Buying Macbook in the US as a foreigner

[Aboo]

Ok, that's what I thought. The lack of a mention of "US-only" in the Terms and Conditions linked to from the education store online seems to confirm it. Thanks for doing the research.

I still think this is a retail-channel level decision. The policy doesn't explicitly state that its US Only because it is assumed that only US customers use the US store (be it retail, or education, etc.) to purchase their gear. Its also the same reason why Apple doesn't accept international credit cards on their US web store.

I have personally seen international students denied the student discount at several Apple stores.

 

[miles01110]

I still think this is a retail-channel level decision. The policy doesn't explicitly state that its US Only because it is assumed that only US customers use the US store (be it retail, or education, etc.) to purchase their gear. Its also the same reason why Apple doesn't accept international credit cards on their US web store.

I have personally seen international students denied the student discount at several Apple stores.

Strange. As I mentioned, I've had the "reverse" experience overseas. I bought a MBP in Switzerland and used my US institution ID to get the education discount; they accepted it and didn't even blink. If they assumed that only European customers used European Apple Stores, I would have expected they'd at least ask me why I was buying it there instead of in the US.

Anyway, maybe the OP will post again after he goes through the process with an example that will help either side

 

[mac-matt]

all in all it seems like you'd be better purchasing this online from the refurb store in your country

 

[kernkraft]

Ask your authorities about the duty. If they catch you with an undeclared MB Pro, they might take that away and you might be prosecuted. It's just not worth it. If you listen to my advice, you get the laptop from a cheap European country. At the moment, due to the exchange rate, UK prices are not too bad.

I wanted to buy a few things in the US a few months ago when I've been there. In the end, even an iPod Touch is hardly cheaper.

So spend your money on the Timberland classic boat shoes and the American Eagle jeans. I've been to Ralph Lauren stores, but unless you know outlets, it's marginally cheaper. For some reason, Gap and Banana Republic are pretty expensive. In the UK, I get my clothing for the same price from any Gap or Banana Republic store. Besides, sometimes you get very good sales in the UK. I was disappointed not to see them in the US or Canada.

 

[BeachChair]

all in all it seems like you'd be better purchasing this online from the refurb store in your country

Well I disagree.

There is no refurb store in my country, the market is too small I guess, and a 13" MBP costs $1600 in Denmark.

 

[Macky-Mac]

25%. holy sh*t. as i said before, you could ship it out to yourself as a gift from the us and you shouldnt have to pay any tax or customs. but im not familiar with your countries rules

the customs offices in every country are way ahead of you.....there's a limit to how expensive a "gift" you can send without having to pay taxes and it's no where near the value of a macbook.

 

[Winni]

Thanks for the answer miles.

Seems like Florida has the lowest sales tax at 6%.

So a Macbook Pro 13" would cost $1100 + 6% (with student discount) ?

I don't want to rain on your parade, but you will ALSO have to pay import customs in Denmark when you return. No government likes it when you try to avoid their taxes.

 

[trees]

I don't want to rain on your parade, but you will ALSO have to pay import customs in Denmark when you return. No government likes it when you try to avoid their taxes.

this is very true.

The discount is only for US students because Apple stores have to put the school details into the computer and it will only accept US based schools. The discount is in agreement with the government and they can be audited. (former Apple retail employee)

 

[yg17]

Thanks for the answer miles.

Seems like Florida has the lowest sales tax at 6%.

So a Macbook Pro 13" would cost $1100 + 6% (with student discount) ?

The tax is going to be more than 6%, as there are also local city and county taxes too in additon to that 6%. Expect to pay anywhere between 7 and 10% sales tax. It just depends on where you buy it at...two stores could be next to each other and have different sales tax rates if city boundaries fall between the two stores.

 

[polotska]

In addition to having the American keyboard layout, the power adapter will come with an American style plug. The plug is removable, however, so you can buy the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit ($39) for a full set of plugs that would work most anywhere in the world, or use an alternate plug adapter. (The power adapter itself will work with 220V power so all that is necessary is a plug adapter.)