Purchasing 16GB iPhone from USA Apple Store

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mailmarshall

362 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 60

#19528 20-Feb-2008 15:42

Hi

I have a mate going to LA, USA in a couple of weeks and I am thinking of giving him some money so that he can get me a 16GB iphone.

Has anyone purchased a phone from one of the actual Apple Stores in the US cities AND then brought it back to NZ? Do they make you sign a AT&T contract then and there OR is it optional?

Has anyone found a 'work around' for the 16GB iphone so that it works on Vodafone NZ?

Thanks

manhinli

2483 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4

Trusted

#111870 20-Feb-2008 15:48

Officially, you will need to get an AT&T contract.

The 'workaround' you were talking about is everywhere. It's called 'jailbreaking' and 'unlocking'. Just Google it - and also on Geekzone too, look around.

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nzbullet

459 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#111886 20-Feb-2008 16:30

Officially, you will need to get an AT&T contract.

That is not what was asked. He asked "Do they make you sign a AT&T contract then and there OR is it optional?"

The answer to this is no they don't make you sign a contract there and then, when you buy the iPhone you take it away and then when you hook it up to iTunes you go through the process of agreeing to contracts and activating the sim that is included.

However as there are now jailbreaks, unlocks and activation programs available you no longer *have* to sign up with AT&T. Yes "Officially" you are supposed to but you don't have to with a little bit of reading on GZ or the web.

You will find a really useful post here by Piksel and myself. ZiPhone can be used on the 16Gb one (if bought before a new firmware is released) to unlock, jailbreak and activate. If you read the topic in the link you will find all the information you need to get it working on Voda NZ.

mailmarshall

362 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 60

#112075 21-Feb-2008 13:13

Thanks for the reply guys.

Clears up a few things.. Just realised that there is 8% tax in LA.. so have to add that ontop of the actual Apple Store cost.. Wish the USA had a sales tax back scheme like most other countries for tourists.

Hmmm decisions decisions..

alanwright

46 posts

Geek

#112076 21-Feb-2008 13:21

mailmarshall: Thanks for the reply guys.

Clears up a few things.. Just realised that there is 8% tax in LA.. so have to add that ontop of the actual Apple Store cost.. Wish the USA had a sales tax back scheme like most other countries for tourists.

Hmmm decisions decisions..

yeah when i got my 8gig tax was $27 (us) and shipping was another $27 (us) ... still ALOT cheaper than you can get them in NZ for :)

mailmarshall

362 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 60

#112237 22-Feb-2008 08:40

alanwright: Did you purchase the iPhone yourself over there or did you order over the internet and got it delivered via an intermediatory?

alanwright

46 posts

Geek

#112250 22-Feb-2008 10:05

i purchased online at apple - had it delivered to a friend who shipped it to me.

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abizmal

31 posts

Geek

#116573 14-Mar-2008 09:49

Have my 16gb arriving next week :) same way have a mate in Cali is coming over for business ... this is how we got our 8gb phones just ordered them online had them shipped to him ... he put in suitcase no DUTY or GST to pay.

Gadget Man