If I buy tax free iPhone in Japan, can I activate AppleCare+ in Italy?

Note that even if an iPhone purchased in Japan is not taxed by Japan, Italy might well require you to pay import taxes, VAT, or customs duties on the phone when you bring it back to Italy.

You may want to research the matter with Italian authorities.

No

If you need an official answer, or an answer to “why?” questions, you will need to contact Apple.

This is a user to user forum.

iphones for much of the Asian markets have specific features that can’t be disabled even when outside the country. For example, all the phones must make a fairly loud sound when taking a photo.

Yes you can purchase Apple Care for you iPhone in another country. Repair options may be limited outside the country you purchased the Apple Care in. Apple Stores will typically handy repairs with few, if any, limitations. Apple Authorized Repair Centers may refuse service under the Apple Care warranty. Apple does not ship internationally.

Everyone here is trying to be helpful and also play “devils advocate” to illustrate the potential pitfalls. No one here is wrong, but we all share personal experiences. Your mileage may vary.

In my experience, most people are turned off by the picture taking sound. People think it’s no big deal until at a wedding, concert, museum etc. and the sound has everyone looking and sneering trying to find the culprit. Purchase with your eyes open and as always, buyer beware.

In my experience, yes. But support will be more centric towards Italy. If the requirements for most Asian phones is not an issue, you’ll be fine, in my experience.