Question about Unlocked iphones

[jrs22]

I'm planning to buy an unlocked iPhone from Apple and then get a Verizon prepaid account SIM card. Does that give Verizon the power to lock in my phone to their system? After I use up the money in my flip-phone prepaid account I might want to change carriers. Also, I expect to spend some time abroad and I want to be able to buy a SIM card for when I'm traveling. I've already checked and I know the phone works in Thailand where I'll be most of the time.

TIA
From an iPhone newbie-to-be

 

[Shirasaki]

Carrier can at most lock your iPhone IMEI so that your iPhone cannot connect to other carrier but they cannot lock your iPhone itself. But if that is the lock you refer to, then yes.
But I remember, that Verizon tend to sell unlocked device? Not in USA so unsure.

 

[Shadowbech]

The phone will remain unlocked even after you insert the verizon pre-paid sim card.

 

[eyoungren]

I'm planning to buy an unlocked iPhone from Apple and then get a Verizon prepaid account SIM card. Does that give Verizon the power to lock in my phone to their system? After I use up the money in my flip-phone prepaid account I might want to change carriers. Also, I expect to spend some time abroad and I want to be able to buy a SIM card for when I'm traveling. I've already checked and I know the phone works in Thailand where I'll be most of the time.

TIA
From an iPhone newbie-to-be

Two things…

1. An SIM free (unlocked) iPhone purchased from Apple is automatically whitelisted in the unlock database. No carrier can lock it.
2. Verizon, per an agreement with the FCC, sells all LTE-capable devices unlocked. They cannot lock LTE devices.

Either way around your device will remain unlocked.

 

[Applejuiced]

No, a carrier cannot lock your unlocked device.
It's forever unlocked if you purchase an unlocked iPhone.

 

[jrs22]

Then I have a good plan. Now I just need to decide if I want a 7 or a 7+............

Thanks to everybody who responded