The Iphone Blog

Due to complaints by some on the other side of the Atlantic over the price of the iPad on their shores, Steve Jobs commented via his usual terse email response. He said:

Please educate yourself. UK prices must by law include VAT, which is around 18%. US prices do not include tax.

He is right. Most other nations require the total price — including tax — to be displayed before purchase. For whatever reason, the USA does not, and so the price seems much lower. Once you take into account the UK VAT, the price for an entry-level iPad comes in at around $540, only $40 than the US.

Germany has a higher price than anywhere else in Europe. On that note, Jobs said:

Blame your government. Germany just added a new copyright levy for computers.

[via MacRumors]

Go to Source

Related posts:

1. Pricing of early iPad apps, what you can expect to pay
2. International iPad Pre-orders Begin, Details Flood In
3. Apple Is Keeping Options Open For Ebook Pricing
4. Apple, Amazon Probed Over eBook Pricing
5. International iPhone 4 Carriers Announced