UE tourist in USA - Can i buy an iPhone 5s

[tomekalmighty]

Hello guys, I am coming to California for a month next week and I would really want to buy an unlocked iPhone 5s that I could use at home in europe.

So I have a couple of questions for you guys from US and would really appriciate it if you can help me out here:

1. I heard Verizon is selling all the iPhones factory unlocked. So I am wondering if I can actually buy the iPhone 5s there off contract as a non US citizen (for 650$ + tax), or do i need to make some sort of a contract with them. Or can I just walk in buy the iPhone and walk out without a sim card.

2. Apple stores still dont sell factory unlocked iphones 5s yet right? It usually takes about 2 months for that to happen, so where could I get one if Verizon wont be an option and apple store isnt one too?

 

[617aircav]

Yes you can.

 

[siurpeeman]

a lot of Verizon stores won't sell you an iphone unless you're paying the subsidized rate. just go into an apple store and say you want a verizon (or AT&T) iphone and that you want to purchase it outright (without upgrading or signing up for service).

 

[Carlanga]

buy from apple store full price, it will come unlocked even though its a carrier phone, check the full price threads bought from the store here.

 

[KPOM]

The Verizon model or device-only AT&T models from the Apple Store are your best bets. Since you're here for a month, you should be able to find one in an Apple Store. I had no problems buying a Verizon model device-only. I don't have a Verizon account and they didn't ask me any questions. A Verizon store might be another story, though.

Be advised that the US models lack Band 7 (2600MHz) LTE support, which a lot of European carriers are using. They do support the 1800MHz and 800MHz bands that other carriers are using for LTE, though.

 

[CEmajr]

You can buy either the Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile iPhone direct from the Apple Store full price and they will be unlocked. The only one you need to stay clear of is the Sprint one.

 

[tomekalmighty]

Thnx a lot guys for the useful information

 

[rdy0329]

Be careful with your wording though:

Say "I want a device-only AT&T/Verizon iPhone". They will charge you full price. Do not say unlocked (they will turn you away) or just AT&T/Verizon iPhone as they will assume you are getting a subsidized phone. You can also ask for a T-mobile iPhone (full price, unlocked) but T-mobile iPhones are harder to find.

 

[tomekalmighty]

Be careful with your wording though:

Say "I want a device-only AT&T/Verizon iPhone". They will charge you full price. Do not say unlocked (they will turn you away) or just AT&T/Verizon iPhone as they will assume you are getting a subsidized phone. You can also ask for a T-mobile iPhone (full price, unlocked) but T-mobile iPhones are harder to find.

Ok ill keep that in mind

I am using GSM network in my country, but I guess it does not really matter if I take AT&T, T-mobile or Verizon right, since they are all unlocked?

 

[rdy0329]

Ok ill keep that in mind

I am using GSM network in my country, but I guess it does not really matter if I take AT&T, T-mobile or Verizon right, since they are all unlocked?

Yes they are, at worst you get only 2G & 3G signal at best, you get full compatibility with your network (2G, 3G & LTE).


Check this out to find out if your telco has the same band as the AT&T/Verizon/T-Mobile iPhones (for LTE):
www.apple.com/iphone/LTE

 

[tomekalmighty]

Yes they are, at worst you get only 2G & 3G signal at best, you get full compatibility with your network (2G, 3G & LTE).


Check this out to find out if your telco has the same band as the AT&T/Verizon/T-Mobile iPhones (for LTE):
www.apple.com/iphone/LTE

Yea my provider is using the 1800 MHz and 800 MHz LTE Band so i guess any model will work fine