Keisuke0906777
Level 1 (4 points)
iPhone

Q: Using Iphone abroad

I am planning to buy an iPhone in the UK and I want to use it in Japan a year later (Permanently)

Would it be possible if I just swapped from a UK carrier to a Japanese carrier by swapping the sim-card?

 

I would be greatful if you could help.

iPod touch, iOS 9.3.2

Posted on Aug 15, 2016 5:36 AM

by ChrisJ4203,Apple recommended
ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203
Level 9 (57,922 points)
iPhone
A:

In addition to the excellent advise from razmee209, you would need to check with the Japanese carrier to see if the phone that you purchase will support the bands they use. Seems the Japanese cellular carriers use different bands, and not all devices support that. Also, if you want an unlocked phone in the UK, purchase directly from Apple. Many of the UK carriers require you be a customer before unlocking, or charge a fee. Also, the warranty on a phone purchased in the UK would only be valid in the UK, not Japan.

Posted on Aug 15, 2016 3:58 PM

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Keisuke0906777

Q: Using Iphone abroad

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  • Helpful answers

  • by razmee209,Apple recommended

    razmee209 razmee209 Aug 15, 2016 11:08 AM in response to Keisuke0906777
    Level 7 (33,201 points)
    Aug 15, 2016 11:08 AM in response to Keisuke0906777

    Keisuke0906777 wrote:

     

    I am planning to buy an iPhone in the UK and I want to use it in Japan a year later (Permanently)

    Would it be possible if I just swapped from a UK carrier to a Japanese carrier by swapping the sim-card?

     

    I would be greatful if you could help.

    You would need to contact your current carrier and ask if they provide unlocking.  OR buy a phone directly in Japan.

  • by ChrisJ4203,Apple recommended

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Aug 15, 2016 3:58 PM in response to Keisuke0906777
    Level 9 (57,922 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 15, 2016 3:58 PM in response to Keisuke0906777

    In addition to the excellent advise from razmee209, you would need to check with the Japanese carrier to see if the phone that you purchase will support the bands they use. Seems the Japanese cellular carriers use different bands, and not all devices support that. Also, if you want an unlocked phone in the UK, purchase directly from Apple. Many of the UK carriers require you be a customer before unlocking, or charge a fee. Also, the warranty on a phone purchased in the UK would only be valid in the UK, not Japan.

  • by Keisuke0906777,

    Keisuke0906777 Keisuke0906777 Aug 15, 2016 4:00 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 15, 2016 4:00 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Thank you Chris. It was really helpful. Now I know what to do!

     

    Thanks

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Aug 15, 2016 6:52 PM in response to Keisuke0906777
    Level 9 (57,922 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 15, 2016 6:52 PM in response to Keisuke0906777

    You're welcome.