Question 1

What are India's new baggage rules in 2026?

Accepted Answer

India's new Baggage Rules 2026, effective February 2, 2026, increased the duty-free allowance from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 for all international passengers arriving by air or sea. Additionally, from April 1, 2026, customs duty on personal imports drops from 20% to a flat 10%. One laptop remains fully duty-free separate from this ₹75,000 limit. You can now declare your baggage digitally via the Atithi app up to 3 days before arrival.

Question 2

Has India's duty-free allowance changed in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes. India's duty-free allowance increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 effective February 2, 2026. This is a 50% increase — the first update to baggage rules in a decade. This means you can now bring electronics, clothing, and accessories worth up to ₹75,000 without paying any customs duty at all.

Question 3

When does customs duty drop to 10% in India?

Accepted Answer

From April 1, 2026, India's Basic Customs Duty on personal imports drops from 20% to a flat 10% (effective total ~11% including surcharges). This makes buying abroad even more attractive for Indians. Use our calculator to see your savings under the new rate.

Question 4

What is the Atithi app for customs declaration?

Accepted Answer

The Atithi app (available on iOS and Android) and the ICEGATE website (icegate.gov.in) allow you to digitally declare your baggage up to 3 days before arrival in India. This replaces the old paper Form CBD-I. Filing in advance speeds up customs clearance at the airport. Highly recommended if you're bringing a new phone or gadget.

Question 5

Is iPhone 15 cheaper in Dubai than India?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for Pro models. iPhone 17 Pro Max is approximately ₹27,000 cheaper in Dubai before customs duty. After our calculator applies the new ₹75,000 duty-free exemption and flight costs, savings range from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 depending on your departure city. Base iPhone 17 savings are minimal (under ₹2,000) — only Pro and Pro Max models make financial sense to buy abroad.

Question 6

How much custom duty on iPhone from Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Under the new 2026 rules: You get ₹75,000 duty-free. If your iPhone costs ₹1,22,500 (Dubai price of iPhone 17 Pro Max), you pay duty only on ₹47,500 (₹1,22,500 - ₹75,000). At 20% duty that's ₹9,500. From April 1, 2026, duty drops to 10% = ₹4,750. Our calculator shows this breakdown automatically.

Question 7

Is it worth flying to Dubai just to buy an iPhone?

Accepted Answer

For iPhone 17 Pro Max: Yes, if you can get a cheap flight. With BLR-DXB flights available from ₹10,000-14,000, the total savings after customs duty and flight costs can be ₹5,000-₹15,000. You also get a free Dubai trip. For base iPhone 17: Usually not worth it — the price difference is too small. Use our calculator to check your specific city and dates.

Question 8

Can I bring iPhone from Dubai to India without paying duty?

Accepted Answer

If your iPhone costs less than ₹75,000 (new 2026 limit), you pay zero duty. iPhone 17 base model in Dubai costs approximately ₹81,700, which is just over the limit — you'd pay duty on ₹6,700 only (~₹670-1,340). For Pro models, the value exceeds ₹75,000 and duty applies on the excess amount only, not the full price.

Question 9

Is iPhone cheaper in Bangkok or Dubai for Indians?

Accepted Answer

Bangkok generally has cheaper flights from South India (from ₹7,000-9,000) but iPhone prices in Thailand are similar to or slightly higher than Dubai. For North Indians (Delhi/Mumbai), Dubai makes more sense. For South Indians (Bangalore/Chennai/Hyderabad), Bangkok flights are cheaper. Use our city-specific calculator to compare both options with your home airport.

Question 10

Does iPhone bought in Dubai work in India?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UAE iPhones are globally unlocked and work with all Indian SIM cards (Jio, Airtel, Vi). They support Indian 4G/5G bands. The only difference: UAE iPhones use eSIM + nano SIM while Indian models support dual physical SIM. Apple's warranty is honored in India for Dubai-purchased iPhones at Apple Authorized Service Centers.

Question 11

Do I pay customs duty on MacBook from Dubai?

Accepted Answer

No! Zero customs duty on ONE MacBook (or any laptop) per adult passenger over 18. This is under CBIC Baggage Rules 2026 — laptops are fully duty-free and this exemption is SEPARATE from your ₹75,000 general allowance. This means you can bring a MacBook + ₹75,000 worth of other items duty-free in the same trip.

Question 12

How much can I save buying MacBook Pro M5 in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

MacBook Pro M5 14-inch in Dubai costs approximately ₹1,40,000 vs ₹1,69,900 in India. With zero customs duty (laptop exemption) and a ₹12,000-14,000 return flight, your total Dubai cost is ~₹1,54,000. You save approximately ₹15,000-₹17,000 plus get a Dubai trip. Our calculator gives exact savings for your departure city.

Question 13

Is buying MacBook in Vietnam worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a Reddit post by user @Shuict went viral showing ₹36,500 savings on a MacBook bought in Vietnam. Vietnam allows tourist VAT refunds (typically 7-10%), making prices significantly lower. However, the trip requires more planning (11+ days recommended to find VAT refund-eligible stores). Use our Vietnam calculator to see if it works for your specific model.

Question 14

Can I bring 2 MacBooks from Dubai to India?

Accepted Answer

One MacBook is duty-free. The second MacBook must be 'old and in use' (not new in box) to be duty-free. If you bring two new MacBooks, only one qualifies for the laptop exemption. The second would be subject to customs duty on its full value above your ₹75,000 general exemption. We strongly recommend bringing only one new laptop per trip.

Question 15

What is India's duty-free limit in 2026?

Accepted Answer

₹75,000 (increased from ₹50,000 on February 2, 2026). This covers electronics, clothing, watches, accessories — any personal items. PLUS one laptop is separately duty-free. PLUS jewelry has its own separate weight-based allowance (40g for women, 20g for men who stayed abroad 1+ year).

Question 16

What happens if I exceed the duty-free limit at Indian customs?

Accepted Answer

You pay customs duty ONLY on the amount exceeding ₹75,000. For example: iPhone worth ₹1,00,000 − ₹75,000 exemption = ₹25,000 taxable. Duty = ₹25,000 × 10% (from April 2026) = ₹2,500. The total duty is much less than most people fear. Our calculator shows the exact breakdown before you travel.

Question 17

Do I have to declare new electronics at Indian customs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the value exceeds ₹75,000 or you're unsure. Use the Atithi app to declare 3 days before arrival. Even if your items are under the limit, it's good practice to keep purchase receipts. MacBooks should always be declared as 'laptop for personal use' — this activates the duty-free exemption and avoids complications.

Question 18

What is the customs duty rate on smartphones in India 2026?

Accepted Answer

For smartphones brought by travelers (not commercial imports): 20% Basic Customs Duty until March 31, 2026. From April 1, 2026: flat 10%. This applies only to the amount ABOVE your ₹75,000 duty-free exemption. If your phone costs less than ₹75,000 at current exchange rates, you pay zero duty.

Question 19

Is customs duty same for all passengers or does trip duration matter?

Accepted Answer

Under the new 2026 rules, the ₹75,000 exemption applies to ALL air/sea travelers regardless of trip duration. The old duration-based difference (₹50k for under 2 days, ₹1L for 2+ days) is replaced with a flat ₹75,000 for everyone. Our calculator has been updated to reflect this change.

Question 20

What is the iPhone price in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

USA has the absolute cheapest iPhone prices globally, but US iPhones don't have a physical SIM slot (eSIM only) and warranty issues are common. For practical purposes: Dubai is best for North Indians (cheap flights, no VAT on electronics), Bangkok for South Indians (cheaper flights), Hong Kong for best Apple prices + VAT refund. Our calculator compares all options instantly.

Question 21

Is Singapore worth it for buying Apple products?

Accepted Answer

Singapore Apple prices are slightly higher than Dubai but Singapore offers a 9% GST refund for tourists at the airport. Flights from India to Singapore are typically ₹12,000-16,000. For MacBooks, Singapore + GST refund can sometimes beat Dubai. For iPhones, Dubai is usually better. Use our Singapore calculator to compare.

Question 22

Which Indian city has cheapest flights to Dubai for shopping?

Accepted Answer

From cheapest to most expensive: Kochi (COK), Kozhikode (CCJ), and Ahmedabad (AMD) often have the cheapest fares to Dubai. Bangalore (BLR) and Mumbai (BOM) have most flight options. Budget airlines IndiGo and Air Arabia often run ₹8,000-12,000 return fares during off-peak periods. Our calculator uses your departure city to find the cheapest option.

Question 23

Does Apple warranty work in India for Dubai-bought products?

Accepted Answer

Yes for MacBooks and iPads — Apple provides global warranty for these. For iPhones, Apple India does honor UAE-purchased devices at Authorized Service Centers, though some users report occasional issues. Keep your UAE purchase receipt and register your device on Apple's website immediately after purchase. AppleCare+ purchased in UAE works in India.

Question 24

Should I remove the box before coming back to India?

Accepted Answer

This is a common travel hack but we recommend against it. Removing the box doesn't exempt you from customs — customs officers look at the item's condition, not just the box. More importantly, without a box your product has lower resale value. Instead, declare honestly: your duty under new 2026 rules is far lower than most people think.

Question 25

What is a forex card and why do I need one for Dubai shopping?

Accepted Answer

A forex card (like Niyo Global or HDFC Regalia) lets you spend in foreign currency with zero markup, saving you 2-3.5% vs using a regular credit/debit card. On a ₹1,00,000 purchase, that's ₹2,000-3,500 saved. Our calculator includes forex markup in the total cost. We recommend getting a 0% forex card before your trip.

Question 26

What is the best time to fly to Dubai to buy Apple products?

Accepted Answer

Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February) offers additional retailer discounts of 5-15% on electronics. Also watch for: UAE National Day sales (December 2-3), back-to-school sales (August-September), and new iPhone launch season (September-October when old models get discounted).

Question 27

What is group buying and how does it save money?

Accepted Answer

Group buying means pooling purchases with friends or family. One or two people fly abroad, buy items for the whole group, and split the flight cost among everyone. For example: a ₹12,000 Dubai flight split 4 ways = ₹3,000/person instead of ₹12,000. Each person must carry and declare their own items through customs, so the flyer brings items for those meeting them at the airport.

Question 28

Is group buying legal at Indian customs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but each person must declare their own purchase. The customs duty-free allowance of ₹75,000 applies per individual. If one person carries items for others, the total value they are carrying must be declared. We recommend each group member meets the traveler at arrivals and carries their own item through the green/red channel.

Question 29

How many people should fly in a group buy?

Accepted Answer

For most groups of 3-5, sending just 1 person is optimal. The math: 1 flyer for 4 people = flight/4. Sending 2 flyers doubles the total flight cost but provides redundancy. Send 2 flyers only if: (a) each person is buying expensive items that need individual customs declaration, or (b) the group wants 2 vacation trips.

Question 30

How do you make money?

Accepted Answer

We earn affiliate commission if you book flights or buy products through our links. This is disclosed transparently. Your price is the same either way. We never recommend worse options to earn more.

Question 31

How accurate are your price predictions?

Accepted Answer

India prices: ~98% accurate (Amazon data). Foreign prices: ~90% accurate (may vary by store/variant). Flight prices: Real-time via Aviasales. Exchange rate: Updates regularly (RBI rate). We recommend adding a 5% buffer for safety.

Question 32

What's the "Customs Officer Mode"?

Accepted Answer

A fun Easter egg! Toggle it to see your trip from customs perspective. Shows what triggers inspection, what to declare, and declaration tips. For educational purposes only.

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