“Telephone Tourism” in Georgia: Turks flock to buy the iPhone 16

With the release of the iPhone 16, Georgia has become a must-visit destination for many Turks looking to buy Apple's new smartphone at a discounted price. This phenomenon of "telephone tourism" is booming, attracting consumers eager to take advantage of the lower prices offered in Georgia compared to Turkey, mainly thanks to tax refunds.

Why are Turks turning to Georgia to buy the iPhone 16

Due to tax differences between Turkey and Georgia, iPhones are often sold at much lower prices in this neighboring country. This trend is particularly accentuated when new models are launched. Currently, iPhone 16 prices in Turkey range from 45,000 to 85,000 Turkish Liras (approximately $1,800 to $3,400), depending on versions and storage options. However, in Georgia, prices are much more competitive, thanks to the absence of certain taxes applied in Turkey and the VAT refund for foreign buyers.

Taking advantage of these discounts, buyers can save up to 20% on the price of an iPhone 16 by purchasing the device in Batumi, one of the main cities in Georgia close to the Turkish border.

How does VAT Refund work in Georgia?

When a foreign consumer, such as a Turk, purchases a product in Georgia, they can request a VAT refund by providing proof of purchase at the border. The procedures are simple, but the queues can be long, especially on weekends or after the release of new products like the iPhone 16.

The refund considerably reduces the total cost of the purchase, which pushes many buyers to cross the border to benefit from this system. This economy is particularly sought after in this period of inflation, where prices in Türkiye continue to increase.

IMEI Registration Fees in Turkey: An Incentive Factor

To be able to use phones purchased abroad in Türkiye, buyers must register the IMEI number of their devices. Currently, the registration fee is 3,000 Turkish liras, but it is expected to rise to 6,000 liras by next year. To avoid paying these higher fees, many Turks prefer to buy their iPhone in Georgia, anticipating rising costs.

Increasing Crowds at the Sarp Border Post

The Sarp border post, located near Batumi, sees long queues of Turkish buyers every day coming to pick up the latest iPhone. Residents of border regions, as well as those in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, flock to this crossing point to take advantage of savings on their smartphone purchases.

Although entry into Georgia is generally quick, VAT refund formalities can result in prolonged waits. Despite these disadvantages, the number of travelers continues to increase, especially on weekends.

The Phenomenon of “Telephone Tourism”: An Economic Impact in Georgia

This phenomenon of “telephone tourism” also benefits the local economy. In addition to buying iPhones, Turkish tourists spend in Batumi's shops, restaurants and hotels, boosting the city's economy.

iPhone sales, stimulated by tax disparities between the two countries, illustrate the importance of tax flexibility to attract foreign consumers. Georgia has become a hub for cross-border shopping, particularly for high-tech electronic products.

Georgia, a Shopping Paradise for Turks

The appeal of Georgia for Turkish consumers is explained by the substantial savings they can make on the purchase of products like the iPhone 16. The tax differences, combined with the possibility of VAT refunds, continue to make Batumi a popular destination for buyers wishing to pay less.