Rupiah Plummets: Is buying iPhones abroad still profitable?

Purchasing iPhones abroad, such as in Singapore and Malaysia, has become common among some Indonesian residents. reasons vary, but the primary factors are lower base prices and faster product availability compared to Indonesia. However, the reality is not so straightforward. Several factors need to be considered, especially amid the current rupiah weakness. As of today, Friday, 29 May 2026 at 09:18 WIB, the rupiah weakened 0.45% against the Singapore dollar, trading at Rp13,990 SGD, nearing Rp14,000 SGD. Meanwhile, at 09:47 WIB, the rupiah weakened 1.01% against the Malaysian ringgit, trading at Rp4,502.95 per MYR, marking the first time it has exceeded Rp4,500 per MYR. For comparison, the top-tier iPhone 17 Pro Max 2TB is priced at SGD 3,099 (approximately Rp43.4 million) and MYR 9,999 (around Rp45.1 million) on Apple’s official websites. In Indonesia, the same model retails at Rp45.2 million, according to iBox observations. Thus, the price difference between Singapore and Malaysia becomes negligible after converting to rupiah. Moreover, additional costs such as travel expenses and mandatory IMEI tax upon return, along with risks when purchasing from third-party or ‘jastip’ (proxy purchasing) services, must be considered. Conversely, purchasing iPhones in Indonesia may appear more expensive upfront, but all costs are ‘all-in’ with no additional charges. When bought officially through Indonesian retailers, the device comes with a legally registered IMEI, ensuring it is safe and ready to use. Consumers also receive a standard warranty valid across all Apple Authorised Service Providers in Indonesia, along with access to after-sales service at local branches. So, the choice remains: buy abroad or locally? All the above factors should be weighed by the consumer.