TechUpdate: IPhone 4.0, cheapest in Singapore and Hongkong

Ever since the IPhone was launched, everyone has been dying to get one. Now that the Iphone 4.0 is already out and will be released soon in the Philippines, more and more people are getting on the Iphone bandwagon.

With its 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, HD Video recording and editing, 3.5 inch widescreen multi-touch display features among others, this IPhone 4.0 has gotten all tech-savvies drooling for several months. And now, it has finally reached Asia Pacific.

Unfortunately, it hasn't been marketed yet in the Philippines. Singapore is the closest country to have launched the IPhone 4. The Iphone 4 is already available in Apple SG store and units are sold UNLOCKED. Yes, that's correct. Singapore laws prohibit the mobile manufacturers to lock their brands to particular telecom providers. Basically, it's all about freedom of choice. Same goes to Australia, New Zealand, and Hongkong (other countries that sell officially unlocked IPhone 4.0 units are listed here: Officially Unlocked iPhone 4 Countries List). It's different in the Philippines because IPhone units have been locked to Globe telecom, a local telecom provider. Not to mention, IPhone prices in the Philippines are really expensive which is 50-60% higher than when it's bought outside of the country.

According to several Iphone experts and blogsites, Singapore and Hongkong are the two countries that offer the cheapest price for officially unlocked IPhone 4.0 units. (Data retrieved in this site.)

I checked on the Apple SG site and true enough, they sell Iphone 4 units (16GB Black) for only 888 SGD (that's roughly 30,000 PHP converted using OANDA rates). The 32GB Iphone 4 is being sold at 1,048 SGD.

I also checked Apple HK's online store and their IPhone prices are also very cheap (comparing it to prices in other countries and considering that these units are officially unlocked IPhone 4s). Iphone 4 units (16GB Black) cost only 4988 HKD which is roughly 28000 - 29000 PHP. The 32GB Iphone 4 is being sold at 5888 HKD.

 

Now that the Iphone 4 is already out, everyone is scuttling to own it. Since Iphones generally cost a lot in the Philippines, a lot of Pinoys are getting their units in SG or HK. There are a lot of forum sites already that discuss how to order outside of SG and ship it to Manila. One common practice is to find someone (a friend) in SG whose address they can use in doing their online purchase for the Iphone 4 from the Apple SG online store. Apple accepts online purchase only so that they can track Iphone orders. In SG, there is also a maximum count of only 2 Iphone orders per person/credit card. That friend, then, can just send the Iphone via courier to Manila or hand-carry it when he/she comes back to Manila for vacation. 

So if you're one of those itching to own the new Iphone 4, one tip is to order from Apple SG online store and just use your friend's SG address in the purchase order. You can have the unit couriered to Manila. Last time I heard, LBC can do this at a minimal price. Or you can either personally go to SG to pick it up yourself. There's nothing more satisfying than  getting it personally, opening the box and sniffing the smell of a brand new gadget. You can also do some sidetrip in SG while you're there. ;)

If money is not an issue with you and feels hassled to do the purchase in SG while you are here in the Philippines, you can keep yourself in the loop for the IPhone 4 release in the Philippines by signing up in Globe telecom's Iphone 4 alerts.


P.S. For those planning to get their Iphone 4.0s in HK or SG, Citibank has a promo that will allow you to pay for your IPhone 4.0 in 12-month installment payments. :)