Apple announces Cross Border ordering to 20 countries

[AppleInsider]

Apple on Tuesday quietly introduced its new Cross Border campaign, which allows US-based customers to make purchases for recipients located in Mexico, 15 countries across Europe, and 4 countries in Southeast Asia.

The move means, for example, that parents in the US can now purchase a new Mac for their son or daughter who may be studying abroad in the UK or France. Prior to this week, it was not possible for customers to purchase Apple products -- either online or by phone -- for delivery to a different country.

The Cupertino-based company is currently guaranteeing door-to-door delivery of products ordered in the US to 20 countries including: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

Canada remains conspicuously absent from the list.

"Now it's easy to give iPod and Mac gifts to friends and family in Mexico, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Simply visit the Apple Online Store of the destination country," Apple says. "If you don't speak the language, no problem. Just place your order with an Apple Online Store expert."

All cross border orders will be billed in the currency of the destination country at an exchange rate that will be determined by the purcheser's bank at the time the order is settled. Credit cards -- Visa, MasterCard, and American Express -- are the only payment types eligible for international billing. Debit cards and other forms of payment are not eligible.



Additional details on Apple's Cross Border international gift-giving campaign are available here.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[JohnnyKrz]

Yawn....

If they allowed buying from another country's iTunes store, now that would be something.

[gmcalpin]

Originally Posted by JohnnyKrz

If they allowed buying from another country's iTunes store, now that would be something.

That's not Apple's decision to make; it's the content providers'.

[Fast Fred 1]

Just send the kid the money....and hope they buy the computer.

[Tofino]

i swear steve jobs hates canada.

we waited forever for the iphone, the canadian itunes store still sucks, we never get access to the same 'special deals' in the online store, despite the fact that orders ship from california anyway, the list goes on...

on behalf of other canadians, i sincerely apologize to our vegan 'dear leader' for canadian bacon. what else could it be?

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Tofino

i swear steve jobs hates canada.

we waited forever for the iphone, the canadian itunes store still sucks, we never get access to the same 'special deals' in the online store, despite the fact that orders ship from california anyway, the list goes on...

on behalf of other canadians, i sincerely apologize to our vegan 'dear leader' for canadian bacon. what else could it be?

Different countries have different economies with different laws governing how they operate. The iTunes Store situation is about copyrights, not a CEO's disdain for his Northern neighbors. The lack of 'special deals' is probably because you burned down our White House once. Canadians = Terrorists.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Different countries have different economies with different laws governing how they operate. The iTunes Store situation is about copyrights, not a CEO's disdain for his Northern neighbors. The lack of 'special deals' is probably because you burned down our White House once. Canadians = Terrorists.

At least we are the only country that can say they handed the USA it's ass on a plate in an all out war.

Seriously though, the poster has a point. There are more Apple stores in some European countries (that weren't even countries a while ago) than there are in Canada. We have huge cities with double and triple the amount of customers in some of the tiny Southern USA cities that have multiple Apple stores as well.

Apple's service to Canada really does suck relative to other countries. Never really sure why, and I know that Steve Jobs has nothing to do with it, but it's true.

[OriginalG]

I assume Canada is left out because we can just get our American friends to purchase at American prices and pay less tax for an overall cheaper price that we would pay going through the Canadian Apple store?

[Stormchild]

Originally Posted by OriginalG

I assume Canada is left out because we can just get our American friends to purchase at American prices and pay less tax for an overall cheaper price that we would pay going through the Canadian Apple store?

This is the obvious and sane explanation.

[driver8]

Originally Posted by Stormchild

This is the obvious and sane explanation.

Sanity, who needs it?

[htoelle]

I am a Canadian Apple user. Unfortunately it does not surprise me that Canada is not in on this. The Rule goes something like this. " If it will benefit anyone in Canada and Canada does not get the dollars (deserved or undeserved) then Canada will not sign on. That is why we are always going across the border to buy major items or find some way of getting it here. Ashamed to say we have some narrow minded leaders in so many areas. Have you heard of "Free Trade" it is just fine as long as Canada comes out ahead.
Just 2 cents worth.
HT

[JohnnyKrz]

Originally Posted by gmcalpin

That's not Apple's decision to make; it's the content providers'.

I know.. Just sayin' is all.

[sreehemanth]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Apple on Tuesday quietly introduced its new Cross Border campaign, which allows US-based customers to make purchases for recipients located in Mexico, 15 countries across Europe, and 4 countries in Southeast Asia.

The move means, for example, that parents in the US can now purchase a new Mac for their son or daughter who may be studying abroad in the UK or France. Prior to this week, it was not possible for customers to purchase Apple products -- either online or by phone -- for delivery to a different country.

The Cupertino-based company is currently guaranteeing door-to-door delivery of products ordered in the US to 20 countries including: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

Canada remains conspicuously absent from the list.

"Now it's easy to give iPod and Mac gifts to friends and family in Mexico, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Simply visit the Apple Online Store of the destination country," Apple says. "If you don't speak the language, no problem. Just place your order with an Apple Online Store expert."

All cross border orders will be billed in the currency of the destination country at an exchange rate that will be determined by the purcheser's bank at the time the order is settled. Credit cards -- Visa, MasterCard, and American Express -- are the only payment types eligible for international billing. Debit cards and other forms of payment are not eligible.



Additional details on Apple's Cross Border international gift-giving campaign are available here.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

All:

I am writing this piece of information to mention that I have actually had a problem with this cross border online purchasing.

When I had spoken to several Apple associates and/or admins on this regard, the answer was, too reclusive, "that is the policy".

I had quite long discussions with these people and explained them the simple logic behind this requirement and how it would help people if that service is offered.

I have also posted my experiences with this situation previously.

I am happy now, this is the "EXACT" answer that I have been looking for... a long long time!!

BTW, I am thinking I am one of the reasons that this, finally finally, happened!

way to go Apple!!

[lamewing]

Originally Posted by JohnnyKrz

Yawn....

If they allowed buying from another country's iTunes store, now that would be something.

True, but doing so is still very easy to accomplish.

[JoeDyndale]

I know Apple definitely aren't stupid - but for some reason I got my hopes up, for a fraction of a second, that I could get somebody in the U.S. to buy me a Mac Pro and have it delivered to me here in Norway and that it would be billed in U.S. dollars.

That would be cool - because an 8-core Mac Pro (2.26GHz) with 16GB RAM and the ATI graphics card costs (with today's exchange rate) $5,460 here in Norway, while in the American Apple Store it costs $4,049. Though, I'm not sure if VAT is included in the American price. The Norwegian price includes 25% VAT.

I'm saving to get one of those - and it would have been so cool if I could have saved over a thousand bucks on that monster. Oh well, I might as well wish I'd win the lottery...

[e1618978]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Different countries have different economies with different laws governing how they operate. The iTunes Store situation is about copyrights, not a CEO's disdain for his Northern neighbors. The lack of 'special deals' is probably because you burned down our White House once. Canadians = Terrorists.

It wasn't "The White House" when we burned it, it was painted pink. No lie.

[sreehemanth]

Originally Posted by sreehemanth

All:

I am writing this piece of information to mention that I have actually had a problem with this cross border online purchasing.

When I had spoken to several Apple associates and/or admins on this regard, the answer was, too reclusive, "that is the policy".

I had quite long discussions with these people and explained them the simple logic behind this requirement and how it would help people if that service is offered.

I have also posted my experiences with this situation previously.

I am happy now, this is the "EXACT" answer that I have been looking for... a long long time!!

BTW, I am thinking I am one of the reasons that this, finally finally, happened!

way to go Apple!!

my happiness with this offer does not last a few seconds... damn! they "STILL" don't support this offer with Australia!!!!............

I am so hating this "vague" approach by Apple...

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by htoelle

I am a Canadian Apple user. Unfortunately it does not surprise me that Canada is not in on this. The Rule goes something like this. " If it will benefit anyone in Canada and Canada does not get the dollars (deserved or undeserved) then Canada will not sign on. That is why we are always going across the border to buy major items or find some way of getting it here. Ashamed to say we have some narrow minded leaders in so many areas. Have you heard of "Free Trade" it is just fine as long as Canada comes out ahead.
Just 2 cents worth.
HT

Bloody Canucks! Just kidding, of course.

[Andro101010]

Cause us Europeans can't buy from the US store..

[mariofreak85]

Originally Posted by JoeDyndale

I know Apple definitely aren't stupid - but for some reason I got my hopes up, for a fraction of a second, that I could get somebody in the U.S. to buy me a Mac Pro and have it delivered to me here in Norway and that it would be billed in U.S. dollars.

That would be cool - because an 8-core Mac Pro (2.26GHz) with 16GB RAM and the ATI graphics card costs (with today's exchange rate) $5,460 here in Norway, while in the American Apple Store it costs $4,049. Though, I'm not sure if VAT is included in the American price. The Norwegian price includes 25% VAT.

I'm saving to get one of those - and it would have been so cool if I could have saved over a thousand bucks on that monster. Oh well, I might as well wish I'd win the lottery...

Wow, for that much you could take a vacation to the US, buy it here, and still have money left over.

[bigdaddyp]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Different countries have different economies with different laws governing how they operate. The iTunes Store situation is about copyrights, not a CEO's disdain for his Northern neighbors. The lack of 'special deals' is probably because you burned down our White House once. Canadians = Terrorists.

I was skimming through the replies and your comment made my diet pepsi come out my nose!

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by gmcalpin

That's not Apple's decision to make; it's the content providers'.

Originally Posted by JohnnyKrz

I know.. Just sayin' is all.

It is too bad, but I think it's because the recording industry has a lot of legal baggage that predates the internet, in terms of things like how the rights are sold off by country, and in terms of different content regulations in place in each country. I'm sure there are other considerations too.

Originally Posted by e1618978

It wasn't "The White House" when we burned it, it was painted pink. No lie.

If it was pink, that was clearly a serious error. I will chalk up the arson as "aggressive decorating advice".

[JoeDyndale]

Originally Posted by mariofreak85

Wow, for that much you could take a vacation to the US, buy it here, and still have money left over.

Actually, no - but I could take a short trip to the UK and buy it there and still have money left over Don't have that much cash at the moment though

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by e1618978

It wasn't "The White House" when we burned it, it was painted pink. No lie.

I can't find any reliable looking source on the history of the White House that confirms that. Do you have a link so we can read up on it.

Originally Posted by bigdaddyp

I was skimming through the replies and your comment made my diet pepsi come out my nose!

I know how much that stings but I can't help but laugh at your pain.

[mdriftmeyer]

Originally Posted by JoeDyndale

I know Apple definitely aren't stupid - but for some reason I got my hopes up, for a fraction of a second, that I could get somebody in the U.S. to buy me a Mac Pro and have it delivered to me here in Norway and that it would be billed in U.S. dollars.

That would be cool - because an 8-core Mac Pro (2.26GHz) with 16GB RAM and the ATI graphics card costs (with today's exchange rate) $5,460 here in Norway, while in the American Apple Store it costs $4,049. Though, I'm not sure if VAT is included in the American price. The Norwegian price includes 25% VAT.

I'm saving to get one of those - and it would have been so cool if I could have saved over a thousand bucks on that monster. Oh well, I might as well wish I'd win the lottery...

Let me get this straight. You live in the European Union and get all the social perks of it; and somehow magically thought you could bypass the VAT?

Amazing.

[e1618978]

Originally Posted by solipsism

I can't find any reliable looking source on the history of the White House that confirms that. Do you have a link so we can read up on it.

Shoot - looks like it was an urban myth, the white house was white as early as 1798...

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by e1618978

Shoot - looks like it was an urban myth, the white house was white as early as 1798...

I think it was yesterday I was complaining on these forums about how much stuff we're told that turns out to be false.

PS: Are you one of the Coloradans that are buying up all the ammo in fear that Obama will outlaw firearms?

[docyoast]

Does this mean European customers can buy US products without VAT? 'cause this would kill apple resellers in Europe.

[Shunnabunich]

Speaking of urban myths, I'm pretty sure Apple thinks Canada itself is an urban myth. It would certainly explain the way they act toward us.

[e1618978]

Originally Posted by solipsism

I think it was yesterday I was complaining on these forums about how much stuff we're told that turns out to be false.

PS: Are you one of the Coloradans that are buying up all the ammo in fear that Obama will outlaw firearms?

I live in Boulder - liberal enclave, and I don't own a gun - if people are stockpiling ammo it is in some other part of the state.

I kind of like guns for the same reason I like cameras (and other mechanical devices), but I have never owned one. I think you are probably safest if you don't own a gun, but live in an an area that has lots of guns (& concealed weapons permits).

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by e1618978

I live in Boulder - liberal enclave, and I don't own a gun - if people are stockpiling ammo it is in some other part of the state.

I kind of like guns for the same reason I like cameras (and other mechanical devices), but I have never owned one. I think you are probably safest if you don't own a gun, but live in an an area that has lots of guns (& concealed weapons permits).

Here is an article. It was talked about on The Howard Stern Show today.

• http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news...55/detail.html

I, too, like weapons for the same reason I like other machines, but have never owned a handgun. I did go through a shooting class to get certified to obtain a concealed weapon and go shooting about every couple months at a ranges that let you rent from an assortment of choices. I just like to know things but I don't foresee myself ever owning a gun. I am quite a good shot, too.

PS: This week on The Howard Stern Show Howard has also discussed getting rid of his Palm Treo in favour of a new smartphone. The Pre interests him but it's too far away. He use Lotus Notes and likes threaded SMS messages. He is leaning toward the iPhone but is unsure about the touchscreen keyboard. I think he is also in NYC still which would make going to AT&T a bad choice according to our resident posters who are from the city.

[Pooch]

Originally Posted by Tofino

i swear steve jobs hates canada.

take back alanis morissette and we'll talk.

[stonefingers]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Apple on Tuesday quietly introduced its new Cross Border campaign, which allows US-based customers to make purchases for recipients located in Mexico, 15 countries across Europe, and 4 countries in Southeast Asia.

All cross border orders will be billed in the currency of the destination country at an exchange rate that will be determined by the purcheser's bank at the time the order is settled.

Cupertino still has no love for its military customers yet either Canada, so don't feel too alone - we're American! Military or militarily-related customers with an APO/FPO box can order and send through a third-party company (like ShipitAPO or APO Box) but incur additional fees for doing so. Would that be more than outright paying for a new iMac at host-country prices?

Probably not, but that isn't the point either!

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by Tofino

i swear steve jobs hates canada.

we waited forever for the iphone, the canadian itunes store still sucks, we never get access to the same 'special deals' in the online store, despite the fact that orders ship from california anyway, the list goes on...

on behalf of other canadians, i sincerely apologize to our vegan 'dear leader' for canadian bacon. what else could it be?

Leave me out.

Right now, Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 8:40PM EST, you could buy a Mac Mini from the US at $599 US or $736 CAD. The Apple Store Canada lists the Mini at $729 CAD.

Or better yet, a Macbook Pro 15' lists for $1999 (US Store) or $2149 (Canadian Store). The $1999 converted would cost $2456 CAD.

Best you Americans head north.

P.S., A fully loaded Mac Pro with a couple of 30" displays goes for nearly $19,000 US. You can get the same thing in Canada for just about $21,000 CAD or $17,000 US.

When you come across the border, please step cautiously. We have a bit of horseshit lying around here, left over from a few watching themselves in the mirror.

[abundance]

Originally Posted by mdriftmeyer

Let me get this straight. You live in the European Union and get all the social perks of it; and somehow magically thought you could bypass the VAT?

Amazing.

If you add 25% VAT to the US price it's still 400$ cheaper...

[e1618978]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Here is an article. It was talked about on The Howard Stern Show today.

• http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news...55/detail.html

I wish that I had noticed this trend earlier, gun manufacturers like RGR are up 100% since Janruary.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by italiankid

The USA does harm to the world asking for Terrorist to kill Americans.
America deserves what it gives. Sorry!
As for Canada, we always are shafted. I don't support American companies anyhow.
I try to buy little Apple as possible...

Originally Posted by italiankid

Calling Canadians Terrorist? WTF is America?

You are really taking my jocular comment about an incident that happened 185 years ago to heart. Note that I don't think Steve Jobs doesn't give Canada special deals on Apple products because of a very old incident that occured by British troops from a Canadian colony.

Originally Posted by e1618978

I wish that I had noticed this trend earlier, gun manufacturers like RGR are up 100% since Janruary.

If I would had known the foolish paranoia people had en mass I would have bought some stock in such things.

After the economy readjusts and Gold falls again i will be buying gold. This way, when the economy suffers again and sticks fall I can watch gold go up. This has all happened before and it will happen again; so say we all.

[ecking]

Originally Posted by solipsism

The lack of 'special deals' is probably because you burned down our White House once.

Man, you guys will never let us live that down!

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by solipsism

You are really taking my jocular comment about an incident that happened 185 years ago to heart. Note that I don't think Steve Jobs doesn't give Canada special deals on Apple products because of a very old incident that occured by British troops from a Canadian colony.

Also, the idea of "we" vs. "they" is usually silly for most people on any time scale. Even sillier when it's many generations ago. My ancestors certainly had nothing to do with that, their families immigrated early in the last century.

If I would had known the foolish paranoia people had en mass I would have bought some stock in such things.

Someone thinking about it probably could have realized this given how viral smear emails had gotten major traction during the campaigns. Still, hindsight is 20-20.

After the economy readjusts and Gold falls again i will be buying gold. This way, when the economy suffers again and sticks fall I can watch gold go up. This has all happened before and it will happen again; so say we all.

I think you can probably wait about 5 years before buying gold. Major excrement hits the fan every seven to ten years, and you'll get the lowest prices when things are going the best. The markets seem to exaggerate the condition of the market too, it's a twisted feedback loop.

[lindavs]

Oh really? No, they do not really ship across the border, they just 'allow' you to send some one in let’s say the Netherlands an iPod Nano or so. Well thank you for that Apple! You would have to speak Dutch though, since you are linked to the Dutch Apple website.

The cross-border statement really is false. If Europeans want to buy from the US Apple site to take advantage of the weak dollar, it is still only a service like US Unlocked that will enable that. Truthfully, the dollar is not weak enough at this point to be an advantage. Analysts, however foresee a new big dip in the dollar value soon. When that happens count on US Unlocked for the cross-border purchase and not on Apple!