It depends on the age of the phone. New iPhones work globally, but even then there are warnings to look out for.
You might be travelling to Australia or maybe buying from the USA seems like a cheaper option. Chances are, with the exchange rate, shipping and tax, you might find it’s still cheaper to buy locally (or second-hand) rather than overseas.
The good news is that iPhones from the 5 and up should work with no problem in Australia. These devices work over a very wide range of frequencies, making them compatible with networks in almost all countries.
Note: If you’re travelling to Australia with an iPhone 14 or 15, you have to use an eSIM. Those models in the USA don’t have a spot for a physical SIM.
Before you buy a phone overseas, make sure you consider all the risks.
Top iPhone Plans
The potential pitfalls of buying overseas
- It could be fake.
Unless you’re buying from a reputable dealer (like Apple), you’re buying at your own risk. Even worse, you won’t be protected by Australian laws around buying and selling. - It could be locked.
There is a chance the phone will be locked to a US phone company. Sometimes you can unlock it, but it can be a headache (or worse, you won’t be able to use your phone). - There could be hidden charges.
The price online might seem cheaper, but by the time you factor in exchange rates, taxes and shipping you might not be saving very much. - Likely, you won’t get a warranty.
Even if the website or vendor claims you will have a warranty, you’re very unlikely to be able to capitalise on it. That means if something goes wrong, you may have to wear the cost yourself.
Your Australian Options
In comparison with most of the rest of the world, Australian iPhone prices don’t do too badly. The iPhone 15 was released for $1499 in Australia and $999 in the USA. But, by the time you add taxes and convert to AUD, that comes to around $1600.
Australia does have options for people looking to own the latest iPhone. Companies like Kogan and Mobileciti offer Australians alternative options for getting a good deal on a new iPhone. On first inspection it might not appear quite as cheap as the overseas models, but when you get an original unlocked phone with a warranty and can pair that with a cheap phone plan you’re likely to have more peace of mind and save in the long run.
It’s definitely worth thinking about whether buying a phone outright or as part of a contract is right for you. There are websites that can help you calculate what options can save you money in the long run. There are plenty of plans that include the latest iPhone, but you should also consider looking into buying a phone outright (and potentially saving 25% on the cost of your phone) and pairing it with a plan specifically suited to use with your new iPhone.