My friend is thinking of buying me an iPhone from the United States as a gift and I’m worried that it won’t work with Bulgarian mobile carriers. Is it possible to use an iPhone bought in the US with a Bulgarian SIM or is it region locked?
iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 17
Yes. All iPhones sold in the U.S. starting w/ iPhone 14 are eSIM only.
You should also discuss your intentions with your carrier in advance of purchase.
If they wanted to … they might possibly cite “national frequency management regulations” to refuse activation.
They might also require proof that any importation duties were paid.
There are probably other “gotchas” a telecom could use to refuse provisioning “privately imported” phones.
It’s almost always better to purchase any iPhone in the region of the owner’s residence or primary use.
Yes. All iPhones sold in the U.S. starting w/ iPhone 14 are eSIM only.
You should also discuss your intentions with your carrier in advance of purchase.
If they wanted to … they might possibly cite “national frequency management regulations” to refuse activation.
They might also require proof that any importation duties were paid.
There are probably other “gotchas” a telecom could use to refuse provisioning “privately imported” phones.
It’s almost always better to purchase any iPhone in the region of the owner’s residence or primary use.
Yes, if you buy an unlocked model. Note that you'll likely be denied warranty coverage, and if it's an iPhone 14 or 15, your wireless carrier will need to support the eSIM.
(253592)
Is the iPhone 14 and up only eSIM in the US?
Using an iPhone bought from the US in Bulgaria
