It’s well known that Apple products are cheaper in the US than the rest of the world. When visiting that beautiful country buying a brand new Mac or iPad is very tempting.

The problem is that Apple Stores usually have in stock only the basic and ultimate configuration of any computer model. There is no way to buy a Mac with the exact configuration you would normally order while shopping online.

It would be awesome if you could order a BTO (build to order) Mac with the desired configuration at the competitive prices that you can get in the USA.

The problem is that if you don’t have a US issued credit card you cannot buy anything from the US online Apple Store.

If you are going to stay in the US for a couple of weeks, there is a workaround to that and it’s perfectly legal. I wouldn’t post it otherwise.

The workaround makes use of . It turns out that you can use your foreign credit card to buy an Apple Gift Card in any online Apple Store around the world. The maximum value for an Apple Gift Card is $2,500, which should be enough for most purchases.

The process to buy the Mac of your dreams while abroad goes like this:

1. Go to the online US Apple Store.
2. Configure your Mac to your liking.
3. Check-out.
4. Select the option to pick up your Mac to a specific retail Apple Store where you will effectively pick up your Mac. This is important as different states in the US have different sale taxes that are added to the total cost of your purchase.
5. Write down the total cost. It’s probably a good idea to add a few more dollars to that value just to cover for unexpected expenses, such as the recycling tax states like California have.
6. Cancel the transaction just before you are prompted to enter a payment method.
7. Go back to the main page of the online store and purchase a Gift Card for the value calculated in point 5. and issued to yourself using your credit card. If you are prompted to enter an address, your hotel address will do.
8. Wait for the email confirmation and certificate number.
9. Now you are ready to order your Mac. Repeat the steps from 1 to 4.
10. As payment method choose your Gift Certificate. You are simply redeeming the Gift Card issued in your name.
11. Choose the option to pick up the order in the retail store of your choice.
12. When the customized Mac is delivered to the Apple Store you can pick it up after showing the sales person your ID and the order confirmation email.

I hope this is going to be useful for you.

Be aware that buying any valuable item abroad is subject to import taxes when you return to your home country so be prepared for that. Consult your local authorities for the law that applies to your country before purchasing any product abroad.