iPhone without Contract

[silverMBP]

Hi guys,

I am a non-US Citizen but will be visiting San Francisco and Los Angeles in mid september. Is it true that I can only buy an iPhone from a telco provider (AT&T) with contractual obligations? Meaning I have to be on a subscription plan with AT&T for a fixed period of time contractually before they will sell me an iPhone. In addition, its going to be a locked phone. True/False?

Am I able to buy a new iPhone 3g without contractual obligation and one that is unlocked at the same time?

txs for your advice.

 

[philgilder]

true, and no, not in the US, unless you want to pay a lot

 

[goosnarrggh]

Hi guys,

(...)

Am I able to buy a new iPhone 3g without contractual obligation and one that is unlocked at the same time?

txs for your advice.

In the USA, there is no retail supply of Apple-sanctioned (ie. warranty intact) unlocked iPhones at any price. You'd have to buy it overseas, or get it second-hand from somebody else who bought it overseas.