Importing an iPad?

[realph]

I live in the UK and my mum's going to LA for two weeks at the beginning of June. The iPad hits UK stores on the 28th of May, but it's pretty pricey if you haven't heard already.

If my mum was to buy one when she's out there and bring it back as hand luggage on board her flight, would it function correctly over here in the UK?

I've heard some people say it would, others have said it wont. One more question - if she gets Applecare over there will it cover my device over here in the UK?

Thanks in advance.

 

[aneftp]

Apple Retail rules. This applies to iPads sold from April 3rd through May 28th in all US Apple Stores (to prevent exporting of US iPads before interanational release)

1. Limit 2 iPads per person.
2. No Cash accepted
3. No gift cards accepts. This includes Amex/VISA gift cards.
4. Credit cards only accepted with US based issuer and US address.

Does you mom have someone who can buy her an iPad who is from the US?

Yes Applecare applies worldwide

They estimate up to 10% of iPads in use are being used outside of the IS currently.

 

[realph]

Apple Retail rules. This applies to iPads sold from April 3rd through May 28th in all US Apple Stores (to prevent exporting of US iPads before interanational release)

So those rules don't apply for purchases after May 28th in the US?

 

[funkyshaker]

A friend of mine is in NYC at the moment on holiday. She is from the UK.

She purchased a 16gb Wifi iPad using her UK registered credit card.

 

[blake.bang]

Did anybody find a concrete answer if Apple would service import iPads in coutries where it'll be launched, if something comes up. I've read that Apple may limit repair/replacement services to the country of purchase.

Did anybody in The U.K./outside the U.S. have any complaints with their iPad and go to the local Apple authority with it?

I plan to travel extensively over the next couple of months to Europe and the Middle/South east Asia.

 

[synagence]

A quote from here

If the product is portable, meaning that it can operate independently without a power cord, you may obtain warranty service worldwide.

I've just had a friend import one from NYC ... no problems but he did have to pay 8% sales tax in the store so the iPad ended up ($599 32Gb WiFi one) being $646... which made it £436 so its still £70 less than UK price.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

It will function fine, although you'll obviously need a new plug adapter for the power supply.

If you are going to try and cheat the tax man make sure your mom has it set up in-store & throws the box and all packing materials away (obviously keep the cable and and adapter). Also make sure she makes the adapter look like it's been used, i.e., it's not coiled up, factory fresh. If she does that if customs should inspect your mom's bag maybe she won't get snagged for trying to smuggle in an undeclared computer. Of course she could be honest and declare it, but then your "savings" go down the toilet and into the UK healthcare system.

 

[Gav2k]

It will function fine, although you'll obviously need a new plug adapter for the power supply.

If you are going to try and cheat the tax man make sure your mom has it set up in-store & throws the box and all packing materials away (obviously keep the cable and and adapter). Also make sure she makes the adapter look like it's been used, i.e., it's not coiled up, factory fresh. If she does that if customs should inspect your mom's bag maybe she won't get snagged for trying to smuggle in an undeclared computer. Of course she could be honest and declare it, but then your "savings" go down the toilet and into the UK healthcare system.

not true it can stay in a sealed box customs won't bat an eyelid at it.