Will an unlocked iphone 5 work in Israel/Palestine?

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Hi guys,

A couple relatives in Israel/Palestine were looking for an unlocked iphone to use there. It's cheaper if I buy it here and take it with me when I make the trip. If I grab an unlocked iPhone 5 on ebay and take it there, does anyone know if they'd have any problems using it with a local carrier? Thanks!
 

chscag

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Provided the carriers in Israel use the same method of transmission and supply a sim card, it should work. BTW, instead of buying an unlocked iPhone 5 off eBay, why not buy it direct from Apple?
 
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Provided the carriers in Israel use the same method of transmission and supply a sim card, it should work. BTW, instead of buying an unlocked iPhone 5 off eBay, why not buy it direct from Apple?

Thanks, is it cheaper direct from Apple?
 

chscag

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Probably cheaper from Apple. Sellers on eBay are notoriously high when it comes to selling unlocked iPhones. Besides, I wouldn't trust how they unlocked the phone. Buying from Apple you'll know what you're getting and also have a warranty.
 
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Wow thanks. I was SO surprised to see that the 16gb white iphone 5 on ebay ending soonest was already at $649 and that you could buy the same one straight from apple for $650 (plus tax/shipping etc). Why would people go to ebay? Is it for international shipping?
 

chscag

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Probably to avoid sales tax and to use PayPal which Apple does not accept. Most eBay sellers in the US refuse to ship international and some won't even ship to Canada. But like I said above, I don't trust how they unlock the phone. We've had folks in our forums report problems with unlocked phones they bought on eBay and Craig's list. Best to buy direct from Apple even if it costs a little more.

Besides, when you give your relatives in Israel that new iPhone in the original box, they'll love it. :)
 

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