Originally Posted by speedo

There is a place I have used in the San Fernando valley.
Langlobal.com, look them up and call them. The website
is way out of date.
They quote prices and will tell you what is in stock.
All used and unlocked, they are a phone repair business
that sells used phones cheap. They also sell on EBay.
Good luck.

Thanks. I've sent them an e-mail, so I'll see what happens, as a result.
I've also got a contact in LA who might telephone them for me, if e-mail
communication proves fraught. (I'm in New Zealand - BTW)

There is a place I have used in the San Fernando valley.
Langlobal.com, look them up and call them. The website is way out of date.
They quote prices and will tell you what is in stock. All used and unlocked, they are a phone repair business that sells used phones cheap. They also sell on EBay.
Good luck.

hello, Speedo (and all)

I'm coming to LA in August. I'm seeking a used (inexpensive) unlocked, pre-pay
tri or quad band GSM phone with wall charger and manual. The yellow pages
online haven't been much help, so far. I plan to buy a SIM for that area, then
take the phone to Canada and buy a Rogers SIM card for there. I looked at
Phonescoop, but it didn't seem much help, either. Do you have any other
suggestions?

If you buy a phone with a t-Mo label, it won't have to be unlocked. Any t-Mo phone will work.
In Los Angeles, where I live, there are mobile phone repair shops that sell used phones, they include unlocking in the sales price. You can buy used phones on E-Bay, in your search put"GSM phones unlocked" then you can choose by price.
Check out Phonescoop.com for GSM phones with the features you want, go shopping.

I have a new sim card that I got with a replacement Tmobile Nokia phone a year ago. It's never been used. I confirmed with Tmobile that it's "ok." If I buy a used phone that is compatible w/ Tmobile, if I put in the new sim card, it should work, right? We currently have Tmobile as a provider but wanted to get a newer style phone without upgrading and starting a new contract.

I am not clear on what unlocking is about, is that only when you change providers?

Please help. Thanks!