Why is the iPhone 12 more expensive in the Netherlands than in the United States? And where does this price difference come from? In this article we check whether we actually pay more for Apple products than others.
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Why the iPhone 12 is more expensive in the Netherlands
You can ingest poison on it every year. Just after the presentation of the new iPhones, people are starting to wonder why the US suggested retail prices are so low. How come they get an iPhone 12 mini for $ 699, while we have to pay 809 euros for it?
The simple answer is tax. Apple always communicates the US recommended prices exclusive VAT. That’s because regulations differ from state to state. In some states, you pay no tax at all on purchases, while in others you have to pay nearly 10 percent on your iPhone 12.
In the table below, we have therefore compared the Dutch and American recommended prices of the four new iPhones. The dollar prices are converted to euros, and the euro prices are exclusive of VAT. The last column shows how much more expensive an iPhone 12 phone is in the Netherlands.
| Model | US price * | Dutch price ** | Difference in % |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | 679 | 751 | +10.6 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 849 | 957 | +12.7 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 934 | 1040 | +11.3 |
| iPhone 12 mini | 594 | 668 | +12.5 |
| * Converted into euros | **exclusive of VAT |
Indeed, iPhones are actually cheaper in America. The gross difference is about 100 euros for most devices. However, this is only half the story. After all, there are some nuances to add to this difference, although these are not always in favor of the Dutch wallet.
1. Different tax rates
In column two, where the US recommended prices are listed, we assume, for example, that you do not pay VAT on purchases.
This is reality for only a small fraction of the US population. In only five states, you don’t have to pay VAT on purchases. Most American states do have VAT rules. Usually you have to pay between 5 and 10 percent tax on products.
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2. Withholding VAT
Furthermore, in the above table we have assumed that you may deduct the VAT on products, for example because you are self-employed. That kite doesn’t work for most people. They have to cough up the full iPhone purchase amount.
3. Other costs
Moreover, we leave out some factors altogether. Consider, for example, the transport costs that are for Apple’s account. And don’t forget local (Dutch) laws and regulations, such as the private copying levy.
Conclusion: is the iPhone 12 more expensive in the Netherlands?
The iPhone 12 is cheaper in America than in the Netherlands, however you turn or turn it. It is difficult to compare, because in the US it makes a lot of difference in which state you purchase a product. However, the price difference is smaller than is often suggested.
Buy new iPhone
Do you want to get one of the new Apple smartphones? The iPhone 12 in iPhone Pro costs here respectively 909 and 1159 euros and will be available from this Friday. The iPhone 12 (Pro) pre-order has now started.
Do you want the iPhone 12 mini of iPhone 12 Pro Max purchase? Then you have to be patient a little longer. The smallest and largest iPhones of 2020 cost 809 and 1259 euros here and can be ordered in advance from November 6.
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