You are right. Carriers here (Philippines) charge way too much for the iPhone that it will be insane and impractical for the average working guy to get one. And they tie you up for 2 years. I mean WTF.
No. The Apple Stores do not sell them at full price. You must buy one from the carriers. Great isn't it?
The people I know buy their phones from people who come from the US. Most I know people use online forums and meet in person for the payment. Online payments really do not work here in the Philippines (not mainstream).
Also, shipping is expensive here because the Philippines is an archipelago :(
Online payments are not mainstream here. So my friends try to avoid paying for anything as much as possible.
My brother uses an iPod Touch. He has never paid for apps. I know this because he doesn't have a credit card and is still in school. He just uses it to browse the internet and listen to music -- like most people here who has WiFi on their phones.