Johannesburg - Samsung SA is implementing what it calls a seamless and efficient exchange programme with exchange kiosks at major local airports.
This comes after Samsung issued a global recall for the Galaxy Note 7 handsets and several airlines banned the device after several exploded due to issues with the battery.
In a statement, the handset maker says it will set up these 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 all consumers with a Galaxy Note7 to quickly and seamlessly replace their devices with the Galaxy S7 edge.
Read also: SAA bans Note 7
"Although the Galaxy Note7 has not been launched in South Africa, we are aware that a small number of consumers managed to acquire a Note7 device by either buying it overseas or through parallel imports. The safety of our customers and those passengers travelling by air remains a priority for us and we would like to emphasise that this ban and recall only affects the Galaxy Note7 device. It does not apply to the Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge, previous Galaxy Note smartphones or any other Samsung Galaxy devices," Craige Fleischer, director of Integrated Mobility at Samsung South Africa says.
To distinguish between the Galaxy Note7 (model number: SM - N930) and the Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge it is important to note that the Galaxy Note7 is the latest Samsung smartphone device that was launched globally and which has a stylus (S-Pen), as below, while the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge does not feature the S-Pen stylus.
For customers' convenience, Samsung will ensure that their personal data will be safely transferred to the new device when exchanging their Galaxy Note7 for a Galaxy S7 edge device.
"Customers who own or have a Galaxy Note7 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 Note7 for the exchange to a Galaxy S7 edge 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, email, address, place of departure and arrival; and,
IMEI number and serial number of the Galaxy Note7.
IOL