IPad3 from USA to China

[pbatt]

Do the IPad3's all have CIMS card slots in them or does the Wi-FI version have them.
I do not know much about IPads but LiYuan wants me to bring one to her when I travel there in November.
I am not sure what if they work from here and if they are really any cheaper here compared to there.
Thanks for any advice in advance
Paul

[dnoblett]

WIFI version does not have a 3G radio in them so no expansion or sim slots.

 

Only the WIFI+3G model has a SIM Card slot. http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5163

 

Make sure the iPad is not tied to a carrier, you have to outright buy it without a plan, and then may have to contact the carrier for which it is targeted (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon) and get it unlocked.

 

I recently bought two iPhones for my wife and I, without contract, I then had to contact AT&T and send them a fax of the sales receipt, and they unlocked them, I then bought SIM cards for Straight Talk Cellular, and moved out cell numbers to this service.

[Steve in USA]

I used to get a China Unicom micro SIM for my iPad2 and iPad3 and another for my cell phone for use on my visits.

 

My advice, buy something like this or a knock off for cheap in China: http://www.dhgate.com/at-amp-t-novatel-mifi-2372-wireless-mobile/p-ff80808137e9e970013804268e74416e.html

 

Its about half the size of a cell phone and easily fits in your pocket. Use it as a mobile WiFi Hotspot for both your iPad and cell phone. No need to buy two or more micro SIMs and data plans. I use one with my iPad3, cell phone, and iPod Touch 5G. Works slick, even in rural areas.

 

Note: 3G is the fastest service you will get in China, so do not pay more for a 4G or LTE device.

Edited October 31, 2012 by Steve in USA (see edit history)

[ama537621]

dnoblett,

 

Did you purchase the I-phone direct from Apple? I recently purchased one for the wife to use, and was going to wait until we get to china to purchase a card there. I would hate to get there and find out that I still need to contact a us carrier.

 

I did click the option to buy an unlocked phone on apples web site.

[gzbabi]

I remember with my old iPhone 4 purchased in the US, it couldn't get unlocked in China without Gevey card. Quite a hazzle. Thats why I purchased iPhone 4S in China and it works in US like a charm

[dnoblett]

dnoblett,

 

Did you purchase the I-phone direct from Apple? I recently purchased one for the wife to use, and was going to wait until we get to china to purchase a card there. I would hate to get there and find out that I still need to contact a us carrier.

 

I did click the option to buy an unlocked phone on apples web site.

 

You have to buy at FULL price, not one that has commitment to a carrier like ATT.

 

The ATT model is the one you should get.

 

I bought ours here:

http://www.geeks.com/products.asp?cat=CEL (Currently sold out of the iPhone 4 AT&T 32GB)

 

I then had to fax a copy of sales receipt to AT&T along with the phone's ESN http://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp

 

Then there was a problem with them sending and receiving picture text messages which required modifying two PLIST files that were backed up and then restoring the modified files. I know what it takes to make it work with Straight Talk Cellular, other carriers would need some research.

[ama537621]

Yes, I did buy full price from the apple store online unlocked I-phone 4 at&t version. I think I will buy a straight talk card and give it a try before we head over.