which iphone5 will work in the UK from the states

[Daveoc64]

Someone could easily do this.

I couldn't. I don't live in the US, so there's absolutely no way that I'd pass a credit check to get a Verizon contract.

We don't know if the OP's brother lives in the UK and wants to buy the iPhone in the US (presumably because they think it'll be cheaper) or if they live in the US and want to visit the UK occasionally.

 

[bcaslis]

I couldn't. I don't live in the US, so there's absolutely no way that I'd pass a credit check to get a Verizon contract.

We don't know if the OP's brother lives in the UK and wants to buy the iPhone in the US (presumably because they think it'll be cheaper) or if they live in the US and want to visit the UK occasionally.

"my bro is in the states and he wants to get an iphone5." I take that he lives in the US. If he lived in the UK he would just buy one there.

 

[Daveoc64]

"my bro is in the states and he wants to get an iphone5." I take that he lives in the US. If he lived in the UK he would just buy one there.

It's not particularly clear, is it?

The OP's other posts mention that his father lives in the UK, so I don't think it's too unlikely that his brother will too.

 

[dchao]

I don't see any problem.

OP buys an off contract VZW iP5 from a store. Takes the iP5 to a store, shows them it is a genuine VZW phone that is allowed to run on their LTE network. Then OP proceeds to buy a iPhone 5 contract. VZW will be laughing to the bank, because they will just pocket the sign-up commission and kick-back to themselves. So why won't they sell OP a $2000 contract?

Once he comes to the UK, just get a pre-paid nano SIM. Everything should work.

 

[Daveoc64]

I don't see any problem.

OP buys an off contract VZW iP5 from a store. Takes the iP5 to a store, shows them it is a genuine VZW phone that is allowed to run on their LTE network. Then OP proceeds to buy a iPhone 5 contract. VZW will be laughing to the bank, because they will just pocket the sign-up commission and kick-back to themselves. So why won't they sell OP a $2000 contract?

a) Because Apple won't sell them that phone in the first place. An unlocked iPhone bought from them will only work on a GSM network

b) It's Verizon's policy not to. They don't like to support phones that have been on other networks

 

[dchao]

a) Because Apple won't sell them that phone in the first place. An unlocked iPhone bought from them will only work on a GSM network

b) It's Verizon's policy not to. They don't like to support phones that have been on other networks

Then just buy an on-contract phone from Verizon ($199), and then terminate the contract the next day and pay the ETF ($400). The total cost should be the same as an off-contract iPhone.

Also I'm suggesting going to the independent reseller for the off-contract iPhone, like BB, Walmart, Target, and Radio Shack.

 

[SLC Flyfishing]

Then just buy an on-contract phone from Verizon ($199), and then terminate the contract the next day and pay the ETF ($400). The total cost should be the same as an off-contract iPhone.

Also I'm suggesting going to the independent reseller for the off-contract iPhone, like BB, Walmart, Target, and Radio Shack.

Exactly, this isn't very complicated.

I still think if OP's friend/brother whatever (I've lost track now) were to simply pay full price, Apple would sell him whatever he wants. It's none of their concern what he intends to do with it after that.

But even if that's not possible, get a contract (or get someone to sign one for you) and cancel it later the same day or whatever. You'll still come out about even for the price of the phone.

 

[EhsanAhmad]

I was in the same situation I purchased a 4s from Apple In DC after the 5 came out but refunded it after few day they gave me a gift card iln return but they wouldn't sell me a ( saying they were out of stock and I couldn't reserve online because I didn't want a contract nor could I get one because of not being a resident and my flight was few days away.

So I forced them to either refund the gift add which they can't as per their policy or give me a 5 so they reserved one iPhone 5 for me and gave it at full price without a contract at 800 something with tax for a 32gb White iPhone 5

 

[JD92]

my bro is in the states and he wants to get an iphone5. will it work in the UK? what would be the best choice ? for a free contract iphone?

The Verizon version (A1429) is actually the better option for the UK as it will work with EE's new 4G network when it launches. The AT&T version will still work with all of the UK's 3G networks, however.

 

[nebo1ss]

There seem to be a basic point that everyone is missing here. Compared to buying the phone in the UK all the issues about LTE bands are not relevant to a straight choice of UK or USA.

If you buy from the Apple store in the US you will get a phone that is not LTE compatible in the UK but the alternative is buying one in the UK which is also not compatible with the Future LTE network.

I say buy at the apple store and use it on the 3G network get the benefit of HSPA+ and a cheaper price.