Buying an iPad in Thailand

Some visitors to Thailand automatically assume that electronic goods and gadgets will be cheaper here than in their home country. Whilst that may be true in some cases, it certainly isn’t true in every instance especially when exchange rates are taken into consideration. When it comes to buying products such as an iPad, it’s much easier to do a direct comparison because Apple have a standard set price for their products in Thailand.

The cost of an iPad in Thailand

The prices below refer to genuine iPads bought from an authorized Apple store in Thailand. Please note that the prices below include a sales tax (VAT) at 7%, but tourists in Thailand can claim this tax back. For example, an iPad costing 16,500 Baht includes VAT at 1,080 Baht but the 1,080 Baht can be refunded to you if you follow the correct procedures.

New iPad with Wi-Fi
16GB 16,500 Baht
32GB 19,500 Baht
64GB 22,500 Baht

New iPad with Wi-Fi + cellular
16GB 20,500 Baht
32GB 23,500 Baht
64GB 26,500 Baht

iPad 2
16GB 13,500 Baht (with Wi-Fi)
16GB 17,500 Baht (with Wi-Fi + 3G)

iPad accessories
smart cover (polyurethane) 1,590 Baht
smart cover (leather) 2,790 Baht
Apple wireless keyboard (ENG) 2,390 Baht
iPad dock 890 Baht

(prices correct as of August 14, 2012)

Where to buy

If you are visiting Thailand and are interested in buying an iPad, I would advise going to an authorised Apple store. That way you will be given an international warranty for your purchase and you will also be able to claim the sales tax (VAT) back before you depart Thailand.

You may see iPads cheaper to buy in some other computer stores, but it is very much a case of buyer beware because these are not always genuine Apple products even if they are advertised as such in the store. You would also not be able to claim back the VAT on any products bought from a store that doesn’t participate in the VAT refund for tourists scheme.
Apple store (Thailand)
Apple stores selling iPads in Thailand
Maczone (northern Thailand)

Are the instructions in Thai or English?

When you purchase any genuine Apple product in Thailand the box will contain written instructions in English and Thai. The iPad keyboard will be in English as the default setting, but other languages (including Thai) can easily be added if required.

What about the power adaptor?

The adaptor will be suitable for Thailand so you may require a different power adaptor or a converter for use in your home country.