When Apple’s iPhone 5 goes abroad, Italy is most expensive, Hong Kong the cheapest

As Apple’s iPhone 5 comes to 22 more countries today (Friday), a new analysis shows that Italian customers are paying the most for their new phones, while Hong Kong buyers get the best deal overseas.

Setteb.it broke down the pricing across 25 different localized Apple Online Stores, including applicable VAT and other taxes. After 21 percent tax in Italy, the 64GB iPhone 5 cost €949 ($1,226), compared to an estimate of €715 ($924) in the US after tax and €720 in Hong Kong. Though Hong Kong has in years past had the cheapest overall iPhone price worldwide because it doesn’t charge additional taxes, this year, its price has been raised above that of the US.

Even with the higher price, Italian customers have still turned out to purchase the new iPhone on day one. Federico Viticci noted on Twitter that the line at one Apple Store in the country numbered more than three hundred on Friday morning.

The US has the cheapest iPhone 5 at €546 ($705) after tax, but Hong Kong is the best among overseas countries at €560 ($723).

Close on the heels of last week’s record launch in nine countries, Apple’s new handset arrives today in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

First-weekend sales of the device topped five million, up from four million with last year’s iPhone 4S. Pre-orders for the smartphone also broke a record after hitting 2 million units in the first 24 hours of availability.

Commenting on the launch, Apple CEO Tim Cook said:

“Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible.

While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date. We appreciate everyone’s patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone.”

Apple’s having trouble keeping up with high demand for the iPhone 5. Shipping estimates for the handset on its online store  are currently listed at 3-4 weeks, even in countries like Italy that just opened up orders. In some countries that don’t yet have official sales, a secondary market has sprung up. For instance, in China earlier this week, some scalpers are offering the 16GB iPhone 5 for as much as $1,700.

See also: Yes, the iPhone 5 does vibrate differently

Image credits: Image Credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images, Setteb.it