Anyone in the UK import a 3GS from Europe?

DB2k · DB2k #1 (**permalink**)

07-04-2009, 12:52 PM

Debating on importing a 3GS from somewhere like Italy where TIM sell them apparently unlocked - I believe they are unlocked and then lock to the network of the first sim that is used.

Anyway, the reason for this is that I'm lazy and don't want to be messing around with jailbreaking it, nor waiting for a new break when an update comes out. Also I think you have to move all your content back to the iPhone after jailbreaking as its essentially empty. I would prefer to get around this by having an officially unlocked one, even if it does cost a bit more.

So.. anyone done it?
Wondering if I can buy directly from the Apple Italia site and get them to mail it to me, or if I have to wait for someone I know to go over there an pick me one up..

Dave

stevo-m · stevo-m #2 (**permalink**)

07-04-2009, 06:53 PM

I would doubt that Apple would ship an unlocked iPhone from Italy because they have the exclusivity agreement with O2 in the UK. Just a thought.

DB2k · DB2k #3 (**permalink**)

07-05-2009, 05:17 AM

Cheers Steve. I agree it would be unlikely - not tried it yet. So might mean I just need to tap a friend up.

Just concerned that I might find an issue after importing - although I'm assuming its fine, but I don't know anyone that has brought one in from another country unlocked so I can't find out what the problems if any are!

bargsbeer · bargsbeer #4 (**permalink**)

07-05-2009, 06:36 AM

You can order the factory unlocked iPhones off ebay. The Italian (TIM) iPhones are the most popular factory unlocked iPhones on ebay.the phone is unlocked via IMEI so the unlock goes with the phone.

DB2k · DB2k #5 (**permalink**)

07-05-2009, 06:45 AM

Thanks - the ebay prices are super crazy. I think the 32GB one is about £600 retail so paying 800-1000 would not be acceptable at the moment for me.

thanks again bargsbeer

Aptmunich · Aptmunich #6 (**permalink**)

07-05-2009, 07:00 AM

Apple italy does take foreign orders... but they generally cancel them a few days later. So your best bet is to make friends with an italian or go on holiday!

You can also grab one unlocked in belgium..

stevo-m · stevo-m #7 (**permalink**)

07-05-2009, 05:33 PM

The prices for unlocked iPhones on eBay is ludicrous, I agree. I actually did have my original iPhone unlocked, but like you, I preferred the thought of being on a legit O2 contract (as much as O2 are ripping off their customers at the moment!) so when the prices came down a bit I switched to an iPhone tariff. I've just ordered a 3GS and am awaiting delivery of it. Managed to get the 16GB for £87, which I thought wasn't too bad. My original iPhone which is more than a bit bruised and battered is up on eBay. I'll have to make sure I'm more careful with this one! Hope you manage to get your hands on an unlocked model soon, DB2k!

DB2k #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 08, 2007 Location: Berkshire, England Posts: 140	07-04-2009, 12:52 PM Debating on importing a 3GS from somewhere like Italy where TIM sell them apparently unlocked - I believe they are unlocked and then lock to the network of the first sim that is used. Anyway, the reason for this is that I'm lazy and don't want to be messing around with jailbreaking it, nor waiting for a new break when an update comes out. Also I think you have to move all your content back to the iPhone after jailbreaking as its essentially empty. I would prefer to get around this by having an officially unlocked one, even if it does cost a bit more. So.. anyone done it? Wondering if I can buy directly from the Apple Italia site and get them to mail it to me, or if I have to wait for someone I know to go over there an pick me one up.. Dave -- 27" quad core metal iMac and a metal macbook and a plastic terrabyte time capsule and a 32GB iPod Touch 3rd gen and a nano somewhere and a classic ipod in the car and one of the ickle shuffle things, and an iPhone4.
	QUOTE Thanks

DB2k #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 08, 2007 Location: Berkshire, England Posts: 140	07-05-2009, 06:45 AM Thanks - the ebay prices are super crazy. I think the 32GB one is about £600 retail so paying 800-1000 would not be acceptable at the moment for me. thanks again bargsbeer -- 27" quad core metal iMac and a metal macbook and a plastic terrabyte time capsule and a 32GB iPod Touch 3rd gen and a nano somewhere and a classic ipod in the car and one of the ickle shuffle things, and an iPhone4.
	QUOTE Thanks

Aptmunich #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 09, 2004 Location: Munich Posts: 9,075 Mac Specs: Aluminium Macbook 2.4 Ghz 4GB RAM, SSD 24" Samsung Display, iPhone 4, iPad 2	07-05-2009, 07:00 AM Apple italy does take foreign orders... but they generally cancel them a few days later. So your best bet is to make friends with an italian or go on holiday! You can also grab one unlocked in belgium.. Mac-Forums Twitter \| Mac-Forums Blog My Twitter \| Jetplane Journal
	QUOTE Thanks

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stevo-m #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 28, 2006 Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 173 Mac Specs: MacBook Pro 15", 2.16 ghz, 1GB ram, 120GB; iPod Classic 80GB; iPod shuffle (2nd gen); iPhone 16gb	07-04-2009, 06:53 PM I would doubt that Apple would ship an unlocked iPhone from Italy because they have the exclusivity agreement with O2 in the UK. Just a thought.
	QUOTE Thanks

bargsbeer #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 22, 2007 Location: Tampa , FL Posts: 1,957 Mac Specs: 15" MBP Unibody 2.53Ghz 4GB RAM 250GB HD,VERIZON iPhone 4,SIG P238 ,iPad,6th Gen iPod NANO	07-05-2009, 06:36 AM You can order the factory unlocked iPhones off ebay. The Italian (TIM) iPhones are the most popular factory unlocked iPhones on ebay.the phone is unlocked via IMEI so the unlock goes with the phone.
	QUOTE Thanks

stevo-m #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 28, 2006 Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 173 Mac Specs: MacBook Pro 15", 2.16 ghz, 1GB ram, 120GB; iPod Classic 80GB; iPod shuffle (2nd gen); iPhone 16gb	07-05-2009, 05:33 PM The prices for unlocked iPhones on eBay is ludicrous, I agree. I actually did have my original iPhone unlocked, but like you, I preferred the thought of being on a legit O2 contract (as much as O2 are ripping off their customers at the moment!) so when the prices came down a bit I switched to an iPhone tariff. I've just ordered a 3GS and am awaiting delivery of it. Managed to get the 16GB for £87, which I thought wasn't too bad. My original iPhone which is more than a bit bruised and battered is up on eBay. I'll have to make sure I'm more careful with this one! Hope you manage to get your hands on an unlocked model soon, DB2k!
	QUOTE Thanks

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