Can an unlocked Samsung Note 5 intended for Verizon use work in another country?

[tentativeuser]

I see on Amazon dedicated international versions, but wanted to buy this phone locally in the US before travelling abroad. Best Buy stocks unlocked versions, but the salespeople there said because they were originally intended for Verizon use that they would not guarantee this phone would work in another country.

I need to know before I plunk down this money for a phone without a plan whether it will stop working once I leave US airspace.

Does anyone know whether the Best Buy salespeople are excessively cautious or this is a real danger?

 

[Ry]

The Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is not SIM locked.

 

[tentativeuser]

I assume that is the danger the salespeople would have been vaguely alluding to, then?

A related question: if I did get a straight Verizon phone with a contract, then cancelled the contract (it seems this might be the cheapest option), would the same hold, that I could use the phone with my existing foreign SIM card?

 

[gozirra]

You also have to do some research and see what will and will not work, different phone models vs different carriers. Fortunately some smart person has built a free website to take the guesswork out of it. Plug in your phone model (make sure you get it exact - a Verizon Note 5 is different than, say, an AT&T Note 5). Then either select a "destination" carrier, or see what will and won't work on ALL carriers.

WillMyPhoneWork.net - Check if your phone works on a network

 

[gozirra]

I guess you could also work the problem in reverse - look at what carriers serve the area(s) you'll be in, then see what devices those carriers offer, then see if those same devices are available locally before you leave.

 

[dpham00]

I assume that is the danger the salespeople would have been vaguely alluding to, then?

A related question: if I did get a straight Verizon phone with a contract, then cancelled the contract (it seems this might be the cheapest option), would the same hold, that I could use the phone with my existing foreign SIM card?

Sure, just buy the phone, cancel contract and pay etf, then you can use it on any gsm carrier.

However capabilities might be limited depending on which Carrier you are using.