SIM cards, Verizon, International travel

[saphojunkie]

Buying a new iPhone today, and I am debating between going through Verizon and going through the apple store.

Apple store, essentially they buy back your old phone. Verizon comes with a free case (I do a wallet case so it's like $60), and they have SIM cards now.

My question - does anyone know if Verizon iphones are still locked? Are they all on GSM now, or is that just for roaming?

If I bought a Verizon iphone, can I take out the SIM card and replace it while travelling internationally, or is there more shit I have to do for that?

Is there any reason whatsoever to not buy from the Apple store?

[Fish]

It depends on the exact model of iPhone. But for most of their iPhones v5 and up, Verizon is CDMA locked to Verizon, but GSM unlocked. You can either purchase an International plan through Verizon, or just get a GSM SIM from a carrier in Europe. Just make sure to verify at purchase that your model is "Global Ready."

Note that the Apple Store will sell both CDMA and GSM models, so if you buy from them be sure and get the right band for whatever carrier you intend to go with.

[saphojunkie]

Originally Posted by Fish

It depends on the exact model of iPhone. But for most of their iPhones v5 and up, Verizon is CDMA locked to Verizon, but GSM unlocked. You can either purchase an International plan through Verizon, or just get a GSM SIM from a carrier in Europe. Just make sure to verify at purchase that your model is "Global Ready."

Note that the Apple Store will sell both CDMA and GSM models, so if you buy from them be sure and get the right band for whatever carrier you intend to go with.

Thanks dude.