Buy from US and use in UK??

Compatibility is absolutely no issue at all except that you would need to replace the SIM card if you get the 3G version.

The charger is no problem except that the prongs might not fit in your receptacles. That's solved with an inexpensive mechanical adapter available at any electronics store. I've been told that the Apple "World Travel Adapter Kit" is ideal but you'd end up with more adapters than you will ever need.

I wouldn't be too positive about saving money. Don't forget that you will be responsible for customs duty and a VAT (if the UK has one).

You can get away without the VAT, just have your sister bring it over with her and let he claim it as hers, if they even ask. Just like the other post stated, you would have to change out the SIM card if you get the 3G and as for the charger, if you have anywhere that sells apple products, you can get the charger from them instead looking for a proper pronged extension. I'm in Germany and mine is a US 3G and I've used it in Ireland with no issues.

In addition to the other comments, you do not really need an adapter; the piece holding the prongs slides off horizontally and you can slide on the prong piece for the UK. Apple uses the same charger all over the world, just sells it with a prong piece appropriate to the individual country.

I even bought the charging kit here in the US that has a six foot wire that you slide on in place of the prong piece so the charger itself is not plugged into the outlet but the wire is. Works great, and there may be a similar extension in the UK.

The thing with your suggestion is that evading VAT is a criminal offence and if the OP's sister is caught a prosecution is almost guaranteed, she could also be refused entry to the UK and deported at her port of entry.

Whether the OP does it or doesn't bother me but it's important they understand the potential consequences which are hugely serious.

Message was edited by: Martin_UK

FWIW I think you're right that the small saving isn't worth the potential risk.

It really doesn't bother me if people do this sort of thing, I just think that forum users who suggest it should flag up the dangers!

Is there such a big saving?
I mean the 32Gb 3G version is £510 in the UK (ex VAT) and around £460 ($729) ex sales tax in the US.
If you are going to be legit about VAT and Import duty, I can't see how you are saving much, but maybe I'm missing something.

Not referring to the OP but to the wider number of people who talk about doing this, I think a lot of people recall talk of others flying over to NY on the Concorde in the 90's and snapping up huge bargains and assume that potential is still there.

Even a couple of years ago when £1 = £2 there was potential to snag bargains if you happened to be the US or had someone coming over but IMO those days are pretty much gone.

Personally I can't see how the savings on an iPad make it worth the hassle of bringing it across the Atlantic compared to popping to the local Apple or John Lewis and picking one up there.

If people decide to try and evade their taxes I consider that an issue between them, HMRC and the sentencing judge.

On your wider point I'm not one for slavish devotion to any Government, they comprise only of flawed human beings. If I wanted to swear allegiance to anyone I'm lucky enough to have a Monarch who is beyond reproach.

Message was edited by: Martin_UK

I look at it a bit differently. I don't cheat my government. I never have and I never will. If I were willing to do so, logic dictates that I should be looking for a different place to live.