go in the apple store and buy a apple gift card with cash then buy the phone

The US is probably equally as bad - as buying an iPhone in the UK. Both locked to network.

Just order from a reputable seller on eBay for an official unlock version.

Do you homework first though !

Originally Posted by SLCTITAN

go in the apple store and buy a apple gift card with cash then buy the phone

Thats a cool idea!! Whats the max amount for gift card??

Would be a bugger if they refused though after sending that money lol

Suppose it would be a bit tight if they didnt - (my poor boy got these for his birthday he has been dreaming about affording an iphone for 3 years lol)

Originally Posted by kultschar

Thats a cool idea!! Whats the max amount for gift card??

Would be a bugger if they refused though after sending that money lol

Suppose it would be a bit tight if they didnt - (my poor boy got these for his birthday he has been dreaming about affording an iphone for 3 years lol)

That's what I was thinking....They would still say I need a US ID probably
Anyone tried this?

About the ID: Why don't you ask some friendly looking guy on the street if he's kind enough to buy it for you (in return of a couple of bucks, eventually)? This worked well for me in Belgium at a time when they would sell the unlocked 3G only to Belgians (I'm German). If you find an even nicer one, perhaps he'll pay with his CC and take your cash. But that's a thing even I wouldn't do...

So I am finally back from the US with two new iPhones

After not finding any way to get the phones thru the official stores I tried the small shops, while the experience was crap I finally managed to find a decent store that got them for me I can give you guys the address if I am allowed by the rules here...

One little tip, AVOID Time's Square! All the shops there are theives and rude! The only shop there which did have the 3GS asked for $600 for the 16GB and $700 for the 32GB...I wanted both so as I started getting the money out he started adding some "extras"...
-Unlocking: $100
-"Programming": $100
-Activating the "6 apps which need subscription" (maps, compass, apple store and god knows what else) $60
-Taxes because I am taking the phone outside the US: $100
-taxes: no idea how much!

All of this while I kept insisting that I don't want any unlocking/ jailbreaking/ "programming" or anything else.

Final price for a 16GB and 32GB iPhones? $1900!!!

Needless to say I didn't get them from him