The disadvantages of buying tech from other countries

Importing tech isn't too hard, but the downsides may not be worth it.

By Filipe Espósito Nov. 8, 2026 7:30 pm EST valiantsin suprunovich/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

There are many reasons to import phones or other tech, whether you're buying it in person during a trip or via online marketplaces or importers. Your phone could die while you're travelling abroad, for example, forcing you to buy a replacement. Or maybe there's a perfect product for you, but it's not available where you live. Either way, buying tech from other countries is sometimes the only option.