Indian man's MacBook trick: Saves Rs 36,500 by flying to Vietnam and taking a full vacation
In an increasingly connected world, international travel is no longer limited to sightseeing and leisure. For some, it has become a smart way to make major purchases at lower prices. A recent example involves an Indian man who managed to save Rs 36,500 on a MacBook by buying it in Vietnam instead of India. The traveller shared his story on Reddit's r/macoffer community, detailing how he combined remote work, sightseeing, and a major electronics purchase in a single 11-day trip to Hanoi. His approach shows how travelers can benefit from cross-border price differences, tax refunds, and favorable exchange rates, while also enjoying a holiday. The post has sparked widespread interest online, prompting others to consider similar strategies for buying high-value electronics abroad.
Why Apple products are cheaper in Vietnam
One of the main reasons Apple devices are more expensive in India is due to high import duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST). These taxes significantly increase the final retail price of products such as iPhones and MacBooks.
Vietnam, on the other hand, offers relatively lower retail prices for electronics. Apple devices in the country are not only cheaper due to lower import taxes, but the government also allows tourists to claim back Value Added Tax (VAT) on eligible purchases. This makes it an attractive destination for tech buyers, especially those willing to travel.
In this case, the traveller found that the MacBook model he wanted, which retails for approximately Rs 1.85 lakh in India even after applying credit card offers, was available in Vietnam for about Rs 1.48 lakh.
How the MacBook was purchased
The traveler claims he carefully chose a store in Vietnam that could provide proper documentation for the VAT refund process. This is essential, as not all stores in Vietnam participate in the tax refund scheme. He ensured the store issued a valid VAT invoice and that the MacBook was eligible under the tourist refund program.
Before leaving Vietnam, he completed the VAT refund procedure at the airport, which involved showing the device and submitting the necessary paperwork. Once the refund was processed, the total effective cost of the MacBook came down even further.
Vietnam MacBook deal
Vietnam MacBook deal
Vietnam MacBook deal
Vietnam MacBook deal
Breakdown of total costs and savings
Initially, the total cost of the trip, including the laptop purchase, came to around Rs 2.08 lakh. This included flights, accommodation, food, local transportation, and the cost of the MacBook.
After the VAT refund was processed, the total reduced to Rs 1.97 lakh. Subtracting the cost of the MacBook (Rs 1.48 lakh), the remaining amount spent on the vacation itself came to just Rs 48,000.
For that price, he was able to spend 11 days in Hanoi, work remotely, and explore the city. Essentially, he got both the MacBook and a full vacation for less than the cost of buying the same laptop alone in India.
How he managed to work remotely
The Reddit user also pointed out that he worked during his trip. By maintaining his work routine remotely, he didn't need to take time off or lose income while traveling. This aspect is particularly important in today's flexible work culture, where many professionals can operate from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
His experience reflects a growing global trend of blending travel with remote work, also known as 'workcations.'
Why others are interested in this strategy
The traveler's story gained attention not just because of the savings, but because of how it combined cost-efficiency, remote work, and travel. Several Reddit users responded positively, asking for tips and expressing interest in trying something similar in countries like Vietnam or Dubai.
The idea of 'shopping tourism' isn't new, but combining it with remote work and long stays has gained traction as people become more flexible in how and where they live and work. With electronics being one of the most heavily taxed goods in certain countries, cross-border purchases offer a real opportunity for savings.
Key factors that made the strategy work
Price difference: A difference of around Rs 37,000 between India and Vietnam on the same MacBook model
VAT refund: Significant savings were made possible through Vietnam's tourist VAT refund program
Careful planning: Choosing a reliable store, confirming VAT eligibility, and following airport procedures
Remote work: Flexibility to travel without taking time off from work
Efficient budgeting: Entire trip, including purchase, costs less than the Indian retail price
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