Question about Importing from the US to the UK

[motsuke]

Ok so I'm pretty new to this whole importing thing. And I was recently in the states and saw some phones that I like. But I didn't buy any out of fear that they won't work in the UK.

The phone that interested me the most was the "HTC Mytouch 4G Slide" http://www.gsmarena.com/t_mobile_myt...slide-4018.php

So my question is. would this phone work in the UK if I imported it from the US? Because some people say that I need to have a T-mobile sim card (which I do) and others say that it needs to be unlocked first? so that got me kinda confused.

 

[s44]

You don't need a local SIM. I'm pretty sure T-Mo around the world is *not* unlocked to its affiliates.

You *do* need to get the phone SIM unlocked. Some sellers may do it for you if you buy the device outright (i.e. not on contract). Some phones you can unlock with a simple service menu hack or app. For the rest, you'll probably have to purchase an unlock code, either from the internet or from your local cell shop.

Most importantly, you need the right device. Any smartphone with 3G on the 2100 band -- which is to say, every AT&T and T-Mo and every recent Verizon -- will work in the UK. Problem with that MyTouch, though, is that it sucks. Are you getting it for $100 or so? I wouldn't pay more than that.

If you want a slide-out keyboard on a UK-compatible phone, look at the Relay 4G. The Captivate Glide is also acceptable, though still sort of dated.

 

[motsuke]

Thanks for the reply. So what your saying is that the phone will work in the UK? locked or unlocked because I have a t-mobile sim card.

And I was paying exactly $100 for the phone and a 1yr warranty deal.

 

[s44]

It will work, technically, but I *think* you will need to unlock it in order to get it to activate. (The various "T-Mobile" carriers are different companies.) Dunno if there's a free unlocking hack on the MyTouch as there is on most Samsung devices. Otherwise check the internet for the going price on an unlock and add that in.

 

[motsuke]

Cool thanks for the reply. I will check that out.