The iPhone 17 Pro Max is out and, as usual, the launch price in India hits hard at a whopping, wallet burning INR 1,49,900 for the base model, thanks to high GST. But if you’ve wondered if you could actually fly out, buy the phone abroad, and still save money, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple, step-by-step breakdown of how much you’d actually save by buying your next iPhone overseas versus grabbing it at your local Apple Store.
In this guide, we compare phone prices, tax refunds, and even flight costs to some of the most popular international shopping destinations. The goal is to find out if it actually makes sense to make an “iPhone run” abroad in 2025.
Image source: X
So, without further ado, let’s take a run down on where the iPhone can be the cheapest for you as an Indian customer.
Among Dubai, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the USA, Dubai gives the best deal. After getting a tax refund and paying for a round trip flight, your total spend in Dubai works out to INR 1,29,951. That’s almost INR 20,000 cheaper than the Indian price. Vietnam and China come next, with roughly INR 17,000 in savings after all costs. Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand offer smaller savings, and the USA is the worst because there’s no tax refund and flights are costly, which means, buying yourself an iPhone in the US actually loses you money compared to India.
If you’re really chasing savings, Dubai is the clear winner for most buyers. Vietnam and China are strong alternatives, especially if you want a dual physical SIM slot (which is found in China/Hong Kong models, unlike most other regions). Always check on FaceTime availability if you buy in the UAE, as there have been restrictions earlier.
Image source: X
Now, with this information, you may feel motivated to make that trip abroad to not only buy the new iPhone but also get some sight seeing down, but when you are coming back to your homeland, there are certain points you need to keep under consideration.
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Customs officers in India technically have the right to charge up to 30% duty on a new phone. If your phone comes back in your pocket and is clearly for personal use, you’re usually fine, but it is a risk.
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If you buy abroad, ask for the tax-free form, get it stamped at your departure airport, and claim your refund on the spot.
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Indian credit cards will work, but beware of 2–3.5% foreign transaction fees.
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All factory-unlocked iPhones will work with Indian carriers for 4G and 5G.
If you’ve planned a trip to Dubai (or even Vietnam/China), buying your iPhone 17 Pro Max there makes sense. Just factor in the risks and double check any region-specific quirks. On the other hand, if dealing with customs or missing out on warranty coverage bothers you, then the price in India, steep as it is, brings peace of mind.
