Will a UK iPhone 5 work in the US?

[Sheza]

Hi there,

With all the talk about these "international phones" that have 2 radios and everything, it got me wondering if my UK iPhone 5 will actually work in the US.

It's the model A1429 and since it works in the UK I'm assuming it's the GSM one.

Cheers all!

 

[Applejuiced]

If its an unlocked iphone 5 it will work with any GSM carrier in the US.
If your i5 is locked only to your current provider then it wont work with any other sim anywhere.

 

[jav6454]

Yes, as long as its T-Mobile or AT&T the carrier that you choose.

 

[Sheza]

If its an unlocked iphone 5 it will work with any GSM carrier in the US.
If your i5 is locked only to your current provider then it wont work with any other sim anywhere.

Oh I forgot to mention I'm just travelling, so I won't be using any special SIMs or anything. I know that might make my question sound pointless / stupid but I just wanted to be sure. So I know my carrier (ThreeUk) has roaming charges for the US.

 

[Applejuiced]

Oh so you're going to leave your UK sim in and use it here in the US like that?
Offcourse it will work fine but I'd be very carefull.
You will rack up many expensive charges for voice, texts and especially data use. And we know that the iphone is very data hungry.

 

[jav6454]

Oh I forgot to mention I'm just travelling, so I won't be using any special SIMs or anything. I know that might make my question sound pointless / stupid but I just wanted to be sure. So I know my carrier (ThreeUk) has roaming charges for the US.

Data roaming is expensive, so just be on the look out of how much data you use.

 

[Sheza]

On that basis, I have a few more questions:

1) How can I tell if my phone is locked? I bought it sim-free from Apple and am using a monthly rolling (cancel at any time) usage contract. I'm assuming it's not locked...

2) Do AT&T do any good SIMs for about 5 days of usage, or are there any calling cards or discount SIMs that I can use?

Thanks.

 

[Applejuiced]

Yes, yours sounds like its unlocked.
Best bet is to get a straight talk sim when you're here. $45 unlimited talk text and data for a month.

 

[Scott0512]

Sorry! To clarify; I am moving back to the US after two years here. I bought an Iphone 5 Sept 2012. This phone should have no problems working if upon arrival I sign on to AT&T or T-Mobile?

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And go to an Apple Store for a duck charger.