Question about student discount policy in Apple Stores across Asia

joriswou wrote:

I have a question about the student discount policy at Apple Stores worldwide. I'm a student from the Netherlands and want to make a purchase at an Apple Store in Thailand.

So you don't have a question about Apple's worldwide, or Asia-wide, polices. You have a question about Apple's policies in Thailand. That's a world of difference. 😄 And with the overly broad title to your question, you'll probably encouraged the people who are most likely to know the answer to pass on to the next question.

In the Netherlands, it's possible to buy in-store with a student discount, but I’m unsure if the same policy applies in other countries.

It is obvious that it is possible to buy in-store with a student discount in other countries. However, each country has its own set of laws and policies. Since Apple typically operates as country-specific stores, each Apple country subsidiary may also have its own set of laws and policies in order to comply with local laws, or even just because it's a different group of people with different expectations.

I came across the following information online (source unknown):

Let's take the liberty to ignore it then.

Does anyone know if this applies to Apple Stores in Thailand or if the policy is different?

Policies are different all over the world. Polices can even be different between two Apple Stores on different sides of town.

I’d appreciate it if someone could clarify if Apple has a global policy or if it varies by country.

I can absolutely confirm that you can expect the policy to not be global, or even vary by country. It may not even vary by store. The policy may vary based on whoever happens to be managing the store that day.

I’m aware that purchasing online via the EDU Apple website is possible, but I prefer to buy in-store so I can have the Tax Refund P.P. 10 form filled out at the Apple Store.

Ah. So your question isn't about student discounts, but tax refunds. That's a whole different can-o-worms. Plus, you are taking an already complicated can-o-worms, multiplying by a non-resident purchaser, with potentially with foreign currency, with student discounts thrown in because it wasn't complicated enough to begin with.

Unfortunately, I’m unable to speak with Apple Thailand directly via chat support to confirm their in-store policy, which makes it harder to find out.

Would you feel better walking into one of the two Thailand Apple Stores, with your story about what you were told via chat support, and then be denied by your Tax Refund P.P. 10 form and your student discount by the store manager? And if you think that store manager is a tough nut to crack, wait until you travel back home and try to explain it all to customs at the airport.

How much are you expecting to save with all of this? Foreign study is expensive. This is one of those costs. Buy the computer at home. Try to get a student discount if you can. Make sure to keep the receipt with you as you travel. You might need it.

joriswou wrote:

Thank you for your detailed response, but unfortunately, it didn’t provide the clarity I was looking for. My query is quite straightforward and pertains to specific Apple Store policies, which should ideally be transparent and easy to verify.

The world is not an ideal place.

To clarify, my preference for buying in-store is due to the need for the P.P. 10 tax refund form. Since I’m not a tax resident in Thailand, I don’t see why I should pay taxes in a country where I’m not liable? Utilizing a tax refund when leaving the country seems entirely logical and is a common practice.

That's a matter between you, the government of Thailand, and more than one lower-level gatekeeper along the way. While you may not be a citizen of Thailand, you will be a resident. I don't see any problem with contributing to the upkeep of society while you're there. I don't know about the relevant laws. Those refunds may only apply to tourists, not visa-holders. Rights of longer stay may come with additional social responsibilities.

I understand your point about potential variations in policies between stores and countries, but this is precisely why I reached out. Unfortunately, Apple Thailand doesn’t provide email support for direct questions, leaving me no choice but to rely on forums like this.

Apple isn't ever going to give you this kind of information via e-mail. Actual direct contact with a human at Apple is extraordinary. Typically you will need some existing, material, financial, or legal problem that cannot be resolved in any other way. Inquires about discounts don't apply. Apple never says anything about government policies or forms. They best they will do in that case is a link to a government website for you to figure out on your own.

Otherwise, I will attempt to contact the store directly by phone. It's worth trying right?

You can certainly try. But remember, all of the same conditions apply. When you show up to the store in person, the conditions may be different. You might not get either the tax refund or the student discount.

If for some reason I cannot make the purchase I can always buy in the Netherlands.

That would be the safest choice. For one thing, you would be guaranteed a keyboard in your language. You won't get a Dutch keyboard in Thailand. They might have English. Plus, it will be easier to repatriate the device when you come home.

All of policies are designed for certain target groups. Educational discounts are for local students. Tax refunds are for tourists. When you are an outlier, like a foreign student or expat, you have to be prepared. Sometimes the rules don't apply. Sometimes you have to pay taxes twice. None of those government polices or programs may apply when you are in front of a border officer. I speak from experience.