How to buy an iPhone 4g abroad

[obiwan1145]

Hello, i live in Slovenia (europe) and unfortunately an unlocked iPhone 4G here is around 850€ which is way too expensive.

My questions are...
- Can i buy an iPhone 4G as a foreigner in apple store (US, China, etc.) and take it home with me without a contract?
- How much would it cost me?
- How do i unlock it so i can use it with my SIM card?

 

[Applejuiced]

Hello, i live in Slovenia (europe) and unfortunately an unlocked iPhone 4G here is around 850€ which is way too expensive.

My questions are...
- Can i buy an iPhone 4G as a foreigner in apple store (US, China, etc.) and take it home with me without a contract?
- How much would it cost me?
- How do i unlock it so i can use it with my SIM card?

In the US you will not be able to buy a factory unlocked iphone.
In Canada, China, and other countries you could if you plan to travel there and pick one up at the Apple store.
Here's more info on what countries sell them and for how much.
http://www.cellpassion.com/2010/08/04/from-which-country-should-you-buy-an-unlocked-iphone-4/
The cheapest one seems to be Hong Kong, singapore and Canada.

 

[obiwan1145]

I still don't understand how people buy them so cheap that they sell them on online markets for 400€. Are they fake or something?

 

[Applejuiced]

I still don't understand how people buy them so cheap that they sell them for 400€. Are they fake or something?

Sell them where for 400?
Factory unlocked and brand new?
They're not fake, they are a scam that's all.
You will never buy a factory unlocked iphone for 400 unless its used and not in great shape etc....
But be carefull there's tons of sites that will scam you. They put out low prices like that or buy 2 and get one free and other nonsense.
If its too good to be true then its a scam.

 

[obiwan1145]

I mean is it possible to buy a factory locked iphone cheap and unlock it for other SIM cards?
They say the iPhone is locked but it will be unlocked soon

 

[obiwan1145]

.

 

[Applejuiced]

I mean is it possible to buy a factory locked iphone cheap and unlock it for other SIM cards?

Iphone 4 even locked used ones you will not find them for less than $400-500 unless they're really beat up?
iPhone 3G and 3GS you can find used for pretty cheap and jailbreak and unlock them.
But then you will have to deal with basebands, hacking programs, firmware upgrades from itunes locking it back and many other headaches.

 

[obiwan1145]

Thanks, could you give me the links for iPhone 3G and 3GS too? ^^

 

[Applejuiced]

For 3G and 3GS I'd look on eBay or CL.
You could find some decent used deals.

 

[24usedtorock]

In Central America, an unlocked iPhone runs for about $1,000 if you want to chance Craigslisting it.

I bought the Mrs and I's iPhones in the US under contract but foolishly believed there would be an unlock after 4.3's release for 3.10.01. We all strike out sometimes.

 

[Carlanga]

....

My questions are...
- Can i buy an iPhone 4G as a foreigner in apple store (US, China, etc.) and take it home with me without a contract?

Yes, as long as you carry enough $$$

- How much would it cost me?

Whatever the country store charges for one

- How do i unlock it so i can use it with my SIM card?

If officially unlocked then you can use any SIM that supports the GSM frequencies of the iPhone from the start w/out any tinkering. Make sure they don't activate it w/ an specific carrier though