock of an Iphone 4 can be quite tricky as the waiting list can stretch for weeks

Thanks for the info, Cerano! It's great to get the info from a local person, like you.

You see, I will be in Singapore from November 28th till December 2nd, and it's precisely a month from now. So the order from the Apple Online Store could make it in time.. but could also be delayed and I will be unable to collect it

So the safest option is to walk in the store and buy the stuff right away. But the problem is that there could still be waiting lists and for the iPhone and no MBA's (high-end) in stock.

I've written an email to Epicentre and am waiting for their reply.

I'm still concerned about Apple Online Store - could I pay with international VISA and get the items shipped to my hotel?

P.S. I know that USA has the most attractive pricing, but I come from Europe and our iPhone 4 16gb costs about a 1000 US dollars (while still being carrier-locked) and the high-end MBA costs about 2650 US dollars. So it will be a great deal to get them in Singapore.

eron · Oct 28, 2010

It's probably easy to get the iphone 4 in many stores in Singapore.

The tricky bit is the BTO MBA.

The best way will be to get it through the Apple Online Store for both, about 3 weeks before you arrive, and have them sent to an address. Retailers might have delays with BTOs.

Then check out the Tourist Refund Scheme, you should be eligible for the GST refund on both items.

--
Call your hotel to check if it's alright. Contact Apple to see if it's alright. Check if you can get your GST refunded as well.

s2dio · Oct 28, 2010

eron said:
It's probably easy to get the iphone 4 in many stores in Singapore.

The tricky bit is the BTO MBA.

The best way will be to get it through the Apple Online Store for both, about 3 weeks before you arrive, and have them sent to an address. Retailers might have delays with BTOs.

Then check out the Tourist Refund Scheme, you should be eligible for the GST refund on both items.

--
Call your hotel to check if it's alright. Contact Apple to see if it's alright. Check if you can get your GST refunded as well.

Thanks eron, nice details. And getting a GST refund sounds sweet. I've searched apple's website and couldn't find an email address where to send the question.. only telephone numbers. Maybe you could help me find it, if you're comfortable with it?

natalie1981 · Oct 28, 2010

Yes you can use your Visa card to purchase from the Apple online store. Last August when I visited Singapore, iPhone 4s are not in stock and even one carrier, M1, are buying iPhone 4s from those willing to sell theirs and selling it a very high premium. Your best bet is just to order from the Apple Online store but the question is, would your hotel accept the delivery? There's a chance that it might get lost.

Cerano · Oct 28, 2010

natalie1981 said:
Yes you can use your Visa card to purchase from the Apple online store. Last August when I visited Singapore, iPhone 4s are not in stock and even one carrier, M1, are buying iPhone 4s from those willing to sell theirs and selling it a very high premium. Your best bet is just to order from the Apple Online store but the question is, would your hotel accept the delivery? There's a chance that it might get lost.

should be no issue with hotels in Singapore.

i waited 1 month ++ to get my Iphone 4 from Singtel damn.

evansph · Oct 28, 2010

Just additional info... I ordered a maxed out 13" Air earlier this week from the Apple Online Store in Singapore (I'm resident here) and the ship date is showing as 11/11 for delivery on 15/11. The reason for the delay is the ~2 week agency clearance for the new product. Epicentre etc don't have stock of the standard configurations - estimate given to me today was end of next week (5th Nov).

Shame you're not going to Hong Kong - even cheaper there and many of the shops pre-order a variety of CTO models.

Cerano · Oct 28, 2010

s2dio said:
Thanks for the info, Cerano! It's great to get the info from a local person, like you.

You see, I will be in Singapore from November 28th till December 2nd, and it's precisely a month from now. So the order from the Apple Online Store could make it in time.. but could also be delayed and I will be unable to collect it

So the safest option is to walk in the store and buy the stuff right away. But the problem is that there could still be waiting lists and for the iPhone and no MBA's (high-end) in stock.

I've written an email to Epicentre and am waiting for their reply.

I'm still concerned about Apple Online Store - could I pay with international VISA and get the items shipped to my hotel?

P.S. I know that USA has the most attractive pricing, but I come from Europe and our iPhone 4 16gb costs about a 1000 US dollars (while still being carrier-locked) and the high-end MBA costs about 2650 US dollars. So it will be a great deal to get them in Singapore.

ahh I see
I dont mind helping you place a reservation for an Iphone 4 with Starhub im on very good terms with them because I have a truck load of their services they should be able to get me one instantly because thats what happened last month

getting them shipped to your hotel should be no issue but i dont know if they accept international visa should be no issue.

I just called harvey norman and best denki and even they dont know when the MacBook Air will be in. Their advisors told me that even when stocks come in they'll be in the basic configuration.

However, I have good news for you.
The weekend you're coming in, Nov 28, theres a mega IT show here and i believe they will have them stocked by then. Best of all there should be slight discounts or freebies

Cerano · Oct 28, 2010

evansph said:
Just additional info... I ordered a maxed out 13" Air earlier this week from the Apple Online Store in Singapore (I'm resident here) and the ship date is showing as 11/11 for delivery on 15/11. The reason for the delay is the ~2 week agency clearance for the new product. Epicentre etc don't have stock of the standard configurations - estimate given to me today was end of next week (5th Nov).

Shame you're not going to Hong Kong - even cheaper there and many of the shops pre-order a variety of CTO models.

im waiting for SITEX to get my 11.6

Cerano · Oct 28, 2010

eron said:
It's probably easy to get the iphone 4 in many stores in Singapore.

The tricky bit is the BTO MBA.

The best way will be to get it through the Apple Online Store for both, about 3 weeks before you arrive, and have them sent to an address. Retailers might have delays with BTOs.

Then check out the Tourist Refund Scheme, you should be eligible for the GST refund on both items.

--
Call your hotel to check if it's alright. Contact Apple to see if it's alright. Check if you can get your GST refunded as well.

Not always

I'd advise the TS to steer clear of carrier locked parallel imported models of IP4s.

Many tourists go to Sim Lim Square in the hope of getting something cheap

What they dont realise is that these people do have alot of dirty tricks and some even resort to violence

Another place to avoid is Lucky Plaza. Recently this Chinese national bought an Iphone 4 and they wanted to charge her a few hundred bucks extra for free apps and jailbreaking.

When she refused to pay they took her ATM card and refused to return even when police came down

s2dio · Oct 28, 2010

thank a lot, people!

It seems to me that the best option is to order from the Apple Online Store since now is a month before I'm in Singapore and the estimated shipping is 2 weeks for both MBA and the iPhone. + I'll avoid waiting lists that way (as far as I understood). So even with a delay for a week or two, I'll still be able to receive it there. I'll be staying till 2 Dec and hopefully I'll get it delivered.

Have to arrange it with the Hotel's administration though.

Otherwise, I'll have to ask you guys from Singapore to collect it and send it to me, if you don't mind

thanks again, you're great!

P.S. I will keep this thread up-to-date until I receive the products.

Cerano · Oct 28, 2010

s2dio said:
thank a lot, people!

It seems to me that the best option is to order from the Apple Online Store since now is a month before I'm in Singapore and the estimated shipping is 2 weeks for both MBA and the iPhone. + I'll avoid waiting lists that way (as far as I understood). So even with a delay for a week or two, I'll still be able to receive it there. I'll be staying till 2 Dec and hopefully I'll get it delivered.

Have to arrange it with the Hotel's administration though.

Otherwise, I'll have to ask you guys from Singapore to collect it and send it to me, if you don't mind

thanks again, you're great!

P.S. I will keep this thread up-to-date until I receive the products.

no problemo mate. i could show you around singapore too if you want.
big load of new stuff with the Casinos and resorts up now.

Yes applestore is best.

CuteBaby · Oct 29, 2010

s2dio said:
P.S. I know that USA has the most attractive pricing, but I come from Europe and our iPhone 4 16gb costs about a 1000 US dollars (while still being carrier-locked) and the high-end MBA costs about 2650 US dollars. So it will be a great deal to get them in Singapore.

Bear in mind that upon returning to the EU, you may be asked by customs to pay VAT for the items, so it may not be cheaper in the end.

s2dio · Oct 29, 2010

CuteBaby said:
Bear in mind that upon returning to the EU, you may be asked by customs to pay VAT for the items, so it may not be cheaper in the end.

Thanks for pointing out this issue. However, When people bring Apple products (a few things for personal use, not a truck full of iMacs) from US to Latvia (my country, part of the EU), they are not supposed to pay extra taxes or anything like that. So I suppose it will be the same with Singapore.. or at least I hope so.

Any ideas where can I clarify that info?

s2dio · Oct 29, 2010

One more question: which delivery company does Apple online store use in Singapore?

CuteBaby · Oct 29, 2010

s2dio said:
Thanks for pointing out this issue. However, When people bring Apple products (a few things for personal use, not a truck full of iMacs) from US to Latvia (my country, part of the EU), they are not supposed to pay extra taxes or anything like that. So I suppose it will be the same with Singapore.. or at least I hope so.

Any ideas where can I clarify that info?

Such payments (if any) are usually enforced by immigration personnel at the airports. Therefore you may wish to try contacting those personnel at the airport you will be using to learn about their standard operating procedure.

Cerano · Oct 29, 2010

CuteBaby said:
Such payments (if any) are usually enforced by immigration personnel at the airports. Therefore you may wish to try contacting those personnel at the airport you will be using to learn about their standard operating procedure.

that is only probably if you bring a packed boxed of apple products.

if its opened and used alr then they definitely wont stop you hell they cant even tell if you bought it in EU or Singapore

Cerano · Oct 29, 2010

s2dio said:
One more question: which delivery company does Apple online store use in Singapore?

not sure.

if local service then speedpost by singpost

if not then UPS

(*) · Oct 29, 2010

s2dio said:
One more question: which delivery company does Apple online store use in Singapore?

I got my iPhone 4 delivered by DHL from the Singapore online store. When I ordered a case from the apple store, it was delivered by DHL too. Weirdly, my friend's dad got his one via SingPost and we live only a block away.

Cerano · Oct 29, 2010

(*) said:
I got my iPhone 4 delivered by DHL from the Singapore online store. When I ordered a case from the apple store, it was delivered by DHL too. Weirdly, my friend's dad got his one via SingPost and we live only a block away.

hmmm i thought i got my iphone 4 speck case via UPS... or was it DHL...

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