So you're in the U.S and thinking of buying iPhone huh?

Creamy Goodness · 05-01-2010 9:31pm #1

Thought I'd make this a separate thread as there seems to be a lot of questions about people travelling in the states and wondering can they buy an iPhone whilst over there.

1. Can I walk into an apple store, pay the tag price and just walk out?

No. To buy an iPhone in an apple store you must be a resident of the United States (i.e. have an address - a hotel room number + hotel address doesn't count) and have a valid Social Security Number (SSN - our version of PPS number).

2. I'm on a J1/working in the States, what happens next?

Ok so you have a SSN, if that number has only been created within 6 months AT&T require you to pay a $500 deposit which you get back when you terminate your wireless contract.

3. Are there any charges for cancelling the contract?

Yes, there is a $175 cancelation fee, which is taken from your $500 deposit. The cancelation fee is reduced by $5 every month you stay on the contract.

4. Does that mean I can cancel the contract as soon as I walk out of the mecca (Apple store)?

No, you must go through one billing cycle (30 days) otherwise AT&T require you to send back the iPhone.

5. Any other charges?

Apart from your wireless bill * how many months you use it, buying the iPhone and a once off connection fee of $30 when you start the contract no there are no other charges.

6. Can I walk into an AT&T store and buy an iPhone off them?

Yes, but the same as above applies.

7. Can I walk into an Apple/AT&T store and buy a factory unlocked iPhone?

No.

8. I heard AT&T sell iPhone without a contract, is this true?

Yes they sell them without an iPhone contract, but it's still locked to the AT&T network, requires jailbreaking to unlock and costs upwards of $599 for the 16gig version and $699 for the 32gig version.

9. Do Apple stores sell the iPhone like above without an iPhone contract?

No, you cannot buy an iPhone in an Apple store without walking away with a contract.

10. I really want an iPhone but don't have SSN/address in the US; can I still get one over there?

Can't say for sure. I assume the only other avenues open to you would be small independent phone shops much like we have here on Aungier St. in Dublin would be your best bet.

10. Was it worth the hassle?

Yes. I got the 32gig 3G S on launch date and has been a stellar upgrade to my first generation iPhone.

Think I have covered all bases with this, if anyone is confused you can either reply back here or PM me.

Hogzy · 05-01-2010 9:34pm

is there much of a saving to be had if you do find an unlocked one? I remember being in new york last year and say loads of 3rd party electronic stores selling "unlocked iPhones"

whiterebel · 05-01-2010 9:39pm

Great post, a pity it will be completely ignored even if stickied.

Jax Teller · 05-01-2010 9:41pm

good thread creamy , hope this gets stickied

Creamy Goodness · 05-01-2010 9:44pm

Hogzy wrote: »

is there much of a saving to be had if you do find an unlocked one? I remember being in new york last year and say loads of 3rd party electronic stores selling "unlocked iPhones"

I'm not sure, because when I bought my iPhone they were brand spanking new. Weren't even jailbreakable/unlockable until I was out of contract.

the breakdown of what it cost me is like so...

32gb iPhone 3G S.................. $ 330
once-off connection fee........... $ 030
deposit........................... $ 500 

total cost of phone on day 1...... $ 860

wireless bill for 1 month......... $ 070

total for phone + 1 month......... $ 930
cancelation fee................... $ 170

total cost overall................ $1100

deposit received back........... - $ 500

total cost of phone............... $ 600

$600 at todays rate is about ~ &#8364;420

probably not worth it now since other avenues have opened up but it was the best way to get one at launch whilst being in the States.

So you're in the U.S and thinking of buying iPhone huh?

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