Vivo X200 Ultra now cheaper via import: Why I haven't bought the Zeiss 35mm camera flagship phone in China
We've already reviewed the Vivo X200 Ultra and found it to be excellent. The current Zeiss camera flagship from China even received our “Top Rated” award. Shortly after its launch, import prices for European customers were significantly higher than regular prices in China, but fortunately, this has changed considerably about three months later. If you consider the price for the 16/512GB model, which officially retails for ¥7,000 (€835) in China, subtract the 13% ChinaVAT, and then add 19-20% VAT in Germany and Austria, you'll come quite close to what import sellers are currently asking (excluding shipping) in July 2025. The upcharge is rather small.
In the past few hours, I've checked Giztop, Wondamobile and Trinity Electronics (the latter two from Hong Kong). However, the lowest prices can currently be found at Tradingshenzhen, who we also know and value as our long-term source of imported devices. This is why I've now ordered a Vivo X200 Ultra from them instead of buying one directly in China, where I'm still spending my last few days. Purchasing it locally in Shanghai is proving to be more difficult than expected, as all Vivo stores and electronics shops where I found the Vivo X200 Ultra only accept UnionPay cards, Alipay, WeChat or cash, but explicitly no international credit cards like Visa or Mastercard.
Alipay and WeChat charge fees for purchases over ¥200
While I have linked my international credit cards to Alipay and WeChat for everyday payments, which works perfectly (a separate article about my general experiences in China is coming soon), transactions over ¥200 result in a 3% fee. This somewhat kills the bargain potential of buying locally. Cash would be an option, but paying with one of my credit cards earns me miles. Duty-free shopping is also becoming easier in China, with a 10% discount being offered directly at participating retailers, but this does not apply to Vivo shops or the electronics stores I visited, except some Xiaomi stores. This eliminates another advantage of purchasing a phone like the Vivo X200 Ultra directly in China. Chinese residents with the UnionPay app or customers of various banks like Bank of China can get additional discounts, but these options aren't available for most visitors.
One could argue that ¥7,000 (€835) is still cheaper than the currently best import price of €927 for the 16/512GB variant. That's true, but legally, you would have to declare the phone at customs when entering the EU, especially if you intend to deduct it on your upcoming tax return. If you do that, it ends up being significantly more expensive. According to Tradingshenzhen, the €927 already include all taxes, even if they aren't separately listed on the invoice. An additional €16 are charged for Global Priority shipping (up to 15 days), although you can save €10 with the code "ZYDSJFM6". This code pops up if you wait a bit longer while looking at your shopping cart.
Vivo X200 Ultra import cheaper than the Vivo X200 Pro
Additionally, you have a contact person in case of warranty claims, who also offers a return address within the EU. Looking at the current Vivo X200 Ultra prices at Tradingshenzhen, I find it hard to recommend the European Vivo X200 Pro, which costs about €1,100 for the 16/512GB version on Amazon Germany, for example. Certainly, you’d get a worry-free package with global software and "European extras", such as a 3-year warranty. However, those interested in the global Vivo X200 Pro can also import the smartphone from other countries via Tradingshenzhen, where the global 16/512GB model is in stock at an EU warehouse. But at €972, it's slightly more expensive than the Vivo X200 Ultra from China.
Of course, importing or buying directly from China always comes with limitations and certain risks, which we have already outlined in the past. eSIM, for instance, is not supported, and I plan to use an eSIM adapter instead. However, Android Auto and cellular bands and frequencies are not an issue with Vivo, and both German and English are selectable as system language in OriginOS. Google services, banking apps and Google Pay should work as well. That said, getting WhatsApp notifications to work and decluttering the OS might take a few hours, but there are some decent tutorials for that. Considering the currently lower prices, maybe there's an incentive to upgrade to the Vivo X200 Ultra after all, even without a personal visit to China.
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