Buying iPhone 5 in US while there - pitfalls?

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I'm in NYC for work next week and thought I might be able to purchase a SIM free iPhone 5 while over there primarily for use in UK. The prices even with credit card conversion fees are much cheaper than SIM free here. However, the only SIM free model US Apple store lists is Model A1428 (GSM model) - I'm not sure if this will work in the UK? Can anyone advise if it will? Don't want to make an expensive mistake!

[Liquid · Accepted solution]

Hi there:) welcome to the forums:)

Reading this;

http://www.iphonefaq.org/archives/972158

It appears it will work fine on o2s frequencies;

http://www.o2.com/cr/what_are_radio_waves.asp

Obviously I can't guarentee it by any means. Just from reading it looks ok.

Be careful buying "sim free" they can be locked down to networks and you won't be able to unlock when back in uk.

Make sure the phone specifically is the "unlocked" version.

[Anonymous]

From what I read in the other forums our friends across the pond are finding it hard to get a handset on contract and most networks won't sell it sim free !

As far as I'm aware only Apple sell the 100% unlocked version.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the links, liquid. It looks like this model will not support LTE in UK only 3G/HDPA.

Bandofbrothers, yes, I would be purchasing direct from an Apple store so can guarantee it is SIM free and 'properly' unlocked.

Decisions, decisions......

[Anonymous]

I purchased mine from the apple store in meadowhall , Sheffield.

It will support Lte on EE Network only.

To be honest the quicker Internet against the extra strain on battery is in my instance not a fair trade off !

[adamtemp64]

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/ the usa bought gsm model will not support uk lte as the op has said