Unlocking cell phones

While we didn't unlock before relocating, I would tend to agree with GroveWanderer. Before we left the States, we got codes from T-Mobile to unlock our cell phones. While it didn't cost anything, it did take a couple of weeks for the codes and instructions to be emailed to us, which was obnoxious, and caused us to have to wait to do it until after we'd arrived in Kingdom. Turns out only one of us had luck unlocking them. We've since replaced all of our smart phones in KSA, and are much happier with the ones purchased here. Prices were fine. This business about locked/unlocked is ridiculous. We'll never get phones through a US carrier again, despite keeping our accounts open so we have our same US numbers for travel home. BTW, you can buy unlocked phones on Amazon, and also the kind with dual SIM slots.

I have heard that it depends on the LTE system used in SA. Our friend in Australia ended up downgrading his I phone 5 (purchased here in Canada) to a 4S. It seems that not all LTE systems are interoperable and the phone slow down for data if in a different region. The Iphone 5's according to him (and he's a techie), are region specific.

For those looking at phone options, I found a web site that gives some price comparisons in KSA for the various phones. I'm not sure how realistic or recent the prices are - perhaps someone already there can verify but at least it gives you the general idea of whats available and for how much.

Once I add in the taxes / unlocking costs / lack of warranty (or hassles), I've concluded that based on these prices, its better to buy an unlocked phone in Kingdom rather than buying a new one here (in Canada).

The website address is www.digitalcorner.net/

Thanks to all for helping out. I was able to unlock both my blackberry bold and my iphone 3gs. The blackberry was a boot leg unlock from the web that too 5 minutes. The ATT Iphone 3gs was even easier. You fill out the form located here att.com/unlock. Fill out the form and they will send the unlock code to your itunes account. Caution do a full back up first, then do a restore and the phone will be unlocked. They said it should work overseas so I guess I'll find out when I get there.


Ben

We had no problem unlocking our iphones from US. We had AT&T service. Just made a phone call , hooked to iTunes and it was done.

I wanted to update everyone. We had unlocked a blackberry bold (ATT) an Iphone 3gs (ATT) and an iphone 4s (ATT) in the states. all were out of contract so no issues there. We arrived in KSA, went to al-mujammar mall in main camp. bought three sim cards ( you will need your passport page) plugged them in and the work perfectly. Key is to unlock them in the sates before arriving.