I am living in India for 6 months and want to get an iphone to use here then take back to the UK afterwards.
What would be the best way to do this and how would i ensure that it will work in UK? Or would it be better to wait and buy in UK? I'm a bit unclear as to how the networks would work, would i have to sign up to a 2 year contract in India to get full features or is there another way?
thanks for your help
emma
iPhone 4
iPhones bought from carriers are usually carrier locked which means it's likely that only SIMs of that particular carrier that sells the iPhone will work on it. An easy way would be directly approaching an Apple retail store and get a phone there, Apple stores sell unlocked iPhones which will virtually work on any supported SIM.
Assuming you're talking about buying an iPhone 4S, there isn't too much to worry as compared to an iPhone 4 as the 4S is a "world phone"; is compatible both CDMA and GSM networks. If you're getting an older iPhone, you'll have to note what type of network your UK carrier uses and what the Indian carrier use and get the appropriate version accordingly.
All iPhones, purchased from official sources in India, are sold as officially unlocked. If you purchase an iPhone from an official source in India, it will work just fine, in the UK, on any supported carrier's network. What you need to concern yourself with is warranty. The iPhone does not have an International warranty. Except for the EU, iPhone warranty is country specific: only valid in country of original purchase. Thus, you purchase an iPhone in the UK, you will receive no warranty & support for that phone in India. Likewise, you purchase an iPhone in India, you won't receive any warranty & support, for that phone, in the UK.
Buying an iphone in India to work in UK
