Using local SIM card abroad (ATT iPhone5)

Using ATT iPhone 5, latest iOS. Taking my iPhone to France for a month, will use it as a camera and to make local phone calls. Have my iPad mini for email, surf the web on wifi, etc. I have used local SIM cards for my old Motorola, but don't know if this works for a smartphone. Is it "legal" to swap SIMs? Will I lose data or settings? Experienced travelers please advise.

Its perfectly legal to swap sim cards. The main issue is wether your iPhone is locked to a carrier or not. A carrier locked phone will not recognize sim cards from a different carrier. Only carrier unlocked phones can do this.
So the first thing to determine is if your phone is carrier unlocked. since you mention it is an ATT phone I'm going to guess its not unlocked.
You will need to talk to ATT and explain the situation and have them unlock the phone as only the carrier can do it. They may or may not agree to do this.
Also, an iPhone 5 uses a very special type of sim card, a Nano sim card, which is smaller than all other sim cards, so when looking for one make sure its of the correct size.

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I bought an unlocked Iphone 3GS, I needed to update Ios5 and restored the settings for that which was not authorised for unlocke, but after that iphone is not getting activate and no sim card insatlled error is there. i m using local sim card in Pakistan

I bought an unlocked Iphone 3GS, I needed to update Ios5 and restored the settings for that which was not authorised for unlocke, but after that iphone is not getting activate and no sim card insatlled error is there. i m using local sim card in Pakistan

You didn't buy an 'unlocked' iPhone 3GS - you bought a 'hacked' one.
Updating to iOS 5 removed the hack and the unofficial unlock.
All you can do is try to find out which network the phone is locked to and ask them if they can unlock it properly.
Otherwise, sell it or throw it away and buy an officially unlocked phone from an official source.

How do I unlock my Apple iPhone 4S so I can use other SIM cards abroad?

Hello!
I have an iPhone 4s which i have had for years with Vodafone UK. I know I can get them to unlock my iPhone for me so I can use it abroad. I tried to do this. But they said the IMEI number I have for my phone is not the same as the one in their records.
This is because Apple (in store) swapped it out when I had problems with it within the first year) so I have a different iPhone from the one they sold me.
So I am lost. How do I unlock an iPhone from Apple so i can use sim cards abroad?
Any help is gratefully received!
Alan

Thanks Peter! If only I was in the UK! I am in Nicaragua and south America for the next four months hence why trying to get my phone unlocked! It is a nightmare and at the moment I have Vodafone saying they can't do it because they don't recognize the IMEI number and Apple doing the same.
Any other ideas about what I can do remotely.
Thank you for your reply.
Alan

HT1311 My account registered in Malaysia, but currently I'm in Indonesia and using local sim card, how could i download an update for any application purchased?

My account registered in Malaysia, but currently I'm in Indonesia and using a local provider sim card, how could i download an update for any application purchased in my iPhone?

Apple takes a few days to bill your credit card. By removing to information the next day Apple could not bill you therefore creating the predicament your in. Try contacting iTunes support so they can help you resolve the issue.
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/

Can I use two SIM cards with one iPhone5s? ie, switch phone numbers and plan, same carrier?

I live where there is no Cell service in remote BC Canada. Fortunately, we have highspeed Internet! Thus, I have been using an iPod Touch 4th gen & Skype to make all my calls for a 2 or 3 years. I travel a couple of times a month into cell coverage. I plan to use my iPhone 5s on a iPad Data Package when in cell coverage. I called and asked bell if I could do so if I bought an unlocked iPhone. I was told yes, but recieving calls would be very expensive. I have email notification and a phone number where voice mails are emailed to me, so am able to do without recieving calls in most cases. However, certain situations lead to frustrating telephone tag.
Just today, after receiving my unlocked iPhone 5s I realised that Bell also has a pay as you use plan that is very reasonably priced for cell calls only. If I was able to switch SIM cards I could get both plans. Thus if recieving a call or placing one was important I could just switch my SIM card. Could that be done reasonably and practically?
I would appreciate an answer to this question!
Scott

Let me see if i got this straight. You have two iDevices. One is an iPad, which uses 3G Data. The other one is an iPhone 5s. You plan on purchasing two plans, One thats has only 3G Data, and the other one that has only phone calls, and messages.The answer to your question is Yes. At least i done that with t-mobile USA. If your iPad is compatible with nano-sim cards, yes you can. If not, you will have to buy an iPad with nano-sim such as the iPad mini 3G. This is totaly possible.

Using Verizon SIM Card abroad with non-Verizon GSM phone

I have a Verizon phone, which is not a global phone (iPhone 4, doesn't have a SIM card). I am going on a trip to Europe and want to use Verizon service there, so people can call me on my US Verizon number, but I don't want to upgrade my phone to a global Verizon phone. Would it be possible to order or buy a SIM card from Verizon, activate it such that it becomes associated with my Verizon account and then, when I'm in Europe, stick it to one of non-Verizon unlocked GSM phones? Will I be able to roam this way with my Verizon number? Will my regular Verizon phone still work when I come back?
Thank you!

Unfortunately, the sat phone is not an option for me. I believe it's very expensive. Also not sure if I can get roaming data this way, specifically $25 per 100MB package.
I want to use iPhone 4S (factory unlocked GSM version, bought from Apple store). The frequencies should not be a problem, since it supports all GSM frequencies.
My main concern - even if Verizon gives me a micro SIM and associates it with my account, will it work in non-Verizon iPhone 4S while in Europe? A representative told me Verizon possibly ties the SIM to a particular phone (normally Verizon world phone). If such a SIM is used in another phone, the registration may fail due to that restriction. The rep was not sure though, that's why posting it here.

Blackberry service in China using local sim card.

I have a Bold 9700 (unlocked) which I would like to use in China. I am hearing that it may be tough if not impossible to get a pre paid sim with voice and data capabilities. Is data just blackberry email and messaging or does it include GPS and Internet? Thanks.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Hey there!
Greetings from China! I've got an unlocked Torch with me that I am using on China Unicom (pre-paid) for almost 2 weeks here now (Beijing). I actually did not procure the SIM myself for it...the hotel did it for me. They said that it actually is tough to get them now due to very recent new rules requiring all kinds of identification and deposits and such. But, the locals still know how to work around that, so someone from my hotel got it for me. I just had it topped up today as I used up all of my minutes...too bad since I'm leaving on Wednesday, but the cost is pretty much nothing. I only got voice and SMS service...didn't need full data services on that device as I also have my VZW Storm 2 with me with full international roaming, so I have it for that stuff. Just be sure to use WiFi whenever you can...the roaming charges are pretty steep. I was in China and Singapore much of August and my VZW bill was about $1,700. Should be less this time since I had the Torch for voice here. In addition to not worrying about purchase (since the hotel took care of that for me), I also didn't worry about configuring -- they did that as well and a friend who speaks Mandarin did my top up for me today. Yes, I am a bit spoiled by all of the help...but it does help a lot.
As for network, if you want data, do stick with China Unicom -- they have 3G while China Mobile only has 2G (EDGE). I can really tell the difference when my Storm grabs China Mobile instead of Unicom. I finally figured out to set my configuration to seek out only 3G and that keeps it on Unicom all the time now.
Sorry I can't be much more help -- I had help myself and that alleviated the burden on me. If you are staying in a 5-star hotel, seek out their assistance for sure. You can try looking at the airport on arrival...I tried but didn't see anything of use (plus was just so tired from the flight that all I wanted was to get to my hotel and crash). I've seen advertisements for a service (I think it's Panda something or other) that talks about pre-ordering a SIM and having it ready at your hotel, plus with easy top up service. I didn't use them and I'm not sure it would have worked with the new rules, but you could also check them out.
Good luck and enjoy China! Be sure to climb the great wall -- you must be a hero!
Occam's Razor nearly always applies when troubleshooting technology issues!
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HT201328 I am going to India, the ATT says the is unlocked and follow the procedure back up,erase,insert new sim,restore. Is it that simple? Will there be any problem when igo to India with local SIM card? How to find out compatibility of local SIM car

I am going to India. ATT says phone is unlocked. Can I use local SIM card to use my i phone5? Will there be any compatibility problem.

If AT&T authorized your unlock, you received the email from them giving you instructions to unlock and you followed those instructions, followed by a message in iTunes saying Congratulations, your iPhone is now unlocked, then you will have no issues using a local SIM. However, your warranty is only good in the US, and it may not support all of the bands in India, especially LTE.

HT201407 I'm travelling and replaced the sim card in my iphone5; now it wants to activate the device... how do I bypass that?

I'm travelling, so I put in a local sim card in my iPhone5 to avoid roaming charges. But now the iPhone5 wants to activate my iphone again... How do I bypass that?

It sounds like your iPhone was locked to the carrier that issued it. Only they can unlock it for you (if it can be unlocked at all). So contact your cellular carrier (the original one you had). Here's how:
Contact a mobile carrier

Hi! i got an iphone 4 here un usa.. i already called att to unlock it, and luckily i was able to unlock it from them... my question is can i use it in the philippines now? wth the local sim cards? or do i need to do something else? it is a 5.1.1 version w

hi! i got an iphone 4 here un usa.. i already called att to unlock it, and luckily i was able to unlock it from them... my question is can i use it in the philippines now? wth the local sim cards? or do i need to do something else? it is a 5.1.1 version with modem firmware 04.12.01 tnx

If AT&T authorized the unlock and it was succcessfully completed, then you should be able to use your iPhone with any cell carrier in the Philippines that offers compatible GSM service. You'll need to get a SIM from that carrier.
Regards.

Can i use the S4 4GLTE in india with local sim card

Hi,
Your advise would be highly appreciated , i have samsung s4 4G LTE . I am on contract and will be suspending my US service for 6 months
Can i use the Phone with indian Local sim? will it work ?
Verizon customer support told me 4G LTE phones are unlocked by nature , so i dont need to do anything , just insert any other SIM card and it will work fine
I am not sure on it , can some one clarify ?
Also , I see indian SIM card are big in size and Current SIM card is smaller
-GJ

Hi ,
Lets forget the size issue , i can trim the SIM and manage .
My main question was Customer support told 4GLTE phones are unlocked by nature , and can be used with other local SIM Cards , is it true ?

I am using iphone 4 and planning to visit india for few months. can i buy local sim card from india and use in my iphone? i have alrady unlock my iphone.

I am using iphone 4 and planning to visit india for few months. can i buy local sim card from india and use in my iphone? i have alrady unlock my iphone.

Of course

Can I use a local sim card with my Australian bought iPhone and iPad?

I bought my iPhone 4 and iPad2 in Australia. I'm travelling to South Korea and Japan for two weeks. Can I use a local sim card with my Australian bought iPhone? If so, can I still link my iPad2 to my iPhone4 with a personal hot spot?

Only if your phone is officially unlocked. Is it?

Can I use my iphone 4GS in the Philippines while on vacation using a local SIM card?

Can I use my iphone 4gs in the Philippines using a local SIM card?

They are selling i4S in here already Carriers are Globe and Smart
Not sure if now today even at Online Apple Store
I Think Apple Store here in Manila, Switch are selling i4!

I am traveling to India with my new iPad...to enable me to be online 24hrs a day to access my emails...do I just need a local sim card...also can I use a normal adaptor to plug in to charge or am I best paying for the apple universal kit....

I am traveling to India with my new iPad...to enable me to be online 24hrs a day to access my emails...do I just need a local sim card...also can I use a normal adaptor to plug in to charge or am I best paying for the apple universal kit....

If you have the AT&T 3G iPad then you can explore the SIM card. I'm not sure if India has the SIM network or another type. REgardless you should be able to access wifi.
HOnestly, if I were traveling I'd get a plug adapter from a normal retail store. You can get a good one for $20 or less at your local retailer, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, probably KMart though I've not looked for them there. Best Buy and the office supply stores may also have them. You don't have to pay for the official one unless you want to. (I have 'over the counter' plug adapters so if I traveled I'd use what I have not buy another)

Using local SIM card abroad (ATT iPhone5)

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