Samsung South Africa is implementing a Galaxy Note 7 exchange programme at kiosks at major local airports.
This follows the global recall and banning of Galaxy Note 7 devices from flights, after the smartphone proved to be a fire hazard.
The company is setting up exchange kiosks at the departure points at OR Tambo, Cape Town and Durban international airports, to help with the smooth exchange of affected devices.
Promoters at the kiosks will assist consumers with a Galaxy Note 7 to quickly replace their devices with the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.
"Although the Galaxy Note 7 has not been launched in South Africa, we are aware that a small number of consumers managed to acquire a Note 7 device by either buying it overseas or through parallel imports," says Craige Fleischer, director of integrated mobility at Samsung SA.
Samsung will ensure personal data will be safely transferred to the new device when customers exchange their Galaxy Note 7 for a Galaxy S7 Edge device.
"Customers who own or have a Galaxy Note 7 in their possession will not be able to board a plane if they have the device on them in person, in carry-on baggage or in checked baggage," says Fleischer.
To verify the user's identity and/or ownership of the Galaxy Note 7 for exchange or a full refund, the following information will have to be submitted at the airport kiosks in accordance with applicable laws and regulations: name, nationality, phone number, e-mail, address, place of departure and arrival, and IMEI number and serial number of the Galaxy Note 7.
"We are making a friendly request to all travellers who might be in possession of a Galaxy Note 7 to participate in the exchange programme and to visit the Samsung exchange kiosks at the various airports prior to booking in for their flight," Fleischer concludes.
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