From the UK - buying a Mac and iPhone X in Japan. Would I have any issues?

[davie18]

I'll be in Japan sometime early next year and I'm in dire need of a new laptop (still using my 6.5 year old base 13" MBP, although on a side note it still works perfectly but I'd just like something lighter and quicker now) and I'd also like to make the jump to the iPhone X.

Apple products are much cheaper in Japan so it makes sense for me to buy while I'm there.

- Will they be totally compatible in the UK? (with the exception of a different power plug)
- Is student discount available in Japan?
- If you buy as a foreigner you can have the tax refunded - does anyone have experience of this?
- Does anyone know if I'll still be able to trade in my UK bought iPhone 6 to get a discount?

Thanks

 

[Macky-Mac]

there's the issue of the standard Japanese keyboard that Apple sells in Japan. As I understand it's based on the US keyboard configuration.

 

[Sonic]

you can order MBP BTO with US / UK keyboard iirc

 

[jyperjp]

in Japan Apple stores they have stock of both Japan and US keyboard MBP models

for Japanese iPhones, be aware that they have an annoying requirement: all of them MUST enable the shutter sound when using the camera, users cannot turn it off. I believe this is related to a Japanese regulation or legal requirement

 

[davie18]

in Japan Apple stores they have stock of both Japan and US keyboard MBP models

for Japanese iPhones, be aware that they have an annoying requirement: all of them MUST enable the shutter sound when using the camera, users cannot turn it off. I believe this is related to a Japanese regulation or legal requirement

You're saying I'd never be able to turn it off?? Even on silent?

 

[retrocool]

- If you buy as a foreigner you can have the tax refunded - does anyone have experience of this?

You don't pay tax in the first place, but to get this deal you need to bring your passport. They attach a ticket to your passport, which, curiously, gets removed on the Japanese side, so that, when going into the UK there is nothing in your passport to indicate that you are importing something (you are supposed to be liable to pay VAT).

I got an iPad Air 2 last time I was over. No problems at all.

 

[Hater]

You're saying I'd never be able to turn it off?? Even on silent?

Yep.

But, if you need warranty replacement, the replacement will be a UK model without that requirement

 

[Vagueinterest]

The iPhone will be a different model number from the U.K. version. I have also recently tried to see if a U.S. bought iPhone 8 would be fully compatible for use in the UK.

Three U.K. told me that it would work normally. But when I asked if carrier specific functions would work such as Wifi Calling, they said that they would not work due to carrier profile compatibility issues. Some confusion and so I decided to be cautious and buy a U.K. model.

 

[gnasher729]

Yep.

But, if you need warranty replacement, the replacement will be a UK model without that requirement

In the first year. After that, European consumer rights are not protecting you, because you didn't buy in the EU.