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Getting an AT&T iPhone 3G from a friend and just wondering if there's an easy way of unlocking it? I've read that AT&T can do it for you but that's only if you've had a contract with them previously and I haven't. Also, once unlocked all I'll need is a Costa Rica sim card from Kolbi or Movistar?

Thanks all,

SK

check craigslist, there are usually guys on there that will do it. also google *unlocking iphone 3g* there are legit companies on there than can do it.

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Voted San Jose's #1 Maripepino

There is a lot of videos on YouTube telling you how to do it. I did my 3G myself with little effort back before they would do a factory unlock. Couple of free computer downloads and about a hour of your time is all it really takes.

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Not banned yet...

You can buy an IMEI unlock on ebay for 2.00 or 3.00 and then you don't need to risk bricking your phone via using software to unlock. I did this with my iphone 4 and it works great down here. 3G service and everything with kolbi prepago.

if this friend is giving you the ATT 3G then perhaps he is the original owner of the device, and if so - problem solved. that phone is out of contract - meaning he is now capable of having ATT factory unlock it. ATT began unlocking all iphones out of contract some time ago.

Hi,

There is no such thing as an unlock "code" for an iPhone. The only way to unlock without jailbreaking is by having the IMEI number of the iPhone added to a database Apple maintains. Having your friend getting it factory unlocked is the easiest solution. You may even be able to request the unlock as a non-customer. Here is the link https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/client ... dCondition

Thank you all for the info, I appreciate it!!

Update here. I got my iPhone 3GS in the mail the other day, had it unlocked and now it's even updated to the newest OS. 6.0.1. Now my question is this. Am I able to get a Kolbi or Movistar "mini" sim card such as what's in the iPhone now or do they only come in regular sim card size? Thanks!!

The 3gs should not need a special sim if I am correct. I use a unlocked 3g down there and I just grabbed a normal sim from movistar at a little food stand place near the INS building and it works like a champ.

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Not banned yet...

The Kolbi booth just past baggage claim will have what you need.

Kolbi outlets sell the larger sim, but not to worry. They have a die cutter to cut them down to mini size. You keep the part they cut off and you can put the 2 pieces together for an older phone and use the inside piece as a mini sim. It works both ways. I've done it.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

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Play Safe

Their regular size Sim will work in your I-phone 3gs, it's the same size as your gringo Sim.

Word to the wise: make sure it's unlocked while you are home. Try a different carrier's sim and see if it boots up. If it's still locked it'll say something like "unrecognized sim" if I remember right. That's what happened to me in CR last year when I brought what I thought was an "unlocked" I-phone 3gs.

Next trip after corrective procedures, no problem.

Regular "full-size" sims aren't used for phones. They are the size of a credit card. You will not have a problem getting a mini sim for the iPhone 3G/3GS. Micro sims used by the iPhone 4/4s are also available. The nano-sim used by the iPhone 5 may be difficult to find as Costa Rica didn't get the iPhone 5 until December 14th. However,as said, the sims can be cut to size and there are even adapters to go up in size.

Wow, thanks for all the help guys!! Yes, I just put a different sim card in and it seems to fit fine so it's normal sim size. Also thanks for the tip DGD on making sure it is unlocked. Check!!

Not sure if you are aware but when you come back, keep that CR Sim and you can recharge it online via MasterPago.com even for just a dollar, or have a friend in CR do it for you even for just 25 cents--all he needs is your tel #, do-able in 3 minutes at a thousand locations, and always at least once within 120 days, or you lose your sim and your #. Nice to have the same number for your friends there and contacts that may need to reach you back home.