Shopping for an unlocked iPhone in the US to use in India requires strategy and knowledge.
Let me share what I’ve learned from years of helping family members navigate this exact situation!
Why Buy iPhones from the US? 💰
The price difference remains substantial in 2025.
An iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) costs approximately $1,099 in the US versus ₹134,900 (~$1,619) in India – that’s a potential savings of over $500!
This savings creates a compelling case for NRIs and travelers to purchase during US trips.
The Compatibility Essentials 📶
Before diving into store recommendations, let’s ensure you get a phone that actually works in India:
Critical Requirements:
- Must be GSM compatible (all recent iPhones are)
- Must be unlocked or eligible for unlocking
- Should support India’s specific 4G/5G bands (particularly bands 3, 5, 40, and 41)
Recent iPhones (iPhone 13 and newer) generally support all required bands for Indian carriers.
Best US Retail Stores for Unlocked iPhones 🏬
1. Apple Store (Physical & Online)
Why It’s Great:
- Guaranteed factory unlocked devices
- Straightforward pricing with potential education discounts
- Simplified warranty process with global coverage
- Authentic accessories and AppleCare+ options
Personal Experience: During my last visit to San Francisco, I purchased an iPhone directly from the Union Square Apple Store.
The staff confirmed it was factory unlocked and helped me set up an eSIM for my US stay while keeping my physical SIM slot open for my Indian Jio SIM.
Price Insight: While not the cheapest option, the peace of mind and warranty clarity make it worth the slight premium.
2. Best Buy
Why It’s Ideal for NRIs:
- Multiple unlocked options (including factory unlocked)
- Frequent sales and promotions not available at Apple
- Price matching with major competitors
- Wide physical store presence across the US
Shopping Tip: Best Buy often runs trade-in promotions that don’t require US phone numbers or contracts, making them accessible to international visitors.
I helped my cousin purchase during their spring sale and saved an additional $150 compared to Apple Store pricing.
3. Amazon US
Benefits for Indian Travelers:
- Competitive pricing on factory unlocked models
- Detailed specifications to verify compatibility
- Fast shipping to your US accommodation
- Easy returns if needed during your stay
Important Note: Always select “Factory Unlocked” rather than “International Version” for full compatibility.
During my brother’s two-week business trip to Seattle, we ordered a factory unlocked iPhone that arrived at his hotel within two days.
4. Costco
Unique Advantages:
- Membership provides access to exclusive pricing
- Often includes free accessories or Costco gift cards
- Extended warranty through Costco (in addition to Apple warranty)
- Straightforward unlocked options
Strategy Tip: If you have relatives in the US with Costco membership, this can offer some of the best overall value.
My uncle saved nearly $80 on an iPhone 15 Pro compared to Apple Store pricing, plus received a $25 Costco gift card.
5. Target
Why Consider Target:
- Regular promotions on gift cards with purchase
- REDcard provides 5% additional savings
- Clear labeling of factory unlocked devices
- Convenient locations in most US cities
Real Experience: During Black Friday sales, Target offered a $300 gift card with iPhone purchase.
My friend used this to buy AirPods and accessories, effectively getting them “free” with the phone purchase.
Carrier Store Considerations ⚠️
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
Approach with Caution:
- Often require US phone number and credit check
- May have hidden unlock requirements
- Typically require multi-month contracts
- Can create complications for international users
Exception Strategy: Some carrier stores offer “Prepaid” unlocked options that don’t require contracts.
These can sometimes be good deals, but verify the unlocking policy before purchase.
Online Marketplaces Worth Exploring 🌐
1. Swappa
Unique Benefits:
- Verified unlocked status
- Protected purchases
- Often significantly cheaper than retail
- Detailed condition reports
Risk Management: While buying used introduces some risk, Swappa’s verification process provides reasonable assurance of device condition and unlock status.
2. B&H Photo
Why It’s NRI-Friendly:
- Specializes in international shoppers
- Transparent about factory unlocked status
- Tax-free shopping in many scenarios
- Ships to hotels and temporary addresses
I’ve personally purchased from B&H multiple times and appreciate their clear approach to international customers.
Strategic Buying Tips for Indian Users 📋
Timing Your Purchase
The best times to buy include:
- September/October (new iPhone release leads to discounts on previous models)
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday (late November)
- Back-to-school promotions (August)
Warranty Considerations
Apple provides limited international warranty coverage, meaning:
- Hardware issues are covered globally
- Screen and water damage coverage varies
- AppleCare+ benefits may be limited in India
I recommend taking screenshots of your US warranty status before leaving the country.
Activation Process
For smoothest experience in India:
- Activate and test the iPhone while still in the US
- Verify unlocked status by testing with a different carrier SIM
- Update to latest iOS before traveling
- Reset network settings after inserting Indian SIM
Customs Considerations 🛃
To avoid customs duties when bringing your iPhone to India:
- Remove from retail packaging
- Set up the phone with your accounts and apps
- Add some usage history (photos, messages)
- Carry as personal device, not in checked luggage
The personal use exemption generally covers one phone per traveler, but be prepared to demonstrate it’s for personal use if questioned.
Making the Final Decision 🤔
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is the savings at least 25% compared to Indian prices?
- Will you have warranty support options in India?
- Can you verify the unlocked status before leaving the US?
- Do you understand the network band compatibility?
For most travelers, the savings and advantages make US iPhone purchases worthwhile, especially when following the store recommendations above.
What’s your timeline for your US trip, and which iPhone model are you considering? The specific model can sometimes influence which store offers the best value!