Should I go to an Apple Store or authorized dealer?

Only if you have an active warranty or official AppleCare, as they are the only ones who can honor those. Otherwise, they will often tell you to replace the unit rather than repair it.

Is it safe to leave my data with a technician?

Always back up your phone to the cloud before entering a shop. If possible, perform a factory reset before handing it over, or enable 'Repair Mode' if your device supports it.

Finding Electronics Repair in Tropical Destinations

Skip the official brand service centers, which are often non-existent or expensive. Head directly to large, multi-story shopping malls that host dedicated 'IT floors' or 'Mobile/Gadget Zones' where independent technicians can diagnose and fix devices on the spot.

Locate the 'IT Floor'. In countries like Thailand or Vietnam, look for the designated technology level in major malls (e.g., MBK in Bangkok or 3/2 Street in Ho Chi Minh City). These floors are clusters of hundreds of small independent stalls.
Get multiple quotes. Ask at least three different booths for a price and timeline. If they all give you a similar price, that is your baseline. If one is drastically cheaper, ask exactly what replacement parts they are using (OEM vs. third-party).
Stay for the repair. If the repair takes less than two hours, wait at the shop. If it requires overnight work, get a written receipt that includes your device's serial number and a clear description of the problem.
Test before paying. Never leave the shop until you have fully tested the repair. Turn the device off and on, check the charging port, test the camera, and verify the screen responsiveness while the technician is still watching.

Should I go to an Apple Store or authorized dealer?: Only if you have an active warranty or official AppleCare, as they are the only ones who can honor those. Otherwise, they will often tell you to replace the unit rather than repair it.
Is it safe to leave my data with a technician?: Always back up your phone to the cloud before entering a shop. If possible, perform a factory reset before handing it over, or enable 'Repair Mode' if your device supports it.