“While you’re there, would you mind picking up an iPhone for me? It’ll save me a fortune,” so said a friend of mine said as I hopped on a flight from Beirut to Dubai. Sure enough, I kept my head down on the way through customs and she saved a few dollars. It’s a familiar refrain, the idea that prices are always lower somewhere else. You buy electronics in Saudi, watches in the UAE and very little, if you can help it, in Lebanon. But what’s the truth behind the convention? Is the grass always greener next door?
There’s one thing to remember here: Buying direct from the company in question is always going to save you money. VAT, importation and shipping costs, specific local taxes and ever-shifting exchange rates can mean that resellers are often charging over the odds for top-end products. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re making a killing: there are costs associated with international business.
What’s apparent is that pricing structures vary from company to company. One of the most interesting cases we found was that Louis Vuitton has a very rigid, and ultimately arbitrary, approach. The iconic brand has a set rate for each region. In France you’ll pay the going rate, subject to 20 per cent VAT, from which you can claim back 14 per cent by detaxing. When it comes to exports, the Middle East bracket sits at 120 per cent of the price in France, while Asian consumers get hit for 135 per cent of the French price. Sometimes it pays to do a little research before splurging on the latest must have item. Luckily, we’ve done a little of the hard work for you.
Apple’s iPad
3G and 64GB Hard-drive
There’s no question, buy Apple’s latest toy direct from the Californian company’s US website and you’ll make significant savings. Apple’s iconic products are the very definition of luxury electronics and they’ve never been financially comparable to anything else on the market. Billed as a media-revolution waiting to happen, the iPad delivers touch screen technology and Apple’s trademark innovative design to your fingertips.
apple.com 899 USD
KSA: 1,053 USD
UAE 1,088 USD
Kuwait 1,183 USD
Zegna Sport’s Eco-Outerwear Jacket
Environmentally friendly clothing sounds like something out of some low-budget sci-fi movie, but Zegna’s been dabbling with it for some time. Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic with lightweight nylon lining, the jacket offers freedom of movement and lightweight protection from the weather. Containing an integrated renewable power source, suitable for powering a mobile phone or MP3 player, the jacket’s at once hi-tech but fundamentally green.
Italian Zegna boutiques 770 USD
UAE 950 USD
Kuwait 700 USD
Vertu’s Ascent 2010
The latest model from the world leaders in luxury mobile phones, the 2010 Ascent is more of a media and communication centre than a phone. A five-megapixel camera, up to 32 gigabytes of internal memory, GPS mapping software and a striking sapphire crystal display set the Ascent above the competition. It’s certainly a statement piece and something that’s not for the feint-hearted.
UK 5,900 USD
GCC countries 5,000 USD
Lebanon 5,400 USD
Theo Fennell’s Devil Heart Pendants
Cut from a variety of stones and set in white gold, Theo Fennell’s pendants have a youthful, irreverent feel to them. The company offers a variety of whimsical lines, but the innocent yet devilish appeal of the Devil Heart line stands out. This particular example makes use of white and black diamonds to create a chic, modern graphite-like styling. Sure to appeal to those of us with a young heart, the British-based designer is a fount of intriguing designs.
UK 1,500 USD
Dubai 1,500 USD
Asprey’s Regent Clutch in White Pearl
If you’re looking for something sure to turn heads, this white pearl python-skin clutch from Asprey of London is something special. Asprey have been making top of the line handbags for over 200 years and are one of the most refined of British fashion houses. A sterling silver enclosure and traditional crest round off this elegant piece.
UK 2,500 USD
UAE 3,000 USD
Dupont’s Palladium Four Gigabyte USB Key
This silver-white palladium-finished USB stick is a fine example of luxury in an everyday item. The appeal of the piece lies in the use of this unusual rare metal, giving, as it does, a bright, sparkling appearance. Dupont’s classic Diamond Head pattern helps to reflect the light and attract the eye. Of all the luxury USB sticks we’ve seen, Dupont’s is by far the most striking and tasteful.
France 435 USD
Lebanon 300 USD
UAE 348 USD
Estee Lauder’s Re-Nutriv Sun Supreme for Face SPF 30
This enduring line of protective creams, lotions and sunscreens has been expanded with the addition of a luxurious crème. Designed to combat the aging effects of the sun, Sun Supreme SPF 30 mixes natural ingredients, modern protective technology and moisturizers to prevent aging of the skin and to allow you to enjoy a balanced, natural-looking tan.
France 150 USD
Middle East Uniform Price 135 USD
Stella McCartney’s Shaggy Deer Foldover Falabella Tote
Adding a touch of glamour to an everyday item, this tote’s made from soft cotton, allowing for an easy, natural fold. The three heavy chains allow to you carry it as a shoulder bag by using the longer of the three, or use the two shorter chains if you want to carry it in your hand. It’s a stylish take on an otherwise very functional piece. McCartney’s balanced soft, feminine appeal with some pretty chunky chains to good effect.
stellamccarntney.com: 995 USD
Lebanon: 985 USD
UAE: 980 USD
Thakoon Washed Leather Shorts
These denim-styled faded leather shorts offer a funky alternative to the traditional cut off that we’re seeing all over the region at the moment. Masquerading as soft cotton, the supple texture and chic styling are sure to turn a few heads, once people realise what it is you’re wearing of course. Pair them with an edgy blouse and some killer heels for a cutting-edge look.
USA 1,330 USD
boutique1.com 1,465 USD
Louis Vuitton’s Speedy 30
A restyling of Louis Vuitton’s classic bag of the 1930’s, today’s Speedy is available in a range of styles. This example, in classic, waxed calf leather features striking, circular detailing in a darker tone. An understated, yet timeless piece, the new Speedy 30 is the epitome of Marc Jacob’s, Louis Vuitton’s creative director, new take on the French house’s iconic lines.
France 555.00 USD
Middle East 665.00 USD
