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Indians Flock to Dubai for Cheaper iPhones: Is the Trip Worth It?
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Firstpost•21-09-2026, 16:49
Indians Flock to Dubai for Cheaper iPhones: Is the Trip Worth It?
- •Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launched, sparking global queues and an unusual trend among Indian buyers.
- •Some Indian Apple enthusiasts are flying to Dubai to purchase the new iPhones, believing it's cheaper even with travel costs.
- •In India, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900 and the Pro Max at Rs 1,79,900; in the UAE, they are Dh5,099 (Rs 1,33,052) and Dh5,499 (Rs 1,43,441) respectively.
- •The price difference is due to India's higher taxes and import duties compared to the UAE's five percent VAT system.
- •Factoring in flight tickets (Rs 24,781-Rs 30,000) and visa fees (Rs 3,500-Rs 7,899), buying an iPhone in Dubai may not be cheaper than in India, and could even cost more.
Key Questions Answered
In India, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900, whereas in the UAE it costs Dh5,099 (approximately Rs 1,33,052), resulting in a price difference of Rs 31,828.
The main reason for the price difference is taxation. The UAE has a simple 5 per cent VAT system, while India implements a different tax and import-duty structure for smartphones.
Not necessarily. When factoring in additional expenses such as flight tickets—which range from Rs 24,781 to Rs 30,000—and visa fees, buying the phone in the UAE may cost just as much or even more than purchasing it domestically in India.
