Buying Apple devices in Taiwan 🇹🇼

[gigatoaster]

Hello there

I’m going to Taiwan in November and I live in France. I checked the prices for an iPad Pro and the difference is around -20%.

Therefore, I’m planning to buy 2 iPad Pro M4 (or M5?), one MacBook Air and maybe an iPhone 17 Pro.

I’ll make a pricing comparison tomorrow.

I have some questions:

1. Regarding the iPad Pro, are there spec differences or limitations between EU models & TW models ?

2. Do they offer English keyboard in stocks in Apple Store boutique?

3. Same as Q1, are there spec differences or limitations I should be aware of ?

In the past, I bought many devices from Singapore and Japan and I found no limitations or differences, except the legal logo on an Apple Pencil from Japan.

 

[jz0309]

Hello there

I’m going to Taiwan in November and I live in France. I checked the prices for an iPad Pro and the difference is around -20%.

Therefore, I’m planning to buy 2 iPad Pro M4 (or M5?), one MacBook Air and maybe an iPhone 17 Pro.

I’ll make a pricing comparison tomorrow.

I have some questions:

1. Regarding the iPad Pro, are there spec differences or limitations between EU models & TW models ?

2. Do they offer English keyboard in stocks in Apple Store boutique?

3. Same as Q1, are there spec differences or limitations I should be aware of ?

In the past, I bought many devices from Singapore and Japan and I found no limitations or differences, except the legal logo on an Apple Pencil from Japan.

bringing those back to France and customs will make you pay either import duty or the sales tax, guessing that's 20%?

 

[adrianlondon]

How long will you be in Taiwan for? You can order a laptop with any keyboard but it may take a few weeks to get it.

The Taiwanese keyboard, apart from having Zhuyin (bopomofo) on the keys, are have a relatively standard querty layout if you can't wait.

 

[gigatoaster]

Thanks for your message. Indeed, I checked and I can order the US keyboard. But surprisingly the price is the same 980€ vs 999€ in France while for iPad Pros there is a 20% discount.

I’ll be only 4 days in 🇹🇼 but then I go to 🇸🇬 and the price of the MBA is also aligned to 🇫🇷 but it’s UK keyboard, which is also fine.

 

[adrianlondon]

Check Swiss prices - we have lower VAT here.

 

[erihp]

bringing those back to France and customs will make you pay either import duty or the sales tax, guessing that's 20%?

howso, how would they know you didnt bring it with you in your trip?

 

[jz0309]

howso, how would they know you didnt bring it with you in your trip?

OP wants to bring back 4 devices... sure, you can go and try to hide it, but, by law you are required to declare items over a certain value that you bought abroad...

 

[erihp]

OP wants to bring back 4 devices... sure, you can go and try to hide it, but, by law you are required to declare items over a certain value that you bought abroad...

Oh I missed that part

 

[russell_314]

OP wants to bring back 4 devices... sure, you can go and try to hide it, but, by law you are required to declare items over a certain value that you bought abroad...

It’s only illegal if you get caught. I suspect the OP is trying to save some money and it’s not uncommon for people to smuggle Apple devices from Taiwan.

 

[gigatoaster]

I will remove all packaging and fresh install them. I might not buy the MBA if prices are aligned with here. Also if iPad Pro M5, they might increase the prices in Asia.

 

[jz0309]

It’s only illegal if you get caught. I suspect the OP is trying to save some money and it’s not uncommon for people to smuggle Apple devices from Taiwan.

So you admit it is illegal, cause if it weren’t, there wouldn’t be an issue getting “caught”
People can do whatever they want, just be aware of the consequences

 

[russell_314]

So you admit it is illegal, cause if it weren’t, there wouldn’t be an issue getting “caught”
People can do whatever they want, just be aware of the consequences

I’m not the one doing it so not worried about it. I was just pointing out it’s a common thing.

Generally western countries will give you a slap on the wrist. Some Asian countries can be a little bit harsh with punishment so it’s advisable to look up that country’s laws before doing anything.

I’m personally too old to be doing any of this stuff. This is a young man’s game. Once you get older, it’s not nearly as much fun 😂

 

[maflynn]

it’s not uncommon for people to smuggle Apple devices from Taiwan.

smuggling is such an ugly word, how about unconventional sourcing

The issue is that since its fairly common, the customs folks are well aware and look for clues that you're bringing in a new device. Depending on how busy or anal they are, it probably wouldn't be too difficult.

 

[JPack]

The device model number, which ends in TA, is going to give it away, regardless of the physical keyboard layout or lack of packaging.

 

[northernmunky]

I've bought laptops in Taiwan several times, yeah they'll do you an English keyboard but it's usually only US versions in stock in the store so no £ or € keys. Other than that the physical kit is identical, no hardware differences.
Take your passport with you and they'll take off the Tax in store.

 

[adrianlondon]

I go to Taiwan around once every year or two and find that the prices for Apple stuff are not much different to here.

Has that changed recently?

 

[Bustycat]

The prices don't really reflect the currency. They should've been lower.

 

[maflynn]

The prices don't really reflect the currency. They should've been lower.

Apple has always priced them in a way that does not take into consideration currency differences.