pay as you go phones are locked in UK?

[MATHA531]

Originally Posted by owleye

Carphonewarehouse sim free phones are dearer than their PAYG phones and don't have all the available range of phones. Their Sim free phones are costlier by at least 30£. Are there any other places where such phones are available? Argos doesn't have much variety.

Can I buy a PAYG phone and get it unlocked in a different country? if so what is the method to do so?

Also, will there be a drawback when I unlock such a phone? like a particular phone feature being disabled?

cheers!

Whenever I visit London and walk down Oxford Street, I see shop after shop (mostly holes in the wall so to speak) with signs they unlock phones for £8 or thereabouts! Shouldn't be a problem getting the phone unlocked.