"Unlocked SIM Free" model A1863 or A1905?

The sim free model is likely to be the A1905 model that does not support CDMA. Unfortunately you can't actually choose the model.

If you want to make absolutely sure you get the model that supports both GSM and CDMA select Verizon or Sprint as your carrier.

If pay full price (not monthly payments)it will be unlocked. You should not need to activate a phone line if you pay full price for it either.

It will contain a sim card for carrier you chose, but you can just remove it and use your own.

You can not specify which model you order. You can only order the model specific to your region.

iPhone - View countries with supported LTE networks - Apple

Fairly certain, and no, I’m not an Apple rep. Just a volunteer here like other users on these forums.

You can see for yourself:

From the FAQ section in the online store’s iPhone 8 page:

When I buy an iPhone from apple.com, is it tied to a carrier or does it come “unlocked”?

• Nearly all iPhone models sold on apple.com are “unlocked” — which means your iPhone isn’t tied to a single carrier. If you choose carrier financing from AT&T or Verizon, your iPhone will be tied to your carrier.

https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-8

As long as you don’t finance it through Verizon it should be unlocked.

Do note however, that it will be up to the Carrier to activate it on their network. Some CDMA carriers have issues with this.

At the end of the day its the risk you take for buying a phone in a country you do not intend to use it in.

also warranty will only be valid in the US. So if anything happens you’ll need to have the phone sent back to the U.S for warranty service, and Apple does not take international shipments for warranty service.