Purchasing iPhone in Japan

[Lighthand]

Anyone have experience buying iPhone in Japan?

Are you able to turn off the camera shutter sound after departure from Japan?

 

[CheapColaCo]

I’m also interested in this. Does Yodabashi Camera and Bic camera sell sim free iPhones?

 

[CheapColaCo]

Anyone have experience buying iPhone in Japan?

Are you able to turn off the camera shutter sound after departure from Japan?

I read online that the shutter sound deactivates when you put a non Japan sim

 

[Lighthand]

I read online that the shutter sound deactivates when you put a non Japan sim

That's what I read as well, but when I sent an inquiry to Apple I did not get a respond.

 

[Lighthand]

I’m also interested in this. Does Yodabashi Camera and Bic camera sell sim free iPhones?

Yes they do. Considering the weak Yen and tax free, that's quite a bit of savings. So I'm very tempted to get it when I visit Japan.

 

[Lighthand]

Just confirmed with my Japanese colleague's iPhone from Japan. 100% no shutter sound in silent mode as long as the SIM or eSIM is not from Japanese carrier.

BIC or Yodobashi here I come!

 

[CheapColaCo]

Yes they do. Considering the weak Yen and tax free, that's quite a bit of savings. So I'm very tempted to get it when I visit Japan.

But I like did read somewhere that yodabahi and bic only sell iPhones with carrier plans.? Dunno how accurate

 

[Lighthand]

But I like did read somewhere that yodabahi and bic only sell iPhones with carrier plans.? Dunno how accurate

BIC confirmed on their website that they do sell SIM free iPhones. Not sure about Yodobashi.

 

[CheapColaCo]

BIC confirmed on their website that they do sell SIM free iPhones. Not sure about Yodobashi.

But it’s for online order only right?

 

[Lighthand]

But it’s for online order only right?

Just checked with Japanese colleague. You can get sim free direct from stores. BUT depends on stock. They say even if you see a sign that says iPhone in stock, you need to ask them specifically for a sim free unit and they will check.

 

[CheapColaCo]

Just checked with Japanese colleague. You can get sim free direct from stores. BUT depends on stock. They say even if you see a sign that says iPhone in stock, you need to ask them specifically for a sim free unit and they will check.

Thanks bro

 

[discoburg]

Now you guys make me think of getting a set there. Hope their apple stores have the PM instead.

 

[Lighthand]

Now you guys make me think of getting a set there. Hope their apple stores have the PM instead.

Please note that Japan apple stores don't give tax refund.

 

[discoburg]

Please note that Japan apple stores don't give tax refund.

No wonder the people here are talking about buying in Yoda and Bic instead.

 

[ApeTruelove]

No wonder the people here are talking about buying in Yoda and Bic instead.

Yes alot of certain nationality go spoil market that's why next year Japan will change the tax refund at airport instead.

 

[discoburg]

Yes alot of certain nationality go spoil market that's why next year Japan will change the tax refund at airport instead.

Thats why this time is my 2nd trip to Tokyo for 2025. Usually it's annual Jan trip to Tokyo for the past 10 years.

 

[vbhelper]

how much cheaper to buy in Japan?

 

[CheapColaCo]

i going in End November. Hopefully the shortage no more

 

[Lighthand]

i going in End November. Hopefully the shortage no more

Same here. Going with my kids for a road trip, so I'll just keep hitting on all the shops until I find it

 

[Lighthand]

how much cheaper to buy in Japan?

Depending on the model. If I use Apple Japan as guideline, a baseline Pro model is about SGD200 cheaper at least.