help with mac pricing for different parts of the world

[peachy]

i'm just really confused on what to do about the huge gaps in mac pricing. i'm looking for some advice on what is my best move.
i'm coveting salivating to get the new 27" iMac. I live in France where the list price at apple.fr is 1,799 eur, apple.uk is 1,785.09 eur (I've converted all in euros at today's rates), apple.us is 1,346.79, apple.ca is 1,329.43.
i'm a canadian expat living in france and will be going home to canada this christmas holidays. the savings of 470 eur is immense, c'est n'est ce pas??!!! but what about customs?
well, anybody out there, any helpful tips, tricks?
grateful from antibes, france

[JeremyK]

Yes, there are defiantly gaps in pricing, take the new iPhone 3GS for example.

In the US, it is $199 Direct from Apple Online Store
In Australia, it is $879 Direct from Apple Online Store

If exchange rates were to be correct, it should cost about $220... But its all the shipping charges... They take their toll.

[notabadname]

I don't believe you are comparing "Apples to Apples" though JeremyK, if you will pardon the pun. The US iPhone is only $199, because it is in consideration of being activated (and funded) by/with ATT. If you could simply buy the iPhone without activation and contract, it too would be in a similar price range in the US. In-fact, go to eBay, and you will find "contract-free" iPhones, shipped from within the US, on sale right now for $800 to $900.

Note the fine print for the iPhone on the AU Apple website:

iPhone 3G & iPhone 3GS purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier. Simply insert the SIM from your current phone into iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS and connect . . . .

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by notabadname

I don't believe you are comparing "Apples to Apples" though JeremyK, if you will pardon the pun. The US iPhone is only $199, because it is in consideration of being activated (and funded) by/with ATT. If you could simply buy the iPhone without activation and contract, it too would be in a similar price range in the US. In-fact, go to eBay, and you will find "contract-free" iPhones, shipped from within the US, on sale right now for $800 to $900.

Note the fine print for the iPhone on the AU Apple website:

Oooh... That makes sense... That also explains it and makes me slightly less angry