Using US-Bought iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Europe: Compatibility Concerns?

The first thing you need to do is contact your carrier and make sure the US model iPhone and Apple Watch will be supported on the bands your carrier uses in Belgium. Chances are you'll be OK. But you need to know that buying an iPhone outside the country you live will have no warranty in Belgium. This means that if you need warranty support or worse, a replacement device, you'll be denied an exchange (with some exceptions like screen or battery replacement) in Belgium. Perhaps the phone and/or watch is less expensive in the US, but you will need to pay VAT on your return to your country and you will be required to pay the applicable sales tax in the US. Any savings you might get by buying your phone in the US will evaporate and then some if you have an issue which requires you to hop on a plane and come back to the US. Almost every day we see someone come on this forum upset because the phone they purchased in one country was denied warranty support in their home country.

Your money, your choice of course. If you still intend to do this, don't buy an AppleCare+ plan, which would only be valid in the country of purchase.

Hi,

I’m from Denmark but are now living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

• I have a MacBook Pro that need a screen replacement do to some issues with it. It was more than 1 years old (only one year warranty in Netherlands), but since I bought it in Denmark (always 2 years warranty by law), they fixed it on warranty in the Netherlands. So Apple said that the warranty in the country you buy it, is the one who applies no matter where you live.

• I have a friend in Denmark who bought an iPhone in the US, and it worked just fine in Denmark.

just be aware there might be some costumes if you are “unlucky”.

I hope the best for you!

felixmadk wrote:

Hi,

I’m from Denmark but are now living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

• I have a MacBook Pro that need a screen replacement do to some issues with it. It was more than 1 years old (only one year warranty in Netherlands), but since I bought it in Denmark (always 2 years warranty by law), they fixed it on warranty in the Netherlands. So Apple said that the warranty in the country you buy it, is the one who applies no matter where you live.

• I have a friend in Denmark who bought an iPhone in the US, and it worked just fine in Denmark.

just be aware there might be some costumes if you are “unlucky”.

I hope the best for you!

Macbook warranty is completely different from iPhone warranty. There are no regional difference in MacBooks, but there ARE regional differences in iPhone. Generally speaking all EU countries are considered ONE country for Apple Warranties. The advice I offered on the iPhone purchase should be heeded as it is not the same as other devices and I hope it makes them think twice about buying their iPhone in the US if they don't live in the US.

.