iPhone 3GS: Buying unlocked from Apple best option for international?

[violence]

Have a family member over from New Zealand. She wants to get a new iPhone 3GS (not the new 4) to use on her carrier over there. What is her best option for getting a new one? Does the Apple Store still sell 3GS's unlocked? They're pretty expensive, is there a better solution? I've heard of actually getting a contract with AT&T and canceling it would work out cheaper... not sure if this is true or not.
Appreciate it!

 

[darngooddesign]

Your best solution is to buy a used unlocked one from CraigsList. She can bring a SIM to test the phone.

 

[violence]

Other than Craigslist, what's the best route? The options are pretty much: buy outright from Apple Store, find brand new on Craigslist (kinda tough for 3GS), buy on contract from AT&T and cancel contract.

 

[Komiksulo]

Go to Canada and buy a factory-unlocked 3GS at the Apple Store for $549?