iPhone 3G in Russia: Just Say “Nyet” to Long Lines

The iPhone 3g arrived in Russian stores Friday. They cost a pretty ruble — 23,000 and 27,000 or about $900 and $1,000 for the eight and 16 gigabyte versions — causing some early adopters to spend as much as they make in a month on the gotta-have-it handset.

Retailers weren’t expecting long lines, though. Apple resellers are using a don’t call us, we’ll call you approach, asking potential buyers to leave contact details.

“We already have more than fifty people on our list, so it is better to leave your number and we will call you when your phone is ready for pick up,” he said. Most dealers, such as Evroset and Svyaznoy are also accepting advance orders.

This is a good thing, since temperatures in Russia are already brisk and wet.

Videos show a few very subdued customers waiting in bank-like settings for their new phones.

Although the arrival of the 3G version was sufficiently hyped (as per the “iSoon” billboard above) retailers don’t expect a stampede because uber-early adopters have already bought them on the gray market…

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Sales expectations for the former U.S.S.R. are 3.5 million handsets by the end of 2009.

Via Moscow News

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