Every year, Indian iPhone fans ask the same thing: “Should I book that international flight just to get a better deal on the latest iPhone?”
Well, now that the iPhone 17 series has finally dropped, the price differences around the world are even more dramatic, and for some models, the savings are no joke.
India: Paying a premium for the made-in-India iPhone
Let’s kick things off at home. The iPhone 17 starts at ₹82,900 in India, while the flagship Pro Max hits a steep ₹1,49,900. It stings even more knowing these iPhones roll off assembly lines right here in Bengaluru, but those import duties and GST mean Indian buyers are still paying top rupee.
USA: The land of cheaper iPhones
Hop across to the US, and things look much brighter for your wallet. The iPhone 17 goes for just $799 (about ₹70,400), and the Pro Max is $1,199 (around ₹1,05,700). That’s a massive ₹12,000 to ₹44,000 saved compared to India.
There is a downside though. Every iPhone 17, iPhone Air, or iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max sold in the US will be eSIM-only, so no physical SIM slot. This can potentially be a deal-breaker especially if you juggle SIMs or travel a lot.
Japan: Still a bargain hunter’s paradise for iPhones
Japan is another favourite with Indian iPhone seekers. This year, the base iPhone 17 is JPY 129,800 (₹77,600), and the Pro Max is JPY 194,800 (₹1,16,400). So, for the Pro Max especially, that’s more than ₹33,000 in savings.
UAE: Why Dubai everyone’s favourite place to buy an iPhone
A quick Dubai stopover may not be a bad idea. In the UAE, the iPhone 17 sits at AED 3,099 (₹75,000), making it one of the cheapest places for the entry model. The 17 Pro Max, at AED 5,099 (₹1,23,500), is ₹26,000 less than in India. That’s pretty cheap, enough for you to get a round trip to Dubai, and still save big, although not the cheapest globally.
Europe & UK: Expect to Pay Extra for the new iPhone 17s
Europe isn’t doing you any favours this year. In Germany, you’ll pay €949 (about ₹98,000) for the iPhone 17, and £799 (about ₹95,000) in the UK. Yep, both higher than India—so unless you love paying more, maybe skip the Euro trip for iPhone shopping.
Vietnam: A slight twist in the iPhone 17 pricing tale
Vietnam used to be a sweet spot for iPhone deals. Not this year. The iPhone 17 costs 24,999,000 VND (₹83,490), just slightly above the Indian price.
But for the 17 Pro Max, it’s still a steal at 34,999,000 VND (₹1,16,900), saving you over ₹33,000.
So, where’s the best place to buy?
If you’re after the biggest savings, the US is still the place to go, if you’re cool with just an eSIM. Japan and the UAE are great, especially for the Pro Max. Europe and the UK? You’ll end up spending more. And Vietnam is only worth it if you want the Pro Max.
But before you book that ticket, remember to check the warranty, SIM compatibility, and customs duties. A cheap iPhone can turn expensive fast if you skip the fine print.
