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how to buy a nexus s outside US?

[Q] Help! online ordering from Best Buy
I just paid for the Nexus S through Best buy, and now I am afraid that I made a mistake. When I added the phone to my shpping cart, it asked me i I am a T-Mobile contract holder (Which i am not) and I said that I do, which gave me the option to buy the phone at the full price of $529. I am afraid that I am going to receive a LOCKED Nexus S with T-Mobile affiliations and that it's maybe not Sim Free.
Is this the case? If so, how do I order it SIM Free and UNLOCKED Online? The only options on the website was to buy it either for $199 with a T-Mobile contract or to buy it for $529, but again, I am not sure if this is fully unlocked or it is still with a T-Mobile Simcard.

jonatansofer said:
I just paid for the Nexus S through Best buy, and now I am afraid that I made a mistake. When I added the phone to my shpping cart, it asked me i I am a T-Mobile contract holder (Which i am not) and I said that I do, which gave me the option to buy the phone at the full price of $529. I am afraid that I am going to receive a LOCKED Nexus S with T-Mobile affiliations and that it's maybe not Sim Free.
Is this the case? If so, how do I order it SIM Free and UNLOCKED Online? The only options on the website was to buy it either for $199 with a T-Mobile contract or to buy it for $529, but again, I am not sure if this is fully unlocked or it is still with a T-Mobile Simcard.
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AFAIK they are all unlocked - even the phones sold with T-Mo service.

Will the phone say T-mobile on the phone or connected with it in any way ?

nope, box has a tmobile sim in it but noowhere on the phone does it say tmobile

People at best buy online support are complete fools, they keep saying it's locked, even though twitter and their FAQ say its unlocked.
The whole point of Pure Google phone is that it's unlocked and unbranded

All Nexus S phones are unlocked by default with no carrier branding on the phone or box.
Pricing just varies based on if you want a contract or buying outright.

psp888 said:
People at best buy online support are complete fools, ...
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Well, not everybody have the intelligence required to flip burgers.

Best Buy couldn't even get the ordering live until about 10 minutes late ...
Then I tried to order 3 times; each time I got a vague credit verification error that made no sense.
Plus, they tried to switch me from my $10/mo unlimited 3G data to $10/mo 4G data with a 200MB cap... no thanks.
I was able to order by phone, but the process took over an hour. At least I got to keep my data plan.
Total cost was $250 after taxes and activation fees.

hi folks, is there anyone from from non-US/UK manage to buy a Nexus S>? If yes can let me know how? Especial from Malaysia. Thanks..

i had help from a fellow XDA member in the USA to help me buy one
as all the BestBuy stores were out of stock on the first 2 hours of the release date
make sure your phone operator works with 900/1700/2100 data

I bought two on launch day. The second is unopened. PM me if you want to buy it.

Wow!
I have a G1 and tried to upgrade to the nexus s with my existing 24.99 unlimited G1 data plan. The rep in the store said she was pretty sure I had to upgrade my plan. She said she would try it without upgrading my plan and got almost through the entire process but her system would only allow for the full price option for the phone.
Did you do anything special to get them to let it work with your existing plan??
Thanks
Bicster_ said:
Best Buy couldn't even get the ordering live until about 10 minutes late ...
Then I tried to order 3 times; each time I got a vague credit verification error that made no sense.
Plus, they tried to switch me from my $10/mo unlimited 3G data to $10/mo 4G data with a 200MB cap... no thanks.
I was able to order by phone, but the process took over an hour. At least I got to keep my data plan.
Total cost was $250 after taxes and activation fees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Has anyone actually bought this online?
I'm having problems getting Best Buy's site to let me buy this thing. It keeps getting hung up when I select a plan - just keeps asking me if I currently have T-Mo service and won't let me actually select an answer...
Also, since I'm a new customer, would I be able to sign up for T-Mo's promotional plan (1500+unlimited for 79.99)?

You have to go to the store for starting a new plan.

If just happened that you have an extra unit or you're willing to help me, please PM me. THanks; )

AllGamer said:
i had help from a fellow XDA member in the USA to help me buy one
as all the BestBuy stores were out of stock on the first 2 hours of the release date
make sure your phone operator works with 900/1700/2100 data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
one of the best buys near me still has 2 phones in stock

Marmle said:
You have to go to the store for starting a new plan.
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That's ridiculous - there's not a single Best Buy here in TN that will sell it with a plan. I suppose none do T-Mo. And my local store says $529.99 - available at Bestbuy.com for $199.99.
Whose idea was this Best Buy debacle?

your going to have to sign up for t-mobile service online best buy online sells tmobile online. Call there customer service they might be able to help you out.

Hey,
Maybe this will help!
bonvu.com
never used it so not sure how safe it is, but read that people are using it to purchase what ever they want in the US.
GL,

Some options:
www.ebay.com (in advanced search you can select someone that delivers to your country, offers paypal)
www.usunlocked.com (3rd party site, buys it for you and sends it yo you).

New S4 for $330...Seems A Bargain

Just read on Androidpolice Cricket are offering a $200 rebate on the s4. So similar price to the Nexus 4
www.androidpolice.com/2013/06/08/de...laxy-s-iii-and-htc-one-sv-via-mail-in-rebate/
And there are great deals on other phones too. www.mycricket.com/cell-phones?cm_sp=hero-_-423-_-OOF_1
Sorry if this has already been posted

Almost jumped at the offer...but then I remembered Cricket wireless is a CDMA carrier and I want to use T-Mobile, so unless they're selling a factory unlocked phone it would be pointless for me to buy it.

Suchomimus said:
Almost jumped at the offer...but then I remembered Cricket wireless is a CDMA carrier and I want to use T-Mobile, so unless they're selling a factory unlocked phone it would be pointless for me to buy it.
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I'm in UK so don't know the differences you have over there.....wish it was that price over here though

Can that be trusted? Seems too cheap.

villapark75 said:
I'm in UK so don't know the differences you have over there.....wish it was that price over here though
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CDMA is typically for US LTE vands. It's what Verizon/Sprint use, and basically it means the phone won't work on GSM netowrks (T-Mobile/AT&T). It's far more restrictive, and you can't just pop in a SIM card and use the phone as you wish.
frrlod said:
Can that be trusted? Seems too cheap.
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There seems to be a couple of catches.
-The fine print says that you need to make two auto-bill payments to Cricket wireless, which depending on the plan you pick, is $70-100. It also means you must be on Cricket wireless service for 45 days before you can cancel and use the phone on another carrier, which if it's a CDMA phone, means no T-Mobile/AT&T.
-The rebate offer could be several months before you get it in the mail.

Please help ? Off-Contract purchase

I live in Lebanon, Middle East. My friend is currently in NY for few days, so can't have to wait for the phone to arrive in few weeks from Google. How can I basically purchase the phone unlocked from a retailer on the go? Can I buy it from Sprint or T-Mobil being unlocked and Sim Free? If not, what are the other ways? Please anyone? Only few days left for his arrival LOL !

its not in any other retailer at this time

Ensifolk said:
I live in Lebanon, Middle East. My friend is currently in NY for few days, so can't have to wait for the phone to arrive in few weeks from Google. How can I basically purchase the phone unlocked from a retailer on the go? Can I buy it from Sprint or T-Mobil being unlocked and Sim Free? If not, what are the other ways? Please anyone? Only few days left for his arrival LOL !
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The ones sold in the US are North America version, especially the LTE bands and isn't 100% compatible with the ones sold in other regions - like Asia & Europe as those bands (radios) are tuned differently.
My suggestions is that you find and ask ANOTHER friend going somewhere else in the Euro zone to buy one for you, assuming that it is not available or for sale at your location or home country.
As for trying to buy it in retail store, Sprint is supposed to have them in their local USA stores tomorrow (or later) but there could be a waiting list and you will be paying an extra surcharge for it + taxes - there's another thread about the higher prices (around $450 USD is what I recalled vs. $350 in Google Play Store) - that is if they will sell it without contract or activation.
No news yet as to whether T-Mobile USA will be selling them directly, most likely - later on, it will for a premium surcharge, similar to Sprint prices - without contract.
Nexus 5 are shipped from the LG unlocked - carriers do NOT lockup the Sim functions for their network only.

Letitride said:
The ones sold in the US are North America version, especially the LTE bands and isn't 100% compatible with the ones sold in other regions - like Asia & Europe as those bands (radios) are tuned differently.
My suggestions is that you find and ask ANOTHER friend going somewhere else in the Euro zone to buy one for you, assuming that it is not available or for sale at your location or home country.
As for trying to buy it in retail store, Sprint is supposed to have them in their local USA stores tomorrow (or later) but there could be a waiting list and you will be paying an extra surcharge for it + taxes - there's another thread about the higher prices (around $450 USD is what I recalled vs. $350 in Google Play Store) - that is if they will sell it without contract or activation.
No news yet as to whether T-Mobile USA will be selling them directly, most likely - later on, it will for a premium surcharge, similar to Sprint prices - without contract.
Nexus 5 are shipped from the LG unlocked - carriers do NOT lockup the Sim functions for their network only.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your valuable reply, really saves a ton of asking and research. To be honest I am willing to pay the extra charge to get my Nexus 5, since later on, when the phone arrives to my Country, it's going to match this exact price if not even more, which is like 600 USD for the 16 gb.
The only gamble is, if it's gonna work in my Country or not. My friend is going to buy two unlocked iPhones from NY already, is it almost the same gamble case? of it working in Asian/Middle East region or not ? ( Btw he works at one of the two carriers in Lebanon )

Ensifolk said:
Thanks for your valuable reply, really saves a ton of asking and research. To be honest I am willing to pay the extra charge to get my Nexus 5, since later on, when the phone arrives to my Country, it's going to match this exact price if not even more, which is like 600 USD for the 16 gb.
The only gamble is, if it's gonna work in my Country or not. My friend is going to buy two unlocked iPhones from NY already, is it almost the same gamble case? of it working in Asian/Middle East region or not ? ( Btw he works at one of the two carriers in Lebanon )
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Click to collapse
It is possible that they will have it at retailers tomorrow. Sprint, Best Buy and RadioShack would be good places for your friend to check. The phone will work, aside from possibly LTE. It is also available for preorder on the Best Buy website and it ships tomorrow.

lowandbehold said:
It is possible that they will have it at retailers tomorrow. Sprint, Best Buy and RadioShack would be good places for your friend to check. The phone will work, aside from possibly LTE. It is also available for preorder on the Best Buy website and it ships tomorrow.
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Alright, high hopes - Too bad his plane leaves at noon. Maybe he can snatch one for me ! Thank you

Ensifolk said:
Thanks for your valuable reply, really saves a ton of asking and research. To be honest I am willing to pay the extra charge to get my Nexus 5, since later on, when the phone arrives to my Country, it's going to match this exact price if not even more, which is like 600 USD for the 16 gb.
The only gamble is, if it's gonna work in my Country or not. My friend is going to buy two unlocked iPhones from NY already, is it almost the same gamble case? of it working in Asian/Middle East region or not ? ( Btw he works at one of the two carriers in Lebanon )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically, the Nexus 5 has 2 verisons as far as the radio/band or country compatability are concerned - the Americas and the Euro-Asia models, two different SKU's - the other is whether it is a 16GB or 32 GB model, color in black or white - simple.
Both model are unlocked from the factory for quadbands (GPRS/2G/Edge Speed) including the 2100 Mhz band popularly used in Asia, so the US ones will work in your country at the "slower" data speed - but most likely not the so called 4G/LTE. For the average users, the 3G and HSPA+ compatability is more complex but depending on your cellular provider's network towers, speed can be just as fast.
In "third-world" or undeveloped countries with basic mobile networks, speed isn't your major concern - just basic coverage & a good signal.
As for the iPhone 5c and 5s, we don't use them but some of the nieces & nephews have them and use them - if your friend is buying them from the Apple store, they should be able to help him/her select the best model to bring overseas to use at your home country. There are different models and you want to match it as closely as possible. Here's a link to Apple's ITE coverage on different models sold, and the ITE bands used - you should reference it and perhaps alert your friend via email, look up a compatible carrier that you match yours. http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/
I know that the last time I was shopping & looking around for an unlocked GSM phone in Asia, the store sales people were helpful & making sure that I understood what they have & support are aimed at the local market with the proper radio bands, and that they cannot guarantee that it will work in the U.S. once I bring it back - returning it and exchanging it are out of the questions or very expensive to do. It will work but mobile data speed could & would likely be lowered.
Of course, if you are using WiFi or broadband signal at home or at work or in the universities with ultra fast connections most of the time - then you might find it acceptable given the cost savings. We have super fast fiber optics (Fios) connections and are reliable and having 4G LTE and/or HSPA+ enabled and working are just extra bonuses at our local price point - $350 USD for 16GB - with taxes & shipping, came to less than $400 still.
Good luck !

Buying Unlocked Nexus 5

Hey All,
I live outside US where Google Play Store does not sell Nexus products.
I am planing to visit US in the coming weeks, and i am looking for a place (store) where i can buy an Unlocked (Off-Contract) Nexus 5.
Any info/suggestion is appreciated.
EDIT: I guess the appropriate word is Off-Contract Nexus 5.
And I read somewhere that Sprint - T-Mobile and BestBuy are selling Off-Contract Nexus 5 for $449.99.
So the actual question became; If i buy and Off-Contract Nexus 5 from one these sellers, can i just use it with any carrier available in my country. (Neglecting the difference between US and ROW version, since all i need is 3G for now.)
Thanks.

Zhoene said:
Hey All,
I live outside US where Google Play Store does not sell Nexus products.
I am planing to visit US in the coming weeks, and i am looking for a place (store) where i can buy an Unlocked Nexus 5.
Any info/suggestion is appreciated.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know they're all unlocked, even when purchased from one of the carriers, but I think you'll get hosed on the price buying from anyone other than Google.

Every single Nexus 5 (or any Nexus in fact) is unlocked. No matter where you get it from. It's just the price that pays for the convenience. You can get one outright from a carrier and say you already have a (insert that carrier's name here) SIM that you'll pop in when you get home. However carriers will charge you ridiculously more then 349/399 for the phone. You can try finding one used that somebody already received, or if you're staying long enough, order one from Google.

Zhoene said:
Hey All,
I live outside US where Google Play Store does not sell Nexus products.
I am planing to visit US in the coming weeks, and i am looking for a place (store) where i can buy an Unlocked Nexus 5.
Any info/suggestion is appreciated.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you life in europe I cant recommed buying it from the US because not all that many people know that that there are actually 2 variants of the Nexus 5, one for non-US markets and one for the US. The difference are the 4G bands you wont have LTE with the american version in other parts of the world.

TheCrazyDirectioner said:
Every single Nexus 5 (or any Nexus in fact) is unlocked. No matter where you get it from. It's just the price that pays for the convenience. You can get one outright from a carrier and say you already have a (insert that carrier's name here) SIM that you'll pop in when you get home. However carriers will charge you ridiculously more then 349/399 for the phone. You can try finding one used that somebody already received, or if you're staying long enough, order one from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thekaykev said:
If you life in europe I cant recommed buying it from the US because not all that many people know that that there are actually 2 variants of the Nexus 5, one for non-US markets and one for the US. The difference are the 4G bands you wont have LTE with the american version in other parts of the world.
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Actually my country (Turkey) does not have 4G yet, it is expected to arrive through the end of 2014. Also people expect the price to be around 800$ in my country. And LG G2 is being sold for around 700$ which puts me in dilemma. I still want the Nexus 5, but i don't think i can stay enough in US to order from Google, and i guess stores like BestBuy don't sell Nexus 5 without carriers.
Could we see non-carrier versions of Nexus 5 in stores in the near future, or would it only be Google keep providing them?

Can buy nexus 5 from Google, carriers or sim free 3rd party in uk
There are no "carrier versions". Theres a US version and a ROW version, both unlocked. That's it
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rootSU said:
Can buy nexus 5 from Google, carriers or sim free 3rd party in uk
There are no "carrier versions". Theres a US version and a ROW version, both unlocked. That's it
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I see.
So what is the best 3rd party ROW version seller in Europe?

I guess the appropriate word is Off-Contract Nexus 5.
And I read somewhere that Sprint - T-Mobile and BestBuy are selling Off-Contract Nexus 5 for $449.99.
So the actual question became; If i buy and Off-Contract Nexus 5 from one these sellers, can i just use it with any carrier available in my country. (Neglecting the difference between US and ROW version, since all i need is 3G for now.)

Zhoene said:
I guess the appropriate word is Off-Contract Nexus 5.
And I read somewhere that Sprint - T-Mobile and BestBuy are selling Off-Contract Nexus 5 for $449.99.
So the actual question became; If i buy and Off-Contract Nexus 5 from one these sellers, can i just use it with any carrier available in my country. (Neglecting the difference between US and ROW version, since all i need is 3G for now.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, assuming there are GSM carriers where you are. :good: (GSM carriers use sim cards)
If you're willing to wait, you could have one of your US friends buy the Nexus for you and then ship it over when it arrives. You might not want to wait that long (understandably,) but I just can't justify paying an extra $100 for a phone due to corporate greed.

Bought mine from T-Dimension on Ebay. Very happy with my purchase!
Shipped from Hong Kong and got it 5 days later. The D821

soltheman said:
If you're willing to wait, you could have one of your US friends buy the Nexus for you and then ship it over when it arrives. You might not want to wait that long (understandably,) but I just can't justify paying an extra $100 for a phone due to corporate greed.
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Right, but the main problem is that i don't think the customs would let the device in. In my country it is forbidden to ship things that cost more than $100, and if they catch it, they are likely to seize the device or just send it back.

Zhoene said:
Right, but the main problem is that i don't think the customs would let the device in. In my country it is forbidden to ship things that cost more than $100, and if they catch it, they are likely to seize the device or just send it back.
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Click to collapse
Trojan horse.

soltheman said:
Trojan horse.
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Click to collapse
Yea, looking for a seller who will make a Trojan horse for me then.

I just bought mine from a very well known seller on eBay, had it shipped to me in 2 days while I was in the US and it cost 355$ including shipment.

[AT&T] No Promos for Upgrading?

Was upgrading to the Note 10+ and saw the BOGO offer and also, if you order online, you get $150 Visa Gift card... After looking further, and calling AT&T Directly, I found out that those two promos only apply if you add a new line or are a new customer. Is that the same across the board with all carriers or just with AT&T?

Gargamel198024 said:
Was upgrading to the Note 10+ and saw the BOGO offer and also, if you order online, you get $150 Visa Gift card... After looking further, and calling AT&T Directly, I found out that those two promos only apply if you add a new line or are a new customer. Is that the same across the board with all carriers or just with AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon was the same. Only the BOGO offer if you add a new line. And Verizon was only going to give me $400 trade-in for my S10+. I preordered through Best Buy and they gave me $600 for my trade-in. Preorder bonuses/gifts suck this time around.

My wife and I are both T users and we both were looking to upgrade - until all the details were released last night.
My prior phones were rooted while my Wife bought a phone from T. I have been debating if I still need a rooted phone or not. The main things the custom XDA roms provide me is availability to use AdBlocker, Hotspot, and of course access to the lastest ROMs and features at the sacrifice of getting the latest and greatest T CSC.
But now I see that the "5G' model is not available on T. It might come out later in the year. But it will locked to T. Getting a 5G phone was a good justification to upgrade even though there will NEVER be 5G service in the sticks where I live.
We think we will hold off for now.

Flame Red said:
My wife and I are both T users and we both were looking to upgrade - until all the details were released last night.
My prior phones were rooted while my Wife bought a phone from T. I have been debating if I still need a rooted phone or not. The main things the custom XDA roms provide me is availability to use AdBlocker, Hotspot, and of course access to the lastest ROMs and features at the sacrifice of getting the latest and greatest T CSC.
But now I see that the "5G' model is not available on T. It might come out later in the year. But it will locked to T. Getting a 5G phone was a good justification to upgrade even though there will NEVER be 5G service in the sticks where I live.
We think we will hold off for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the T-Mobile version will be an upgraded phone with the Qualcomm x55 modem. It will support more bands and downward compatible. Consume less power I'll give you a better 5G experience.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

aplusmiami said:
And the T-Mobile version will be an upgraded phone with the Qualcomm x55 modem. It will support more bands and downward compatible. Consume less power I'll give you a better 5G experience.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the US Snapdragon phone are locked and since you won't have root you cannot change the CSC from TMOB to T like you could years ago? Or are you saying you can use the TMOB 5G model on T?

Verizon is giving me 450 off an old Note 8 sitting around here and the 150 dollar credit with Samsung. I didn't qualify for the BOGO, but I'm satisfied.

Take a look at Best Buy, I got $600 off trade-in for my AT&T S10+