Traveling abroad: is unlocking my phone via 3rd party my only option?

[amoindrir]

I am in a tight situation and need some advice!

I am currently traveling abroad for the next 5 weeks in Europe. I bought a new phone from Virgin Mobile (USA) a few months ago and, due to an error on my part, had been under the impression it was unlocked. I am now in Europe with my iPhone 6s and cannot use the international SIM card I had originally bought for this trip. Virgin Mobile, of course, will not unlock my phone anyway because I have not had it active under this plan for at least a year yet.

I am contemplating paying to have it unlocked by a third party but am still somewhat unfamiliar with what is reputable and what is not. I am also very nervous about the risk of damaging my phone for obvious reasons as well as being in a foreign country and not knowing how I can explore my options regarding buying a new phone if absolutely necessary.

Should I unlock my phone myself? If so, what are some more trusted ways to go about doing this?

As a young woman traveling by herself for the first time any assistance right now is very, very appreciated. Thank you!

 

[AlliFlowers]

At this point your best bet is to buy a burner phone to use while you're abroad.

 

[daflake]

At this point your best bet is to buy a burner phone to use while you're abroad.

I agree with this... Most of the unlock sites are complete crap and don't work. Just get a pay go and be done with it.

 

[amoindrir]

Thanks, that's kind of where I ended up too. Any ideas where I can find a cheap smartphone to use for the time being? At least for things like Uber, maps, calling taxis, etc. when I don't have immediate access to WiFi. I am in Copenhagen now and am not entirely sure how to go about this.

Thank you for the feedback!!

 

[daflake]

I don't think you are going to find cheap unless someone sells you one. You might try going to one of the cell phone stores there and asking if they know of anyone willing to sell a phone. You might get lucky....

 

[Mrbobb]

Virgin Mobile doesn't allow roaming? Not gonna be the cheapest but maybe a better option than what you are trying to do.

U.S. gov changed the rule a few years ago, so practically 3rd party unlock are useless.