Buying a MacBook in Vietnam can be so cheaper than India that savings can pay for your trip. This idea was roughly trashed by an Indian person after buying MacBook almost 1.48 lakhs after a return, savings about 37,000 compared to Indian value. He claimed that this savings is sufficient to cover Vietnam’s budget journey. Therefore, instead of buying just one laptop locally, he traveled to a new country and enjoyed a holiday with his purchase. However, while this approach seems attractive, there are fine details to consider.
“Free Trip” Breakdown
Before booking tickets, understand that the “free trip” concept depends on a very strict budget. A widely reported journey was a budget one, which is not for all. Man’s 4,000 for 11 days (about) 350 per night) suggests a hostel. If you are not comfortable sharing a room, a decent hotel in Hanoi will cost the least 2,500 per night, the cost has increased significantly. Will have to stay in 10-day hotel alone 25,000.
Budget flights are another factors. A return trip from New Delhi to Hanoi can be advertised 20,000, but there is a grip. These fare often excludes the checked goods. The typical 7 kg cabin can be higher than the limit, causing heavy fees, easily pushing you to spend more.
Food can also be a challenge, especially for vegetarians. While vegetarian food is available in Southeast Asia, it can be rare and more expensive than non-vegetarian street food. This can limit you to pricier restaurant, which can increase the cost of your journey.
Finally, consider the important discounts available in India. On Amazon, listed for a MacBook M4 Pro 1.83 lakh can be finished 9,000 in card exemption, about total savings 25,000 from MRP. Similarly, the base M4 Pro can see discounts about the model 20,000. With local discount of 20,000 30,000, Vietnam scheme becomes less compelling.
Let’s compare costs
A comfortable 10-day trip, budget for hotels ( 25,000), flights with goods ( 25,000), food/activities ( 20,000), and a visa (about 2,200), will cost almost 70,000. Add 1.48 lakh MacBook, and overall comes 2.20 lakhs.
Comment: Apple sells MacBook Pro M4 Pro for 49.089.000 OB in Vietnam, which works around 1.64 lakhs. You may have to find a discount.
Conversely, a tight budget may cost around the journey 40,000 ( 19,000 for basic flights, 5,000 for hostels, 10,000 for food/activities, plus visa). The total will be with MacBook Pro (M4 Pro Chip) 1,88,000. It is often more expensive than buying the same MacBook with available discounts in India.
Finally, this is your call. If you are happy to spend a little more to include a trip to Vietnam with your purchase, it may be a meaningful experience. But, this is not going to be “free” at all, especially if you are not comfortable traveling to a budget, backpacker-style.
|
Social class |
India (with discounts) |
Vietnam (Budget Travel) |
Vietnam (comfortable journey) |
| Macbook M4 Pro Price | , 1,75,000 (after discount) | 1,48,000 (after refund) | 1,48,000 (after refund) |
| Flight | , | 19,000 | 25,000 |
| Housing (10 nights) | , | 5,000 (hostels) | 25,000 (Hotel) |
| Food, activities | , | 10,000 | 20,000 |
| visa fees | , | 2,300 | 2,300 |
| Total estimated cost | 1,75,000 | 1,84,300 | 2,20,300 |
| extra cost | , | About this 9,000 | About this 45,000 |
| Cheaper than India? | , | A little more expensive | Too expensive |
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