Hold on · Same gadget, US vs China: where to buy, and whenRef. rate 1 USD = 6.6723 CNY · 11-04中文Sign in
iPhone 18 Pro 256GBPhones · FlagshipiPhone 18 Pro 256GB
BrandApple
Card updated2026-11-02
Cheaper in the USBetter to wait

iPhone 18 Pro 256GB

The short answerGet the Pro camera system and A20 Pro performance in a 6.3-inch body. At $1,199 in the US vs ¥9,999 in China (about $300 less), the US is the cheaper buy.

USUS price (pre-tax)$1,199Apple Store · Checked 11-04 17:23
CNChina price¥9,999Apple China · Checked 11-05 07:36 · ≈ $1,499
Gap (US pre-tax)$300 less in the US−20%
US $1,199CN ≈ $1,499
Hold on! Ask the crowdUS & China prices ↓
01

US & China prices

PriceStoreAmountConvertedChecked
US, before taxApple Store$1,199≈ ¥8,000Checked 11-04 17:232026-11-04 17:23 Beijing time · checked against the store pageBuy
US, with sales tax (est.)California base rate 7.25%, local tax extra$1,199 × (1 + 7.25%) = $1,285.93$1,285.93≈ ¥8,580
Carried into China, with import dutyDuty-free up to ¥5,000 carried in; a single item over that is taxed in full at 13%$1,285.93 × 6.6723 (11-04) = ¥8,580; + duty ¥1,115 = ¥9,696¥9,696≈ $1,453
Shipped to China, with import dutyShipped goods get no allowance; taxed at 13%$1,285.93 × 6.6723 (11-04) = ¥8,580; + duty ¥1,115 = ¥9,696¥9,696≈ $1,453
China list priceApple China¥9,999≈ $1,499Checked 11-05 07:362026-11-05 07:36 Beijing time · checked against the store pageBuy
Waiting for a lower price?Set a target price. We tell you when it drops to it.

Store pages have the final say on price · Conversions use the ECB reference rate on the day each price was checked (no rate on weekends / holidays → the latest earlier day): 11-04 1 USD = 6.6723 CNY · US, before tax = pre-tax · Customs may use its own valuation table — customs has the final say.

02

What differs between versions

ItemChina modelUS model
SIMDual SIM: two nano-SIMs, a nano-SIM plus an eSIM, or two eSIMseSIM only, no physical SIM support; two eSIMs can be active at once
Siri AIChina page says Apple Intelligence timing depends on regulatory approvalRolling out in English
03

Watch this

Market

Now $1,199Apple Store · Checked 11-04 17:23

When to alert
$

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Both markets compare in CNY; US prices are pre-tax
04

Price history

USNow (pre-tax)$1,19930-day avg$1,19990-day low$1,199
CNNow¥9,99930-day avg¥9,99990-day low¥9,999
$1,499$1,199$1,199$1,499
10-2811-05
US (pre-tax)China

Prices we recorded ourselves, shown in USD

05

Who it’s for / pitfalls

Good for

  • People who want Pro features in a smaller phone
  • Photo and video shooters

Not for

  • People who need the 6.9-inch Pro Max screen

Known pitfalls

  • US models are eSIM only: no physical SIM card support, so check your carrier first
  • China models list Apple Intelligence timing as subject to regulatory approval
06

Key specs

SIM
US model is eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray (dual eSIM; two active eSIMs)
07

True cost calculator

$
State
Getting it to China
Category (sets the duty rate)
¥
¥
CNY / USD
With sales tax
$1285.93
In CNY
¥8,580
Import duty
¥1,115
US model, landed
¥9,696
vs Chinese model
US model ¥303 cheaper

State base rate only — local tax is extra. Duty uses the ¥5,000 carry-in allowance as an estimate; customs has the final say. Reference rate from the ECB.

08

Also consider

Compare these side by side →

09

Discussion

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iPhone 18 Pro 256GBiPhone 18 Pro 256GB
iPhone 18 Pro 256GB
US$1,199 pre-taxCN¥9,999
Market

Now $1,199Apple Store · Checked 11-04 17:23

When to alert
$

Leave it blank to hear about any drop.

Also tell me about
Both markets compare in CNY; US prices are pre-tax