iPhone import

[Congo]

if I buy an iPhone in US straight from an Apple store, unlocked, not through any of their service providers, will I be able to use it in SA with a Vodacom or MTN simcard?

any advice would be appreciated

thnx.

 

[Synaesthesia]

Yes. If it's unlocked. You can buy iPhones in the US in the Apple store without a contract, but they're locked. (They're $499, $599 and $699)

Unfortunately it's no longer guaranteed that you can unlock, eg the latest iPhone 3GS.

 

[bex.cpt]

Afaik all iPhones sold in the US is locked to at&t network & with the last OS update OS3.1.3 its become close to impossible to unlock them so I would not advise you to purchase one there. You can buy a factory unlocked iPhone in Australia & Hong Kong (I stand under correction)

 

[mr.sniper]

Afaik all iPhones sold in the US is locked to at&t network & with the last OS update OS3.1.3 its become close to impossible to unlock them so I would not advise you to purchase one there. You can buy a factory unlocked iPhone in Australia & Hong Kong (I stand under correction)

correct australia sell them unlocked

 

[surfs-up]

Or France - France has laws making it illegal to sell a phone that is locked to a particular network (same goes for South Africa - you can buy one there )
You would probably end up paying the same for an iPhone in France, as you would here.

 

[Hydrofire]

Hong Kong sells them factory unlocked. I paid R6000 for a 32Gb 3GS from one of the more reputable stores, but you could get it even cheaper.

 

[bex.cpt]

Here is hope have a look iPhone Unlocking