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My son's ipad was stolen while on holiday in Canada. I bought a new one in Toronto with Apple care.
Back home in France it had a charging problem.
They replaced it without hesitation.
Concerning phones and international versions as mentioned earlier:
I bought a macbook in NewYork with an Azerty keyboard but I had to order it. They will get you what you want if you can wait long enough.

Your chances of having touble going through customs are pretty remote but do bear in mind you are importing an item as you return home and technically you are probably liable to pay duty and tax if they want to get tough.
 
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