Is anyone using an iPhone in Pattaya

[bigdelta 46]

I know it hasn't been released in Thailand yet with Singapore being the closest,but I was curious if there are any issues with reception,ect.Also,I was told there is an Apple store in the Central Festival Mall.I am new to the iPhone and wasn't interested in Apple when I last visited,so I didn't look for the store.Are the prices for Apple products the same as Apple products elsewhere?

Edited November 8, 2011 by bigdelta

[CheshireTom 1,377]

I know it hasn't been released in Thailand yet with Singapore being the closest,but I was curious if there are any issues with reception,ect.Also,I was told there is an Apple store in the Central Festival Mall.I am new to the iPhone and wasn't interested in Apple when I last visited,so I didn't look for the store.Are the prices for Apple products the same as Apple products elsewhere?

 

 

Often cheaper. Considerably so if you can claim the VAT refund when you leave the country - the iPad 2 was a prime example.

 

 

 

 

 

[js007 795]

I bought my IPAD2 in the USA for $499, free shipping and no sales tax. I guess that's about 14,970 baht.

[bigdelta 46]

Holy crap-that's good to know.Thanks Tom.That may make it more affordable.It's USD 499 here=15300b more or less.Or USD 449=13800b for the refurb w/same warranty.If local taxes aren't to steep,saving the VAT would make it a better price.

 

Here's a link from Apple Store in US:

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad/ipad2_wi_fi

 

Refurbished iPad 2 with Wi-Fi 16GB - Black (current generation)

 

Originally released March 2011

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology

FaceTime with 2 cameras

HD video recording

Dual-core A5 chip

10-hour battery life

Smart covers, instant on

9.7-inch widescreen display

Multi-Touch screen

1.33 pounds and 0.34 inch

 

$449.00

Save $50.00

10% off

 

 

 

Often cheaper. Considerably so if you can claim the VAT refund when you leave the country - the iPad 2 was a prime example.

 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2011 by bigdelta

[bigdelta 46]

From your experience,do you think it will be difficult to claim the VAT?I am exporting it after all and I would assume the Apple Store would furnish the necessary paperwork.I would be anxious to hear from others who have bought items from them.Thanks again.

 

Often cheaper. Considerably so if you can claim the VAT refund when you leave the country - the iPad 2 was a prime example.

 

 

 

[CheshireTom 1,377]

From your experience,do you think it will be difficult to claim the VAT?I am exporting it after all and I would assume the Apple Store would furnish the necessary paperwork.I would be anxious to hear from others who have bought items from them.Thanks again.

 

 

 

The process is very simple and easy to follow.

 

Step 1. Buy your stuff from a retailer displaying the VAT refund sticker - you'll need your passport.

 

 

 

Step 2. Make sure the retailer gives you a receipt and a PP10 (the form needed for the refund).

 

Step 3. Before check-in at the Airport, present the goods, PP10 and receipt(s) and get the PP10 stamped at the Customs Office. (Near to Entrance Door 4 at Suvarnabhumi).

 

Step 4. After Immigration, go to the VAT Refund Office. Present the paperwork (and, in some cases, the goods) to get your refund. Cash in Thai Baht.

 

More detailed instructions ...

 

 

 

 

 

[bigdelta 46]

Thanks again Tom. I should have been more specific in my question.I should have asked if anyone had made a purchase at the Apple Store and received the necessary paperwork for the VAT refund.I have done a refund only once and as you described,it was a breeze,even at 4:30 am (thankfully Burger King was open at that hour too).Thanks again for the detailed explanation and I'm sure other folks here can benefit from your detailed effort to explain it for me.

Your explanation will go in my Pattaya favorites for an easy explanation if anyone ask me.

Edited November 9, 2011 by bigdelta

[bigdelta 46]

Since I have always departed around 5am,I have never noticed if there is a currency exchange in the departure area after passing passport control.If not,the baht from VAT refund would travel home and back with me for my next visit instead of being exchanged.Is there a currency exchange open 24/7 in that area?

[sandmen 0]

Yeah... Been using iPhones and iPads for a while. I've bought one at MBK and one from Tuk.com. The prices are fair (I don't think they are cheaper than other places).

 

iPhones work well on international roaming in Thailand