Doha Airport: The Best Place To Buy Iphones?

can i buy iphone in doha airport

If you're looking to purchase an iPhone at Doha Airport, you're in luck! The airport features a Qatar Duty-Free Apple Shop that offers the full range of Apple products, including various iPhone models, iPads, Apple Watches, Macs, and Apple TVs, as well as accessories. This shop, located behind the Lamp Bear in the South node Retail Plaza, spans 86 square meters and is the largest of its kind in Qatar. While you may be able to pay in USD, it is recommended to pay with a credit card and elect to pay in the local currency (QAR) to let your credit card company handle the exchange. It's worth noting that iPhones purchased at Hamad International Airport are international versions without restrictions, but if you buy an iPhone in Doha itself, you may encounter the removal of certain features like FaceTime.

Characteristics Values
Can I buy an iPhone at Doha Airport? Yes, there is an Apple Store at Hamad International Airport in Doha that sells iPhones.
Are there any restrictions on the iPhones sold at Doha Airport? iPhones sold at Hamad International Airport are international versions without any restrictions. However, iPhones sold in Doha city may have FaceTime removed.
What are the payment options at the Apple Store in Doha Airport? The Apple Store in Doha Airport accepts payments in the local currency (QAR) and possibly USD. Credit card payments are also accepted.
What are the prices like at the Apple Store in Doha Airport? Prices at the Apple Store in Doha Airport are approximately £100 less than UK Apple prices.

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The Apple Shop at Doha Airport

Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, is home to an Apple Shop as part of its Qatar Duty-Free (QDF) offerings. The shop is located in the heart of the airport terminal behind the Lamp Bear in the South node Retail Plaza, covering 86 square meters. It is the largest shop of its kind in Qatar.

When purchasing an iPhone at the Doha Airport Apple Store, it is important to note that there may be software differences depending on the market for which the phone was manufactured. Some users have reported that iPhones bought in Arab states, including Qatar, do not have FaceTime installed, and there is no way to add it afterward. However, others have suggested that it is possible to install FaceTime on these phones by jailbreaking the device and then letting Apple reinstall a genuine update.

If you are transiting through Doha Airport and wish to purchase an Apple product, it is recommended to pay with a credit card and elect to pay in the local currency (QAR) to let the credit card company handle the exchange rate.

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iPhone models available

There is an Apple Store located in the Doha Airport terminal, named the QDF Apple Shop. It offers the full Apple product range, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, as well as accessories. The store is located behind the Lamp Bear in the South node Retail Plaza, covering an area of 86 square meters, making it the largest Apple shop in Qatar.

While the store does offer the full range of Apple products, it is unclear whether they stock every model of each product line. For example, one customer was unable to purchase their desired configuration of the iPhone 11 (in terms of storage size and color).

In terms of iPhone models, the only specific models mentioned in relation to the Doha Airport store are the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 16. However, it is important to note that iPhones purchased in Doha may have FaceTime removed, as one source mentions that phones for the Arab market do not have FaceTime installed, and there is no way to install it on those phones. Another source mentions that iPhones purchased at Hamad International Airport will be international versions without any restrictions, while those purchased in Doha itself will have FaceTime removed.

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FaceTime restrictions

There is an Apple Store located in the Doha airport, named the QDF Apple Shop, which offers the full Apple product range, including iPhones.

Regarding FaceTime restrictions, it has been reported that iPhones purchased in Qatar may have FaceTime removed or restricted. This is a result of different software versions being installed on iPhones shipped to Qatar, which restrict the use of FaceTime when a non-Qatari SIM card is inserted. These restrictions are built into the hardware of the phone to comply with local laws and regulations. As a result, FaceTime may only be available within Qatar or select Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

To circumvent these restrictions, some users have suggested purchasing a phone intended for the international market, which does not have these limitations. Additionally, it may be possible to ""jailbreak" the phone and then let Apple reinstall a genuine update, although this may void the warranty and is not recommended by Apple.

It is important to carefully consider the implications of purchasing a phone with these restrictions, especially if you intend to use FaceTime outside of Qatar or the specified regions.

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Payment methods

When buying an iPhone or any other product at Doha Airport, you have several payment options. The airport's shops and duty-free stores accept major credit card brands such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club. Many stores also offer contactless payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

If you prefer to pay in cash, Doha Airport shops accept a variety of currencies, including Qatari Riyals (QAR), US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), and British Pounds (GBP). You can withdraw cash in multiple currencies from the many ATMs located throughout the passenger terminal. Additionally, currency exchange services are available at several locations within the airport, such as Travelex and QNB Exchange.

For those who prioritize security, traveller's cheques are also accepted at many stores, especially the larger duty-free shops and luxury boutiques. You can present your traveller's cheques along with your identification to make purchases.

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Cheaper than US/UK prices?

Yes, you can buy an iPhone at Doha Airport. There is a QDF Apple Store located in the heart of the airport terminal, which offers the full Apple product range, including iPhones.

Prices at the Doha Airport Apple Store are reported to be cheaper than US and UK prices. One source states that the iPhone 11 can be purchased for approximately £100 less than UK Apple prices. Another source states that the iPhone 11 can be purchased for approximately £300 less than UK Apple prices, although this lower price may be due to the absence of FaceTime on the device.

However, it is important to note that the selection of iPhone models and configurations (such as storage size and colour) may be limited at the Doha Airport Apple Store. Additionally, there have been reports of issues with FaceTime on iPhones purchased in the Arab market, including at Doha Airport. Some users have reported that FaceTime can be installed by jailbreaking the phone and then letting Apple reinstall a genuine update, while others have suggested using a VPN to make FaceTime calls.

When purchasing an iPhone at Doha Airport, it is recommended to pay with a credit card and elect to pay in the local currency (QAR) to let the credit card company handle the exchange rate.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can buy an iPhone at Doha Airport. The QDF Apple Shop, located in the airport terminal, offers the full Apple product range, including iPhones.

The Apple Shop at Doha Airport sells iPads, Apple Watches, Macs, Apple TVs, and a range of Apple accessories.

iPhones bought at Hamad International Airport will be international versions without any restrictions. However, if you buy an iPhone in Doha itself, FaceTime may be removed.

iPhone prices at Doha Airport are approximately £100 less than UK Apple prices.

You may be able to pay in USD, but it is recommended to pay in the local currency (QAR) if using a credit card.

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