After the latest iPhone model but not so keen on the cost? Since Mexico and the United States are close neighbors, it’s only natural to ask: is it cheaper to buy an iPhone in the USA or in Mexico?

They might be neighbors, but when it comes to iPhone deals, there can be a big difference between the U.S. and Mexico.

In this guide, we’re breaking down all the factors you need to consider so you can get the best price for your new phone.

Is it Cheaper to Buy an iPhone in Mexico or the USA?

What are the Differences Between an iPhone in the USA and Mexico?

The good news is that iPhones sold in Mexico and the U.S. are practically twins. They have the same software, hardware, performance, and features.

The main differences lie in the price and the SIM card — surprisingly, U.S. iPhones are generally cheaper, and only newer models come with an eSIM.

An eSIM is a tiny digital chip embedded in the phone — no more bulky SIM cards to lose or damage.

iPhones in Mexico come with both a physical SIM tray and eSIM, giving you more flexibility — handy if you travel or use a carrier that doesn't support eSIM yet. But U.S. models don’t have the physical tray, opting for the eSIM technology alone.

So iPhones in Mexico are usually more expensive, but come with the physical SIM tray and the eSIM capability.

Price of the iPhone 15 Pro in Various Countries

The iPhone 15 Pro is the latest model from Apple — titanium-built, with a powerful processor, high-resolution camera system, and a host of other impressive features.

It’s no wonder the iPhone continues to be one of the most popular smartphones with each generation, year after year.

But how much does the iPhone 15 Pro cost in each country? Let’s break it down in dollars for comparison:

$999 plus taxes in the United States
$1,184 in Australia
$1,245 in the United Kingdom
$1,318 in France
$1,329 in Italy
$1,350 in Spain
$1,390 in Mexico
$1,878 in India
$1,878 in Brazil

Of course, the price of the iPhone 15 Pro can vary in each country, too, due to local taxes and other factors.

But overall, it can be cheaper and more convenient to buy it direct from the U.S — like from Amazon.

Why is an iPhone Cheaper in the USA Than in Mexico?

There are a few reasons why it’s cheaper to buy an iPhone in the USA compared to Mexico.

Import fees: Unlike the U.S., iPhones sold in Mexico are considered imports. This means extra taxes get added to the price, making them more expensive overall.
Higher VAT: Mexico also has a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 16% that gets added to the final price of the iPhone. This sales tax is generally higher than what you'd pay in most U.S. states.
Competitive prices: The U.S. market is a battleground for phone sales, driving prices down with more deals and options. In Mexico, with less competition, sellers can bump up the price tag.
Lower demand: In the U.S., there’s generally a higher demand for iPhones, which can contribute to the cheaper price.
Market dynamics: Phone companies, like Apple, often adjust prices based on local market conditions. In the U.S., with its high competition, they might offer lower margins to stay competitive, whereas in Mexico, you might see slightly higher prices due to import taxes and potentially lower sales volume.
Smaller market: As Apple's biggest market, the U.S. benefits from economies of scale. This means Apple can negotiate lower prices when buying parts in bulk for iPhones sold in the U.S., potentially leading to lower overall costs for consumers in the USA.

Where Can I Buy the Cheapest iPhone in the USA?

Now that you know the potential savings in the U.S., here are some of the best retailers for your new iPhone so you can get the best price:

Amazon: One of the most well-known U.S. retail platforms, offering affordable prices and, sometimes, discounts on iPhones.
Apple Store: Buying directly from the manufacturer ensures total peace of mind — you know you’re getting an authentic iPhone and it comes with the official manufacturer’s warranty. They also typically offer financing options to help spread out the cost, subject to a credit check.
eBay: Online marketplaces, like eBay, offer a wider range of sellers, potentially leading to lower prices. You can also find a selection of used and refurbished iPhones in excellent condition, making them a budget-friendly option. Just be sure to check seller ratings and reviews before making any purchases.
Large retailers: Major electronics retailers, like Best Buy, often have promotions and discounts on iPhones, especially during major shopping events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Can I Buy an iPhone 15 Pro Max and Use It in Mexico?

Yes, an iPhone bought in the U.S. will work in Mexico — but there are some things to consider to make sure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible:

Network compatibility: While most modern iPhones are designed to work on a wide range of networks, it's always a good idea to double-check if the specific US iPhone you're considering is compatible with the cellular bands used by Mexican carriers.
Taxes, duties, and customs: You’ll likely have to pay taxes for importing from the USA to Mexico, along with possible duties and even customs taxes.
Getting an unlocked model: For maximum flexibility in Mexico, consider buying an unlocked iPhone 15 Pro Max, so it's not tied to a specific US carrier, which means you can use it seamlessly with any phone company in Mexico. Just insert your local SIM card and enjoy worry-free connectivity.
Configuration: Once you have your iPhone in Mexico, you’ll need to adjust the language and region to match your location. That way, menus, dates, and other details display correctly for a smooth user experience in Mexico.
Accessories: Double-check if your iPhone charger is compatible with Mexican electrical outlets — but don’t worry if it’s not, you can always buy an adapter, if needed.

No matter where you buy your iPhone 15 Pro Max, you'll receive the same iOS updates since they're rolled out worldwide by Apple directly.

Overall, buying an iPhone from the U.S. and shipping it to Mexico can mean you get the best possible deal, as long as you consider the factors we mentioned above.

How to Pay for an iPhone in the USA from Mexico

Most online retailers selling iPhones offer a variety of secure payment methods to suit your needs, including popular options like international credit and debit cards issued by Mexican banks, as well as digital payment services like PayPal.

But for a truly convenient experience, consider using a mobile app like DolarApp.

If you're a DolarApp user, you can also leverage its features like receiving USD payments and converting them to pesos at competitive rates — all within the app!

Compared to traditional banks, the exchange rates on DolarApp are very competitive, too — ideal if you want to save money, especially when you have to convert pesos to U.S. dollars to buy from stores like Amazon, AliExpress, or other e-commerce platforms.

Plus, it’s totally secure — for every transaction — making it the best option to pay for your iPhone from the U.S. to Mexico.