Does Verizon need to unlock my device for international use?

[Exphone_Guy]

Has anyone had Verizon "unlock" their iPhone 5S so they could replace the Sim card with a European Sim card.

This is a temporary need while I'm an in Europe for a month next year.

[vzw_customer_support · Accepted solution]

Exphone_Guy,

We are jealous that you are going on a wonderful trip. 4G phones come unlocked. You will be able to use their service when you activate the SIM card in the device.

RobinD_VZW

Follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

[Tidbits]

They are unlocked by default.

[Exphone_Guy]

Well the trip is 40 years in the making.

I have 2ea iPhone 5S's and have found a company (SIMsmart) that I can buy

prepaid Sim cards. The first hurdle is going to be the "unlocking" of these iPhones

to put the Sim cards in so they will work in Europe.

So my real question is about the "unlocking" piece. Do I have to have Verizon do

it or can I do myself?

[Exphone_Guy]

Tidbits,

So what you are saying is "my 5s iPhones are already unlocked and I can just

purchase the prepaids and away I go?

[Tidbits]

Yes

[Tidbits]

Block C rules forces all Verizon phones that support LTE have to be unlocked out of the box.

[Exphone_Guy]

Thank you,

That was the answer I was looking for.

I will purchase the SIMsmart cards prior to leaving and install them

when we get to our first destination in Hungary. I've been informed

that there are great map apps that I can download and save for my

daily excursions. There are also translation apps that come in quite

handy.

Once again thank you Tidbit for your assistance.