This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on December 3, 2024 by Mani Karthik
Remember when my cousin proudly announced he’d saved ₹50,000 on his iPhone 15 Pro Max from the US?
Well, he forgot about customs duty, and that saving quickly turned into an expensive lesson at the airport!
After helping countless NRI friends and family navigate the iPhone-from-USA maze (and making plenty of expensive mistakes myself), let me break down everything you need to know in 2024.
Quick Takeaways for Smart Buyers 📝
[su_note note_color=”#f8dffe” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”10″]Before we dive deep, here’s what you really need to know:
- Price differences are significant (especially for Pro models)
- US models are eSIM only (yes, it’s a real challenge!)
- Customs duty can eat up your savings
- Warranty works differently for international models
- Service center experiences can be… interesting
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Real Price Differences: US vs India 💰
Let me tell you about the current price gaps that make everyone want to buy from the US.
Trust me, these numbers are more dramatic than Indian TV serials! Source: Apple USA and India
| Model | India Price (₹) | US Price (₹)* | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | 79,900 | 66,700 | 13,200 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 1,59,900 | 1,00,093 | 59,807 |
*Before local taxes
The eSIM Saga: What Nobody Tells You 📶
Remember when my brother thought eSIM setup would be as easy as making Maggi?
Three days and countless customer care calls later, he had a different story to tell!
The thing about US iPhones in 2024 is that they’re exclusively eSIM – no physical SIM slot.
It’s like buying a car that only runs on premium fuel! Source: Apple Support
| Carrier | eSIM Support | Activation Process |
|---|---|---|
| Airtel | Yes | Store visit needed |
| Jio | Yes | App-based setup |
| Vi | Limited | In-store only |
Customs Duty: The Hidden Gotcha 💸
Let me tell you about my friend Rahul’s “great deal” on an iPhone 15 Pro. His ₹40,000 saving turned into a ₹25,000 customs bill at Delhi airport!
The customs calculation is like solving a complex math problem where X equals “how empty your wallet will be.” Source: Indian Customs
Here’s the real breakdown:
| Component | Percentage | On What Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Customs Duty | 20% | Phone Value |
| Social Welfare | 2% | Phone Value |
| IGST | 18% | Phone + Duties |
❓ FAQ: Can I avoid customs duty if I unbox the iPhone?
Like trying to convince mom you’re not hungry during a fast – they know all the tricks! Customs officers are well aware of this strategy.
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The Warranty Mystery Unveiled 🔧
Oh boy, let me tell you about my cousin’s “genius” plan to save money on an iPhone 15 Pro Max. “Warranty is global,” he said confidently.
Three months later, his cracked screen taught him that “global” has quite a few asterisks attached!
The warranty situation with US iPhones is like Indian family relationships – complicated but manageable if you know the rules. Source: Apple India Support
| Service Type | India Coverage | Real Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Software Issues | Full Support | No problems |
| Hardware Repairs | Limited | Hit or miss |
| Replacements | Indian Model Only | Long waiting times |
Service Center Adventures 🏥
Let me share what happened when my friend took his US iPhone to an authorized service center in Bangalore.
The service center staff looked at his phone like it was an alien spacecraft!
The reality of getting your US iPhone serviced in India is more complex than explaining to your parents why you need the Pro Max version. Source: Apple Authorized Service Provider Network
| Service Type | Typical Response | Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Diagnostics | “Sir, US model hai…” | Available everywhere |
| Parts Replacement | “Thoda time lagega” | Premium service centers only |
| Major Repairs | “Better buy new phone” | Requires persistence |
❓ FAQ: Will Apple Care+ from US work in India?
Yes, but like trying to use Google Maps in small Indian lanes – technically it works, but expect some unexpected turns!
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Smart Buying Strategies: The Real Deal 🎯
After watching countless friends either save big or lose money on US iPhones (including my brother who ended up paying more than Indian MRP!), I’ve developed what I call the “iPhone Import Calculator of Sanity.”
Think of it as your personal profit-loss calculator, but with real-world factors that no price comparison website will tell you about.
| Purchase Strategy | Best For | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Direct US Purchase | Pro Models | ₹30,000-40,000 |
| Friend/Family Bringing | Base Models | ₹15,000-20,000 |
| Buy in India | Regular Models | Peace of mind |
The Final Checklist: Before You Buy ✅
Let me save you from the mistakes that had my WhatsApp group laughing at my expense for weeks!
| Check Point | Why It Matters | Action Item |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier Lock | Avoid paperweight status | Buy Unlocked only |
| eSIM Support | Basic functionality | Check carrier compatibility |
| Purchase Proof | Customs & warranty | Keep original bills |
❓ FAQ: Is it really worth buying from US in 2024?
Like deciding between street food and fine dining – depends on your appetite for adventure and savings!
Pro Tips from a Serial iPhone Importer 📱
Best Times to Buy:
- During US holiday sales
- Black Friday deals
- Back to school offers
Documentation Strategy:
- Keep bills in digital and physical form
- Click photos of IMEI numbers
- Save all email receipts
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Citations and References 📚
Official Sources:
Price Analysis:
Remember: Buying an iPhone from the US is like making biryani – follow the recipe (guidelines), use the right ingredients (documentation), and don’t rush the process!
Got questions? Drop them below! I reply faster than Apple releases new iPhone colors! 😉
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Disclaimer: All prices and policies are subject to change. Please verify current rates before making purchases.
Yes
Will i phone 14 buying from US will work in India. Since i phone 14 in us is only esim so will it work with Airtel.
Where to buy iPhones in Los Angeles besides from the Apple store, Walmart, Best Buy.
What is esim Rohan?
Will esim work if i purchase a iphone xs max from us.
eSIM will not be provided to phone models purchased in USA.
International warranty will be available for all the IPhone X series purchased in USA.
Hi Mani,
The local carriers, Airtel and Jio say that the IPhone X series purchased in USA will not get eSIM from their networks. I find the technical specs of the iphones sold in India and that in USA, specially the X series are the same.
Secondly, I do not get the VoLTE display in my IPhone XR purchased in USA with Idea SIM, whereas I do get the symbol while using in my Android phone.
Yes. The apple store executives in USA confirmed to me, while purchasing an IPhone XR that all models of X series carry international warranty at the Apple stores.
Hi Mani,i have been reading the news in various newspapers that the iphones would get an international warranty in india. But i did not find this news on the apple website.The question was always there in the discussions but the people have always answered it as a big no on the website.I am in dubai right now & will soon be travelling to India.I have never used an iphone before & so planning to try my hands on XR 128gb with facetime,factory unlocked which currently is 18k less compared to indian price but im not sure about whether the warranty is valid in india or not.Guide me on this.
Yes, totally fine.
Hi,I’ll be buying iPhone Xr from US and will bring it back with me to India unboxed but I can keep its box with me right in the baggage?
If I buy iPhone XS in US will it work in India? Will its eSim functionality work? I use 2 sims, Airtel and Jio.
Also will the warranty work in India?
I live in India, Delhi. I bought iPhone from Glocalzone which is a website provides you to buy things from abroad). So, I bought iPhone X at its US price via Glocalzone.
Just go to this website, find a traveler who is coming from the USA to India and contacts them. It’s really easy and cheaper way to shop overseas. I got my phone in 1 week.
No Deepika. You should be good.
What if I buy a new I phone and unbox it and carry with me. Should I still pay the tax ??? Is there any way that I can’t pay taxes.
Can you guide me the best and cheap courier service for shipping of a product like i phone x from USA to INDIA??
sir how to place the order of iphone x from apple USA website??
Is the indian cards work in the apple usa site??
You won’t have any issues from customs bringing it here as it is unboxed. As for carriers, I’m getting mixed reactions from buyers. You got to make sure it is not on contract and it’s factory unlocked. I hear only Verizon and AT&T offers it but don’t take my word for it, check the latest with Apple staff itself. Tell them you intent to use it in India.
Hi Karthik,
I will be traveling to Florida in 10 days. Planning to buy one unlocked iPhone X there directly from an Apple store for my personal use. My question is whether I have to still select a carrier while billing? And if I bring it along without the box I won’t have trouble with customs right?
Hi Karthik,
I would like to buy iphone 6s for lesser price, could you please help me
Dear Mani,
i am planning to Iphone x but i want it in India, pl explain how to use forwarding service
Hi Mani,
may I know the Import and Customs duty charges on Iphone X in India Shipping from USA. Please reply me asap.
Hi Mani,
Apple is now giving an option of without any carrier on their site. Would that work the same as an unlocked phone in India?
India has 4G network now. I use my iPhone (on Verizon) whenever I visit India switching the SIM card and every feature works just fine. 🙂
Hi Mani,
Im planning to get a phone from Canada. I just enquired that some features like Data Calls (voip) might not work in India because of the how the network providers setup is. Is this true? Does all the feature work fine?
Hi Sanjay,
You could buy the iPhoneX unlocked directly from Apple but you still need to select a carrier (not SIM free). I suggest AT&T or T-Mobile. You can replace the SIM while in India and it should work well. Do not try to activate the phone while in US, because it might create some issues replacing (Not confirmed yet but just in case). So when you go to Apple.com select AT&T as carrier but in the check out window you’ll notice the following.
Hope that helps it.
Hey Mani,
Are sim-free unlocked iPhone X available for purchase now? I could not find any option for the same in the Apple website. Earlier was told that Best buy was selling unlocked ones,but now it seems that they too have stopped. Can I buy an iPhone X from Verizon for the full amount and just switch the sim for use in India? A friend of mine is coming from the US soon and your reply will help me in saving a few bucks.Thank you!
Hi Anurag, I think I answered you Twitter as well, but just in case you missed it… Yes, your friend who’s coming down can bring it along declaring it as his own for personal use. One is totally fine, unless he’s bringing like a couple of iPhones, which I assume is not the case here.
Congrats on the iPhone, it’s an amazing piece of tech. 🙂
All the best!
Hey Manik,
Can my friend, traveling from NYC to India, get me an Iphone X, without paying any duty here?
That is the big problem with duty. Officers at different places charge at their own wish and will making the prices exorbitant. 🙁
Hey Anand,
If your relatives are bringing it over, then I don’t see an issue of customs. Tell that it’s used and theirs. Just carry it like they bought it for their own use. (Assuming they have the bill of purchase etc). It’s only an issue if it’s more than one piece (that is for business purposes).
Hi, Mani.
I’m having my relatives bring the Pixel 2 XL for me, which costs 850$ (Rs. 55K). As per the updated laws, can you provide an estimate of how much custom duty I will be liable to pay for this? My main point of confusion is the BCD. Is the 10% going to be charged extra over the customs or 10% is the only amount charged?
And is there any way to avoid paying it altogether, since this is infact a gift?
Nice information Mani Karthik. are you sure about custom duty? it is just 10% of product value. I had previous experience with freight service to ship iPhone from USA to India (My location is Hyderabad) almost i paid around 29% of product value including shipping.
for your information I ship that package by using shopusa.in
Thanks in advance