Where to buy non chinese variant iPhone?

Question

I am living in China for long time so it's not a good option to go outside China to just buy iPhone. Is there any store who will do that for me? Anyone knows?

Answer

In China, most iPhones sold in official Apple Stores are the China-specific variants, often without certain features like FaceTime audio or dual SIM in the same way as international models. If you are looking for a non-Chinese variant (for example, a European, US, or other region model), there are a few options to consider.

Firstly, understand that China officially restricts the sale of iPhones to the local variant in their Apple Stores, so you won’t find international models directly in these stores.

Here are some ways to acquire a non-Chinese variant iPhone in Shanghai:

Authorized resellers/importers: Some stores specialize in importing foreign iPhones. These are often found in electronics markets or high-end malls. Prices may be higher due to import costs and warranty limitations. You can check major shopping areas like:

Xujiahui electronics markets
Nanjing Road shopping district
Global Harbor or other large malls with international electronics sections

Online cross-border platforms: Certain Chinese e-commerce platforms offer international variants through cross-border sellers. Examples include:

Tmall Global (Tmall International) – select the iPhone sold as “海外版” (overseas version)
JD Worldwide (JD Global) – make sure the listing specifies the region variant

Duty-free or airport shops: International airports sometimes stock non-Chinese variants for travelers. Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports have electronics shops that may carry US/EU models, though stock can be limited.
Buying from nearby countries: If possible, purchasing an iPhone in Hong Kong is a popular option for international variants. Hong Kong Apple Stores sell multiple regional models with the international warranty, and flights from Shanghai to Hong Kong are short and convenient.

Additional tips:

Check warranty coverage: imported iPhones may not have full coverage in China, so you may need to return to the country of purchase for warranty service.
Confirm network compatibility: non-Chinese variants generally work fine on Chinese 4G/5G networks, but check the specific bands if you rely on 5G.
Be cautious of grey-market pricing: some importers may charge significantly above official Apple Store prices, and warranty terms can be limited.

In conclusion, while official Apple Stores in Shanghai do not sell non-Chinese iPhones, you can find international variants through authorized importers, cross-border e-commerce platforms, duty-free shops, or by purchasing in nearby regions like Hong Kong.

Where to buy non chinese variant iPhone?

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