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UK resident, keen to buy 3GS in USA

C

copydeskcat

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 12, 2008
257
4
Hi folks,

I'm a UK-based iPhone 3G 16gb owner on holiday in the USA.

I've figured out that I can get the 16gb 3GS in the USA for $599 (£370). If I buy it as a 'gift'. It's £440 in the UK on PAYG.

I could get £300 easy for mine on eBay (minus fees etc. probably more like £290).

My outlay would be about £80-90

Questions:

1. Can I put my o2 SIM in a US-bought 3GS and get it to work in the USA?

2. Is it worth getting?

Best,


CDC
 
Alright Mate,
As a fellow Brit in the US, I can tell you that ANY 3GS phone you buy requires you to sign up for a 2 year contract (either via Apple or AT&T), and then the phone is locked to AT&T, so its not as simple as it sounds, you can not buy a iPhone on PAYG here, like you can in the UK. So you will be bound to sign up for a 2 year phone plan with a monthly $30 data plan, which you still probably could not do, since you do not have any credit ratings in the states.

Unless of course you can find a USC who wants to renew their contract and would be willing to sell you their phone upgrade.

Hope that helps.
 
ldobson said:
Alright Mate,
As a fellow Brit in the US, I can tell you that ANY 3GS phone you buy requires you to sign up for a 2 year contract (either via Apple or AT&T), and then the phone is locked to AT&T, so its not as simple as it sounds, you can not buy a iPhone on PAYG here, like you can in the UK. So you will be bound to sign up for a 2 year phone plan with a monthly $30 data plan, which you still probably could not do, since you do not have any credit ratings in the states.

Unless of course you can find a USC who wants to renew their contract and would be willing to sell you their phone upgrade.

Hope that helps.
Click to expand...

thanks guys.

Sounds like it's a no-goer.

Being locked to ATT scuppers it.

However, as for PAYG - there's an option to buy the 3GS from Apple unbundled for full price as a 'gift'. It's on the website in the small print.

CDC
 
Yah I think you can buy an unlocked one from at&t for much more money. Something around 600 us. just give them a call and ask.
 
copydeskcat said:
thanks guys.

Sounds like it's a no-goer.

Being locked to ATT scuppers it.

However, as for PAYG - there's an option to buy the 3GS from Apple unbundled for full price as a 'gift'. It's on the website in the small print.

CDC
Click to expand...

If you are willing to pay the contract free price, then just plug it in to your computer, go to http://purplera1n.com and download the software, within 2 minutes you will have it jailbroken, then install ultrasn0w from cydia, which will unlock the phone, you will then be able to put your O2 sim in it and will be unlocked.
 
hey guys,

now just to make it clear...
I have an iPhone 3G with a contract from Turkey. I'm still paying for it but since it doesn't cover international calls in USA, I got a pay as you go from T-Mobile. My 3G is unlocked, i can use any simcards inside it.

I am thinking of giving my 3G to my father and get myself a new 3Gs from USA. I can pay for the contract free price but it's still going to be locked to AT&T and I am on T-Mobile.
Since I am an international student at my school, starting February'10, I will start changing schools and agencies every three months. I might stay at least for another three months in USA, but I will fly back to Europe sooner or later so, sim-free Iphone is a must for me.

Can I jailbreak my 3Gs to make it sim-free?

Thanks...
 
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