Sometimes, yes. DJI is a Chinese company and its home-market prices, plus Japan's weak yen in some years, can make a sticker price look lower than in the US. But by the time you add sales or consumption tax, card exchange fees, possible US customs duty and the loss of easy US warranty service, the savings are often small or gone. Compare the full landed cost, not the headline price.
Why the price looks different abroad
- Tax is built in. Japanese and Chinese list prices include tax. US prices are shown before sales tax. Compare like with like.
- Exchange rates move. A price that's a bargain one month may not be the next. Use your card's real rate, including any foreign transaction fee.
- Bundles differ. Kit names and contents vary by region. Check what's actually in the box.
We can't quote a reliable current price for China or Japan, including the Mavic 4 Pro, because prices change often and differ by store. Check DJI's official regional sites, such as DJI Japan, on the day you plan to buy.
Japan's tax-free shopping (changing November 2026)
According to the Japan Tourism Agency, eligible visitors can reclaim Japan's 10% consumption tax on purchases of ¥5,000 or more (before tax) at one store on one day. From November 1, 2026, you pay the full price in the store and get the tax refunded after customs checks the item at departure. You must take the item out of Japan. Details on the Japan Tourism Agency tax-free page.
What you give up buying abroad
- US warranty support. Grey-market imports may not get US warranty support, so a product bought in China or Japan may need to go back to that country for warranty work. We can only support products bought through US channels. See DJI warranty in the USA.
- DJI Care Refresh. DJI says the plan and the product must be bought in the same country or region, so a unit bought abroad generally can't get a US plan.
- US availability rules. Since December 2025, new DJI models can't get FCC authorization, so some current models abroad, such as the Osmo Pocket 4, can't be sold in the US. Models authorized before then, like the Osmo Pocket 3 and Mini 5 Pro, remain legal. Details: is DJI banned in the US.
- Easy returns. Sending a faulty unit back to Tokyo or Shenzhen is slow and costly.
Customs and tariffs coming home
Purchases you bring back can count against your US duty-free personal exemption, and anything over it may owe duty. Imported drones have also carried a Section 232 tariff since September 3, 2026, which may apply to a drone you ship home. Declare purchases and check U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules before you travel.
Flying it in Japan or China first?
Both countries have their own drone rules and registration. Read drone laws in Japan and drone laws in China before you fly there.
How to decide
- Get the local price, remove any tax you'll be refunded, and convert at your real card rate.
- Add likely customs duty or tariff.
- Compare with the US price, and put a value on US warranty, Care Refresh and returns.
If the gap is small, buying in the US from an authorized dealer is usually the better deal. Browse DJI drones and Osmo cameras, or contact us with questions.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related guides
- Drone laws in China: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Japan: flying there as a US tourist
- Best Osmo Pocket 3 accessories worth buying
- Renting vs buying a drone or camera: which makes sense?
- Best DJI Mini 5 Pro accessories worth buying
- Buying the DJI Mini 5 Pro drone only: what else you need
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