Will unlocked 4s from Apple store in USA work on Telecom NZ Network?

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Bops2010

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Topic # 100170 4-Apr-2012 17:00

I have a friend coming over from the USA who will bring an iPhone for me quite a bit cheaper than the cheapest option I have found in NZ without being locked into a 2 year contract.

I think this means that it will work in New Zealand:

The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a contract commitment. You can activate and use it on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T in the United States.* The unlockediPhone 4oriPhone 4Swill not work with CDMA-based carriers such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint.

If you don’t want a multiyear service contract or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. It arrives without a micro-SIM card, so you’ll need an active micro-SIM card from any supported GSM carrier worldwide. To start using it, simply insert the micro-SIM card into the slot on your iPhone and turn it on by pressing and holding the On/Off button for a few seconds. Then follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPhone.

but am I right? Can I plug my Telecom sim card from my HTC Touch into the iphone for an instant connection on Telecom NZ?

The other issue will be charging it - I know the USA uses a different electricy system and although I can adapt the plug how would I deal with the power supply difference?

Wondering if anyone else is using an imported phone and how you deal with this.

Thanks in advance for advice,
Jo

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Reply # 605189 4-Apr-2012 17:05

It sure will

Bops2010

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Reply # 605193 4-Apr-2012 17:12

Thanks, also wondering about the power supply difference between USA and here and how I would charge it - I don't just mean the plug but the voltage too.

freitasm

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Reply # 605195 4-Apr-2012 17:12

Bops2010: I think this means that it will work in New Zealand:

I think it describe a phone from an auction. Is it really from the Apple store? Buyers beware...

Bops2010: Can I plug my Telecom sim card from my HTC Touch into the iphone for an instant connection on Telecom NZ?

You can't use the SIM card from the HTC Touch in any iPhone. iPhone uses a different sized SIM. You will have to go to Telecom and buy a microSIM for your iPhone.

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Bops2010

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Reply # 605202 4-Apr-2012 17:37

Yep, this is the link: http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MD237LL/A?cppart=UNLOCKED%2FUS#service_and_support
Is it not legit?

freitasm

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Reply # 605213 4-Apr-2012 17:47

Looks good then.

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clicknz

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Reply # 605214 4-Apr-2012 17:47

Hi - Just to clarify (from my personal knowledge only) - the iPhone 3G & 3GS took a standard sized sim, the 4 & 4S take a micro sim. You can cut down your existing sim with scissors or a sim cutter (or get a new one & swap your number over.
The power adapter will cope with 100-240 Volts. The plug prongs will be two vertical US style ones. You could either buy a NZ style plug adapter to replace the US prongs (from Apple supply store) or use a pair of pliers to bend the prongs slightly to fit our sockets & you're good to go.
So... either spend a few bucks or go Kiwi style & you're good to go.

Cheers,
Mike

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Reply # 605215 4-Apr-2012 17:48

Remember to add sales tax on that price. And if your friend brings the box, etc, NZ Customs might charge GST.

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Bops2010

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Reply # 605231 4-Apr-2012 18:37

Thanks all, even with sales tax it still works out to be $100 cheaper than the cheapest local offering. But bloody hell, what a lot of money for a phone.
Is it really worth the hype?

corksta

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Reply # 605256 4-Apr-2012 19:23

My wife is a flight attendant so pretty much all our (my) stuff comes from the USA.

She bought the 4S for me from an Apple store. As long as your friend asks for the unlocked iPhone it will work on any network here in NZ without any problems at all. It was US$649 for the base model, then goes up in US$100 increments. Remember to add sales tax on top of that amount, depending on what state it's purchased in.

The charger in the box is just the North American one, so you can't swap the head for a NZ plug. As pointed out it is universal voltage, so you can either just plug it in to an adapter, or simply use an existing iPhone/iPod touch/iPad charger if you have one lying around.

As mentioned also, Customs may charge GST on top of the purchase price if your friend declares it upon arrival in NZ. About the only way to get around this is to not declare it (naughty) if you want it to stay in its box, or leave the box behind, or try to bring the box in empty but have the phone out and already switched on to give the appearance of it not being imported.

clicknz

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Reply # 605336 4-Apr-2012 21:52

Bops2010: Thanks all, even with sales tax it still works out to be $100 cheaper than the cheapest local offering. But bloody hell, what a lot of money for a phone.
Is it really worth the hype?

Well, a few dozen people around the world have decided to take a punt on these iPhone things... but only you can decide whether it's worth it for you...

Sorry about thinking the adapter was one that could have the plug piece changed - seems it's an all-in-one adapter. I did see a guy using one recently that he had bent the prongs on to fit our plugs (not sure how safe...?).

Cheers,
Mike

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Kyanar

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Reply # 605444 5-Apr-2012 07:28

You could always just use the sync cable with your PC or Mac to charge it - it's a bit (lot) slower, but it still works.

stevenz

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Reply # 605638 5-Apr-2012 11:51

You can also just unclick the power-prong part and plug a standard figure-8 cable into the socket (assuming they use the same charger as the iPad, I can't remember if they do or not).

If customs is a possible issue, just get them to take the phone out of the box.

@KnightNZ

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Reply # 605809 5-Apr-2012 17:22

stevenz: You can also just unclick the power-prong part and plug a standard figure-8 cable into the socket (assuming they use the same charger as the iPad, I can't remember if they do or not).

You can't. Their iPhone charger is not the same as the chargers we use. Their iPad one is the same as what we get.

Bops2010

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Reply # 605885 5-Apr-2012 20:51

Thanks all for the input.

I hit "pay" and the phone will be arriving with a friend in a couple of weeks.

I am ashamed at myself for spending so much on such a hyped up phone but a) I want it and b) I'm spending less overall than if I'd bought it as part of a 24 month contract so c) I will have to live with my decision now.

Kyanar

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Reply # 606232 6-Apr-2012 19:50

The one thing I can say for them is that the build quality if you don't get a bad model is very good - they last for literally years (my Nokia E75 had the battery back loosen and fall off after a single year! And the bottom cracked!) although I think it's more to do with the materials than anything.

One thing to bear in mind is that you are not covered by the CGA on this phone, so if you want to ensure you're covered for damage after the warranty that comes with the phone, sign up for an AppleCare warranty - it'll add 2 years to your warranty and even covers for some accidental damage (i.e. not manufacturer defect). Unlike the CGA, AppleCare is a global warranty, so no matter where you buy the AppleCare or the phone, any Apple repairer will repair covered damage at no charge.

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