Where in the world should I buy my new phone?

March 21, 2018 5:38 AM

My current phone (HTC one m8) seems to be on its last legs, and so I'm in the market for a new one. I'm in a number of cities over the next couple months, and I don't know which would be best to buy in!

The choices are:
Singapore (city or airport)
Bangkok (airport only)
Islamabad
Amsterdam
Toronto
Montreal

Something tells me Singapore would be best, but I could be wrong. I'd ideally like to spend under well $400 USD if possible. I also have no idea what phone to get! My priorities are good speakers and camera, and not too huge in the hand (I have tiny hands!) And double-sim would be amazing. Doesn't matter if it's a Chinese brand or whatever, as long as it's reliable.

So, any ideas where to buy, and which phone suits my needs best?

Thanks in advance!

posted by hasna to Technology (5 answers total)

Not Toronto or Montreal. We have the most expensive cell phone plans on the planet.

Edit: I think it’s now (only now) possible to purchase unlocked phones, but I can’t imagine they’d be cheaper here than anywhere else.
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:03 AM on March 21, 2018

As far as phones - if you have tiny hands, though, the iPhone SE is very small and decently formed.
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:07 AM on March 21, 2018

To get an idea of relative prices in different markets, you can look at the Apple store for each market.
For example, the iPhone SE ...
... in Singapore is SGD 568 = USD 432,
Canada is CAD 469 = USD 362,
Netherlands is EUR 420 = USD 516,
Thailand is THB 14 500 = USD 464.

Singapore isn't the cheapest for electronics (I know the US is quite a bit cheaper), but they do generally have a good range of models.
For other phone prices in Singapore, you can see prices here.
If you do buy in Singapore, you will likely be able to get most of the 7% sales tax back at the airport through the GST tax refund program.
posted by Gomez_in_the_South at 11:42 AM on March 21, 2018

You may be aware of this, but keep in mind that not all countries/wireless providers use the same RF bands for cellular connectivity. Make sure whatever you get is supported where you intend to use it.
posted by Aleyn at 5:52 PM on March 21, 2018

Something to consider wherever you buy. Is the warranty valid in the country of your residence?
posted by Homer42 at 12:33 AM on March 22, 2018