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The Australian Parliament is investigating why software and media downloads from Apple (AAPL),...

  • Monday, April 30, 2012, 2:13 PM ET
    The Australian Parliament is investigating why software and media downloads from Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), and other foreign companies are often far more expensive in Australia than elsewhere. For example, a copy of Microsoft Office 2010 Professional costs $349 in the U.S., but $883 down under. Likewise, Mac OS X Server goes for $499 in the U.S., and $728 in Australia.
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This news story has 13 comments:

  •  
    I wonder if they are counting the 20-25% VAT taxes in that total price.
    30 Apr 2012, 02:35 PM Reply Like
  •  
    blame themselves for letting their currency go crazy expensive

    regardless of whether you believe the bank of switzerland is effective, at least they make some effort to limit the CHF from going to the sky
    30 Apr 2012, 02:55 PM Reply Like
  •  
    It's hardly their responsibility that everyone else is printing like there's no financial tomorrow.
    30 Apr 2012, 03:00 PM Reply Like
  •  
    MSFT and AAPL don't realize the OZ dollar is almost at par with the US dollar. Someone needs to let them know.
    30 Apr 2012, 03:19 PM Reply Like
  •  
    Australia is pretty far :) . May be that is the reason.
    30 Apr 2012, 04:22 PM Reply Like
  •  
    Must be the shipping costs. :-)
    30 Apr 2012, 05:08 PM Reply Like
  •  
    Microsoft Office pricing implies a 1 AUD = 0.4 USD, while Apple's rate is 1 AUD = 0.7 USD. Now who is selling a "premium" product?
    30 Apr 2012, 05:40 PM Reply Like
  •  
    Most of the Australian area is barren. These companies need to make some money with less habitable area.
    30 Apr 2012, 07:06 PM Reply Like
  •  
    They have to turn everything upside down, that must be the reason.
    1 May 2012, 10:21 AM Reply Like
  •  
    Australian retailers are complaining that consumers are more and more buying from the U.S. - especially during the recent AUD strength. Perhaps unwilling to compromise on historic margins?
    1 May 2012, 11:42 AM Reply Like
  •  
    Generally they hold offshore sales in offshore currency so that they are not taxed on it right? Guess they believe in some incredible USD rally to come...wonder why?
    6 Jun 2012, 04:28 PM Reply Like
  •  
    order by mail from us
    6 Jun 2012, 05:48 PM Reply Like
  •  
    Too many poisonous snakes and spiders in Australia. Apple has to dodge these creatures and that cost money.
    7 Jun 2012, 03:44 AM Reply Like
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