Friends, relatives, blog readers, and even co-workers keep asking me if they should go ahead and pre-order iPhone 5 now or should they wait till it arrives to Kuwait? Well, I was kinda asking myself the same question but before I give any specific answers I did my home work by doing some basic research online and offline. First I visited Apple U.K. online store (since it’s unlocked) to check the availability and prices and they were as follow;
16GB version for £529 (KD253)
32GB version for £599 (KD288)
64GB version £699 (KD336)
We can’t order from Apple U.S or Canada since the iPhone 5 will be locked, also you need a mail forwading service (Such as Aramex, DHL, Posta Plus) to deliver it and a credit card that is acceptable in the U.K (Kuwait VISA’s won’t work). Those who managed to order it from the first shipment, their iPhone 5 is expected to arrive to Kuwait from September 24 to September 30, otherwise if you order it today it will arrive early October. Meanwhile, I have contacted several local dealers and carriers (X-Cite, Electrozan, Eureka, iCity, VIVA, Zain, Wataniya) and they were expecting iPhone 5 arrival date to be sometime between 24th September to early October and price range will be KD290 to KD 320 for the 16GB version.
So we can see clearly that the price difference between say Apple U.K and Kuwait (about KD300) for the 16 GB version is not significant here, same applies for the arrival date, also bear in mind that even if those who ordered it online get it first they still have to wait until Nano sim cards are available in Kuwait, cutting existing sim cards simply won’t work. So now what’s your plan?
Note: Currency conversion rate £1 = KD0.48
Pre-ordered during the first minutes, should arrive sometime next week , already contacted my provider (Zain) & they confirmed that the new Nano-sims should be there within a week!
I’m following up with the three carriers & will let you know once the snano sims are available.
wait till end of year to be on the safe side
+1 I agree, let people try it first, experience with it and let the price drop then would go for it.
the prices in the web site its with tax
529 599 699 this is with tax
Thanks for the correction Moh76, I’ll have it rectified.
Why’s everyone so obsessed with the UK store?! Be patient people as the U.S store will be selling the unlocked version in a few weeks starting at just $549 for the 16GB model! Amazon will be having it as well so just be patient!
I would say its better to wait a little longer to buy because the new iPhone is clearly not worth the money. the new Samsung s3 or the note 2 is worth the money plus it would cost 80-90kd lesser than the new iPhone. why would anyone want to buy the new iPhone just because its TALLER and faster and nothing new compared to the previous versions.
For those of you out there who think that the US or Canadian versions of the GSM Unlocked iPhone would work in Kuwait I would like to correct that assumption and tell you that you are mistaken.
There are currently 3 models available of the iPhone
GSM (US & Canada) With an LTE Band only accessible on their networks
GSM (European & Rest of the World) With LTE Bands which if were introduced in Kuwait would immediately work.
CDMA (Locked) version which only works on locked networks.
If you purchased an unlocked phone from the US granted the GSM MIGHT work in Kuwait but you will never be able to connect to any LTE networks if the local operators introduce them here. However, a european model will work right out of the box.
Also, Amazon doesn’t sell iPhones, they are not licensced to do so, if any show up then they are most likely provided by third parties. Currently only third party companies allowed to sell in the US are Best Buy, Walmart, and a few other department stores of course not to mention the Operators such as AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, Cricket, etc.
Granted the phone is expensive right now to purchase from the UK, but that is because we are paying 50KD in VAT, if striped of that VAT then the actual price of the device 64GB would be around 260-280KD once networks bring it to Kuwait it should be provided with the same price tag as the iPhone 4S unlocked along with some special offer models. Dubai will be getting the iPhone 5 on Oct. 12 I am guessing Kuwait will be officially launching it around the same time. If you missed out on the pre-order and want a good deal then wait for the operators such as Zain or VIVA to launch it officially in Kuwait.
Very imformative indeed, thanks for clearing the confusion Jacqui.
Thanks JAX. You are my Apple guru.
Awww Expat hehe your most welcome and I guess that’s why I wear the guru hat! :P
Your most welcome dear Taz glad to be of service
@Jacqui … Apple canada is offering the unlocked 16gb version for $699 ( KWD205) …it will work in any LTE netork around the world right???
Nope the LTE will only work in the US & Canada.. other countries it will connect to regular GSM.
Selling iPhone 5 16Gb:32Gb:64Gb BrandNew Original fully Unlocked with 1Year Warranty.
Our iPhones are Brand New and are 100% FACTORY UNLOCKED and work with all GSM sim cards worldwide. We have the best
prices in USA/UAE
Apple iPhone 5 – The IPhone 5 dual-core A5 chip delivers even more power. The 8MP camera with new optics also
shoots 1080p HD video. And with Siri voice commands, the iPhone 5 does what you ask. This iPhone 5 is Factory
Unlocked for use on any GSM carrier.
iPhone 5, iPhone 4S NOW AVAILABLE IN STOCK.
AVAILABLE IN 16GB : 32GB and 64GB and Black and White.
Factory Unlocked ! Works WorldWide with all GSM Networks.
Contact us: Offer is Buy 2 Get 1 FREE.
New Apple iPhone 5 64Gb = AED 4000 (620 US$)
New Apple iPhone 5 32Gb = AED 3500 (550 US$)
New Apple iPhone 5 16Gb = AED 3000 (500 US$)
iphone 4S 16GB = 1,285 AED (350 US$)
iphone 4S 32GB = 1,500 AED (400 US$)
iphone 4S 64GB = 1,652 AED (450 US$)
iPad 3 64GB Wi Fi 4G=1700 AED(470 US$)
Samsung Galaxy S3=$1350 AED (370 US$)
Authentic (unlocked) sealed in box Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPhone 4S 64GB/32GB & Apple iPad 3 64GB + Wifi 4G.
ContactMe: directltd9@gmail.com
skype: mathiew.ryan
Direct Mobile Ltd:-
Unlock all kinds of iPhones even 5 on all IOS versions and basebands
Great site. Lots of helpful info here. I’m sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks to your effort!
Hii gys what is the best shop to buy iphone 5
what is best shop in kuwait buy iphone5
I like the helpful info you supply on your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and take a look at once more here frequently. I am relatively certain I will learn plenty of new stuff proper right here! Good luck for the following!