Apple announces Cross Border ordering to 20 countries

Apple on Tuesday quietly introduced its new Cross Border campaign, which allows US-based customers to make purchases for recipients located in Mexico, 15 countries across Europe, and 4 countries in Southeast Asia.

The move means, for example, that parents in the US can now purchase a new Mac for their son or daughter who may be studying abroad in the UK or France. Prior to this week, it was not possible for customers to purchase Apple products — either online or by phone — for delivery to a different country.

The Cupertino-based company is currently guaranteeing door-to-door delivery of products ordered in the US to 20 countries including: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

Canada remains conspicuously absent from the list.

"Now it's easy to give iPod and Mac gifts to friends and family in Mexico, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Simply visit the Apple Online Store of the destination country," Apple says. "If you don't speak the language, no problem. Just place your order with an Apple Online Store expert."

All cross border orders will be billed in the currency of the destination country at an exchange rate that will be determined by the purcheser's bank at the time the order is settled. Credit cards — Visa, MasterCard, and American Express — are the only payment types eligible for international billing. Debit cards and other forms of payment are not eligible.

Additional details on Apple's Cross Border international gift-giving campaign are available here.