Other Iphones from Apple store

[PPCmike]

Are they unlocked? Asking because it's cheaper for me the buy a phone for my girlfriend and send it to her in Asia but I wanted to be sure.

 

[ebika]

Yes, they’re unlocked if you buy from Apple.

 

[PPCmike]

Thanks

 

[NoBoMac]

But...

Assuming talking US Apple Stores, and if iPhone 14, the iPhone will be dual eSIM, so if needing physical SIM for Asia, it's a problem.

Will let someone else dive in regarding radio bands of US vs Asia (someone that has dealt with that, though think pretty much same).

 

[PPCmike]

But...

Assuming talking US Apple Stores, and if iPhone 14, the iPhone will be dual eSIM, so if needing physical SIM for Asia, it's a problem.

Will let someone else dive in regarding radio bands of US vs Asia (someone that has dealt with that, though think pretty much same).

Yeah I have to ask more about that but she uses Globe in the Philipines so sometimes she will switch between the two Not sure if they have a esim option.

 

[NoBoMac]

Something else: what about customs/duties/taxes/etc fees when crossing into Philippines? If trying to ship a phone "discreetly", wonder how easy that is and what are the penalties if caught?

Might be easier/safer to just get it in the Philippines.

ADD: I would think insurance on the shipment would be mandatory, so need to declare there as well. Can't say have $1000+ worth of candy bars and expect to collect if stolen. So will need to have legit customs declaration.

 

[MyPhone99]

You need to select "connect to any carrier later" option and pay the full amount. I got them in same way and they are unlocked and can be used any country provided the network providers support esim as US 14 Series doesn't have sim slots

 

[ukms]

Something else: what about customs/duties/taxes/etc fees when crossing into Philippines? If trying to ship a phone "discreetly", wonder how easy that is and what are the penalties if caught?

Might be easier/safer to just get it in the Philippines.

ADD: I would think insurance on the shipment would be mandatory, so need to declare there as well. Can't say have $1000+ worth of candy bars and expect to collect if stolen. So will need to have legit customs declaration.

Typical import tax for Philippines is 12%.

 

[Helmsley]

Can also confirm they're unlocked. I got an iPhone 13 direct from Apple in April this year.

 

[Mikeske]

It probably would be better to acquire the iPhone in the Philippines and pay the VAT there. There are several issues with shipping a iPhone from the USA to the Philippines one is yes Globe wireless does support e-SIM but she will need to register the SIM with the government there even if it is a e-SIM. I was there on vacation in March and the SIM registration law had just started my wife and I did not have register our phones for this trip. I don't make the rules and being a guest there you just follow the rules as they are. The other thing is the fact the majority of the country does not yet have 5G so maybe a prior year iPhone might be cheaper and having the physical SIM card might be a better option.