iPhone wanted

Right - so I am in South Africa and want to buy an iPhone from eBay.

I've never done this before, only bought new items online from a South African store.

I believe I can find a 3G, 16Gig one for about 200 Pounds or about US$250.

They are normally in good/immaculate condition.

Is there anyone in UK or USA that can help me find one? They cost nearly US$1300 here new.

Would be much appreciated. And yes, I am slightly hypomanic, but I have thought this through

If they are bought in the US will it still work in South Africa? I almost bought a Kindle from someone in Australia until I discovered I would not be able to register it and use it properly here in the states. Something about having regional computer chips in them. Don't now if it is true or not but would hate to see it happen if it were.
I buy a ton of stuff on ebay. A friend buys stuff on there all the time including phones and even 2 cars! I have never had a problem with ebay that wasn't resolved.
What do you need help with?

Omers - I need an idea of what 'value' really is.
Also worried about buying an 'almost new' phone, and then the pics of the item aren't the same, and it actually is damaged or terribly scratched.

I am a little apprehensive buying online, especially if it's through private people, as opposed to a reputable company.

Electronic goods need to be unlocked/jail broken... to work here. Most iPhones are advertised as such. The same thing can be done for iPads, as I know friends here that have bought from USA and Singapore, and managed to get them to work.

I have had a problem trying to buy an Xbox game from USA, which apprently wouldn't work on my console.

From what I can see there are used ones going for about $250 with cosmetic flaws (mostly scratched) there are some new unlocked phones but they are going closer to $600. Many of the sellers have 100% positive feedback. In the US ebay now has a buyer protection plan that most of them would qualify for. I have only ever had a problem with one thing on ebay (ironically with a store that also sells on ebay) It took some time but I did get a refund with very little trouble. I have purchased (according to ebay) 170 items on there and only had one problem.

Thanks for the head's up Omers!
At the end of the day, $600 is a lot cheaper than $1200 or so that they cost here!

I live on ebay so if you need any other info just let me know!

I can't believe you have to pay that much for an iPhone. Even if you don't buy a plan, you can still buy one outright at ATT or now, perhaps VERIZON websites, have you looked there?

I'd go with the verizon site, as there would be nothing for ATT to offer you, including a decent iPhone imo. Verizon takes over February 10th I think... with a plan they are only $200...so $600 on ebay sounds pricey.

Have you tried UPillar.com? They are a free buy/sell site giving ebay a run for their money, and doing fair business.

Good wishes!

Thanks JD, will look into it - the joys of South Africa - electronics cost an arm and a leg!

I can get you one suga, not a problem, you just need to check to make sure it will work in SA....and you have to buy an "unlocked" phone. Sometimes if it is an AT&T phone it will be locked to only work with AT&T network. So if you have Verizon, you cannot use the phone with verizon. So that is two things to look into But we can work something out to where I would get it for you and ship it over to you.

Thanks Skully.
I'm not too sure about phones being locked for certain networks (It doesn't happen here anymore) but I know it needs to be "jail-broken" or "unlocked" in USA.
Something like that. Not thinking too straight now. It was much easier when i was hypomanic and on a forward stride.
So, it's either iPhone or Blackberry, even though I know they are in different leagues. lol