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Apple · 6 min read

Buying Apple Products Abroad: The Real Calculation

The gap between the French and US Apple Store often exceeds 15%. Here are the five costs to deduct before calling it a good deal.

Published on March 19, 2026 · updated on August 12, 2026

Why displayed prices differ

US prices are displayed before tax — the local sales tax is added at checkout and varies by state. French prices include 20% VAT. Part of the apparent gap is simply a display difference.

The rest comes from customs duties, the private-copy levy applicable in France on certain products, and Apple's exchange-rate policy, which is only adjusted once or twice a year.

Five costs to deduct

  1. Import VAT: beyond the traveller allowance of €430 per person by air, you must declare and pay 20% at entry.
  2. Possible customs duties, depending on the product category and country of origin.
  3. Card foreign-exchange fees, between 2 and 3% without a specific plan.
  4. Keyboard: a MacBook bought in the US has a QWERTY layout, which cannot be swapped after purchase.
  5. Warranty: Apple's warranty is worldwide on most products, but an AppleCare contract may be tied to the purchase country.

When it is still worth it

The calculation remains favourable in two situations: a purchase under the duty-free threshold during an already-planned trip, and the tax refund for non-EU residents.

  • AirPods, Apple TV, and Apple Watch stay under the €430 allowance and travel easily.
  • On a MacBook Pro or Vision Pro, import VAT wipes out most of the gain.
  • Japan and Hong Kong combine a low price with a straightforward tax refund for visitors.

Rule of thumb: below €400 displayed price, buying abroad is often a win. Above that, redo the calculation with VAT included before deciding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple's warranty work in France on a product bought abroad?
The one-year limited warranty is worldwide for most Apple products. However, some repairs and AppleCare contracts may be limited to the purchase country.
What is the customs allowance for a traveller?
It is €430 per person for air or sea travel, and €300 for other modes. Beyond that, 20% VAT is due on the full value.
Does a US iPhone work in France?
Yes for recent models, which are compatible with European frequency bands. Check the exact model and whether it has a physical SIM slot if you need one.
Can you get a refund on US sales tax?
No, it is not refundable to visitors in most states. Japan and Hong Kong are far more favourable in this regard.

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