two questions about iphone - are unlocked for sale

[absolutic]

I have a friend in Germany who asked me

1) can a non-US citizen buy an iphone 4 in the US with no commitment?
2) can a sim card be then replaced in it so it can be operated in Germany or is it locked to AT&T and cannot be unlocked.

I remember at one point they were selling iphones with no commitment, then they started selling them at credit card only, and I don't remember how the story ended.... so what are they doing these days: Can I buy an iphone 4 with no commitment (provided it will cost me more of course) and do I need to show US Passport/ Drivers License and do I have to pay with credit card?

I told him to look on ebay of course as another route. But what's their policy right now?

 

[Applejuiced]

1. Yes, you could buy one full price.
2. No, all USA iphones are locked to AT&T and will not work with any other carriers sims.

 

[absolutic]

1. Yes, you could buy one full price.
2. No, all USA iphones are locked to AT&T and will not work with any other carriers sims.

Hm... I have not checked but can one jailbreak their phone so it works with sim from any carrier, or has it been disabled?

 

[darkside flow]

Canada sells iPhone 4s unlocked with no commitment. I'd suggest he look into the route.

 

[Applejuiced]

Hm... I have not checked but can one jailbreak their phone so it works with sim from any carrier, or has it been disabled?

Right now new iphones sold with firmware 4.1 and 4.2.1 cannot be unlocked.
Possibly in the future there will be a new hack but then with SHSH's, baseband versions, firmware etc... it can get complicated and if you're not carefull you can get stuck with an unusable phone.
Best bet would be to get a factory unlocked iPhone IMO.

 

[iKrl]

Canada sells iPhone 4s unlocked with no commitment. I'd suggest he look into the route.

Mexico has unlocked iPhones too, France and the UK sell unlocked iPhones, that woul be easier for him wouldn't it?

 

[absolutic]

Mexico has unlocked iPhones too, France and the UK sell unlocked iPhones, that woul be easier for him wouldn't it?

I kind of did not ask him why he was asking me, they don't sell these in Germany?

 

[Applejuiced]

I kind of did not ask him why he was asking me, they don't sell these in Germany?

They do but they're probably cheaper in the US but with that comes a lock to AT&T.

 

[supermac96]

Hm... I have not checked but can one jailbreak their phone so it works with sim from any carrier, or has it been disabled?

Yes do this.