[esque]

Hi there
I have a mobile phone from Australia that I'd like to use here in HK. Unfortunately, I think it is locked to the 3 network in Au. Does anyone know if it will be possible for me to use it here?

[robg]

Yeah, you'll need to get it unlocked. Be careful not to get ripped off. The best place is Mong Kok where I got my phone unlocked (from the UK) for $60. I have known ppl pay up to $300 in Causeway Bay though....

[wing]

Do a google on "gsm phone unlocked" and see if your phone can be unlocked by some free software.

[dropdedfwed]

Originally Posted by esque

Hi there
I have a mobile phone from Australia that I'd like to use here in HK. Unfortunately, I think it is locked to the 3 network in Au. Does anyone know if it will be possible for me to use it here?

the other thing youy need to think about is the firmware. you may not be able to access a lot of the internet features in HK on your phone due to software differences. i almost bought an ex HK S/E K600 series phone in Oz, but the guy that was selling it said the reason he was selling it was b/c he could not access any of the "3" features b/c of different software/firmware. it may be easier just to get a new one from "3" in HK on contract. they're reasonably priced. otherwise try to find an internet site that will "debrand" your fone (generally they also supply the software to unlock, and re-program the frimware on it). these generally require a different data cable to the one supplied with the fone.

bottom line, i could be wrong, but i dont think your aussie "3" fone will work as more than a voice/sms fone in HK even if you do unlock it. "3" in Oz will unlock it for a fee if you have paid the fone off and been with them for 12mths, from memory.

[esque]

Thanks everyone, your responses are most helpful!

[HKNewBi]

I have an 'Orange' phone from the UK. It is locked so it will only work with UK Orange sims. It is a Nokia. I found a website that gave me a code - which I put in the phone and it unlocked it. It now works fine with any SIM in HK.

[dropdedfwed]

Originally Posted by HKNewBi

I have an 'Orange' phone from the UK. It is locked so it will only work with UK Orange sims. It is a Nokia. I found a website that gave me a code - which I put in the phone and it unlocked it. It now works fine with any SIM in HK.

cool, that is great - but can you access ALL the "3G" features? internet,, email, TV etc etc? or just voice calls and SMS?

[orrock]

i use a shop in sindad in mongkok which charge $150. i was there yesterday to unlock my third 3g mobile from australia the new lg u880 but this model is too new so i have to go back in 2 weeks. they install new software and you can access 3g servers as the addresses they install point to .com.hk not .com.au anymore. if you want to use the shop i do pm me it takes 1 hour.

[HKNewBi]

Originally Posted by dropdedfwed

cool, that is great - but can you access ALL the "3G" features? internet,, email, TV etc etc? or just voice calls and SMS?

It isn't a 3G phone so nope, voice and SMS only.

[claireabella]

Hey - what type of 'corner shop' should I look for? Any shop selling mobile phones?