Buying from apple.com: Receiving in Italy

Question

Buying from apple.com: Receiving in Italy

I appologize that this is in the wrong discussion board but I could not find my answer anywhere else. If you feel the need to delete this as a moderator, please direct me to where I can find this information before doing so. I am unable to place a phone call and don't see an online chat option.

I am a USA resident. Can I purchase an Macbook Air on Apple.com and pick it up at a store in Italy? Or have it shipped from a store in Italy to my current address in Italy? I am here studying at the University of Florence. The obvious reason for this is the Italian store is much more expensive and I don't feel that I should have to pay those prices just because I am in a different country at this exact moment.

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Scott

MacBook Air, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Jul 28, 2013 5:06 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 28, 2013 8:34 AM in response to imissyourobot

The Apple online store will not ship outside of the country. You may not gain that much of an advantage even if you could do what you wanted. There may be a value added tax that you would need to consider, shipping costs, etc.

I suppose you could have a relative in the US buy it for you and then ship it to you, in Florence.

The warranty would not be honored in Italy, and of course, you'd need to get an an AC adapter plug, which is cheap. The bottom line is that when you consider the situation as a whole, buying the MacBook in Italy might be your best choice.

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Answer 2

Jul 28, 2013 8:52 AM in response to wuzradioman

Thank you for your quick response, wuzradioman.

The problem is I'm likely going to be here for a few years. It amazes me that an Apple store in lets say...South Coast Plaza, In Southern California can't communicate with a store in Italy. No matter what, I'm purchasing an Apple product. I just don't want to run the risk of having something that valuable shipped overseas. They already have the computers here, I guess they want me to pay for the cost it took to get them here in the first place? I am currently using a Mac Mini I purchased back in September, I just want to be portable and here I am stuck in this predicament. It basically comes down to a $600 difference (not including tax) if I purchase the computer in the apple store in italy vs in the US. How is that even justifiable? I mean I know people go to the US and buy grips of apple gadgets to make profits overseas but I a student just trying to buy a laptop. Think it's even worth pursuing this? I planned on buying the new air when it ships with Mavericks in the fall for my next semester but with that price difference I might have to hold off on a matter of principal.

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Answer 3

Jul 28, 2013 9:12 AM in response to imissyourobot

Yeah, I can relate to what you're saying. The difference in cost is certainly exacerbated by the relationship of the Euro to the US Dollar. The decision I would make, is to hold of on the purchase.

The good thing about your situation, however, is that you are in a thoroughly beautiful city, and if you are a student you have the power of youth on your side. Good luck with your studies, stay happy and well.

wuz

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Answer 4

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Jul 28, 2013 11:22 AM in response to imissyourobot

The two choices you have is to purchase the MBA in the US and suffer the import duties or purchase one locally and pay the local price. This is a common question asked by individuals in many countries and whether you like it or not, that is the way it is.

On item that was incorrect was when wuzradioman said "The warranty would not be honored in Italy,...". Regardless where one purchases a MBP, the warranty is world wide.

Ciao.

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Answer 5

Jul 28, 2013 8:43 AM in response to wuzradioman

Retracted by Wuzradioman, posted in error.

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